Why oh Why?

This is the question I answer most of the day. When you are the mom of 4 kids, the youngest being 3 this is expected. Then when you teach 1st graders, 2nd and Kindergarten um yeah more why's. But it has become an increasing observation of mine that we adults ask why a lot too. Why do I let me kids this? Why do other parents who are not even present to defend themselves do such and such? Why do we need, take or have to be here or there? So many questions so little time.
I am guilty of this line of thinking, I suppose to be empathetic one must put themselves in the frame of mind of others but there is a fine line. Either way the best question happened this evening, while at dance, when I was asked, "Do I like to run?". Hmm, I took a literal step back and paused. Well, "Yes, part of the time." It was at that point that our conversation was interrupted and I headed out before my allotted time before class was over ended. Being the first time I ran from this location it was a bit odd being on the shoulder of divided two lane Hwy A. Two cars honked at me possibly because the wildcat school shirt I was wearing or just to be silly. Either way it is hard to ignore cars zooming nearby.
Like any run my mind wanders depending upon the songs in my ears. I mentally fight to get to the halfway point, off and on. But the return trip is much easier, go figure. Between the arguments within my mind there is reflection, planning, budgeting and often a momentary awareness of the beautiful outdoors I am basking in.
Today, I pondered the question that was asked of me just as I left. Do I like to run for real or what is the root of the motivation?
First, yes at a certain point in the midst of the effort I enjoy it. Interesting enough I have lost my runner's high for good. I used to get this adrenaline boost midway that made my movements so effortless it was like floating on air. But, this has never come back. Well, the second half is pretty easy for me but the weightless motion not so much, ha! But the biggest reason I enjoy the run is how it makes me feel when I finish. There is a sense of accomplishment in the action. This is also an activity all of my own that many choose not to, or cannot do themselves. It requires dedication, precision and independence, all things I crave deep within my soul. It gets me away from the busyness of my day to day demands. But most of all I get the joy of doing something healthy for me.
Part of my bucket list is to complete a marathon. I have no idea why or when I first dreamed it up but nevertheless it is on my list. Another hope is for my family to run together. Yeah, tough dream since hubby hates to run but well kids with me would work. #2 did make the entire 2.2 mile run with me last week so she is totally in. #3 requested to come with me another day but while his heart is there, his body not so much. I pray for him to have a desire for healthy foods, foods in general so he gets stronger and eventually can. #1 well he and Dad can do the fun run portion while the rest do the 5K and I would check it off. Check, check style actions do make me really happy. I have a need for task completion you see.
SO, the next time I am asked do I like to run the answer simply can be.... Yes, yes I absolutely do!