Why I run

I run because it has taken me places I have never been before, both mentally and physically.
With the 52 marathons and numerous other races under my feet in 34 different states and 8 different countries I can easily say that I have been places that I would have never visited if it was not for running.  As an example a few years back I ran the Missoula Montana Marathon.  I needed the state in my quest to complete all 50 states but the cities experience will stay with me for a lifetime.  This is a city that I would have never experienced if it was not for running.
Mentally as I competitor and mid pack runner I get to go places in my mind that I have never been before.  I compete against myself and I always win.  Each day that I head out the door either on a training run or a race I set a goal and have always been able to achieve that goal.  When I turned 50 I set out to run a 50 mile race and even though I was one of the last finishers, mentally I won since I was able to achieve that goal.
4 weeks ago I had 8 different holes in me at the same time as i awaited for open heart surgery to replace my faulty Aortic Heart Valve.  After having my heart  stopped, valve replaced and then started back up and my Mini Zipper chest incision closed I am right on track to finish marathon number 53 at the Berlin Marathon September 28th , 79 days from now.  This was a goal that I set for myself over a year ago knowing that I would require the intervening surgery.  This is some place mentally that I would have never have gone if it was not for the running.
I can only imagine where running will take me in the future both in fantastic destinations and in my mind.  Where will marathon number 60 take place when I turn 60 in July a mere 360 days away.  Only my minds eye knows for sure.
For me running can only continue to take me places I have never been before even though right now I have no idea where these places might be both mentally and physically.