Go the extra mile

"Go the extra mile, and you'll pass most people along the way." Anon.
It goes without saying that runners run for different reasons. Perhaps some of the most common ones have to do with staying fit and creating a healthy balance in our lives. Competitive runners do it for those reasons and more: it defines them, and in many cases is their true passion.

But you don't have to be a competitive runner to be passionate about it, nor does running need to define who you are.

There are things about running though, that define each and every one of us who runs regularly. Among many things, running takes determination, grit, focus, and guts. This makes it a sport that you can stick with, and it's also one well-suited to raising money for causes.

It was inspiring to run with some many thousands of people in the Sydney running festival last weekend. And all the more inspiring to meet and talk with first-time and old-hat runners who were running the 10km, half-marathon or the marathon event - and not just for themselves. So many of them spent hours training and fundraising. Why?

For so many different reasons. A personal connection to the cause - in memory of a loved one who lost a battle with cancer or some other form of disease that had cut their life short. Or perhaps a desire to get in shape and achieve something they never thought possible.

Struggling through even the most gruelling training and obscenely early mornings for months are nothing when compared to the challenges faced by those fighting illness, disease or other hardships. Running for a cause can help put that into perspective.

And the rewards? New friendships, a fantastic feeling of accomplishment in helping others, the thrill of crossing the finish line, and a whole new attitude about life - 'things could be worse, at least I can run!'

So if you're thinking about taking the next step and pushing yourself to achieve a higher level of health and fitness, running for a cause is well worth considering. There are so many non-profit organisations out there that have developed a wide variety of training and fundraising programs around running events from the 5K to the marathon. Good luck and happy running!