I run because it makes me feel free and happy. Going down memory lane, I can recall when I first started. Not being an athlete, a friend of mine asked me several years back to go for a run with her and the San Jose Fit running group. My response was, “Say what?! Are you crazy?! I don’t run.” Well, the rest is history. I joined Team In Training shortly after that. They coached me to completing my first marathon. I have now finished a total of four marathons, and I’m happy with that. I’ve done many half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks.. Everyone is motivated to exercise in many different ways. Mine, is to just cross the finish line. Here’s a saying that I like, “Run Often, Run Long, But Never Outrun Your Joy of Running.” By Julie Isphording.