Wellness Leader Spotlight – Paul Benedict
10/30/2019 3:50:56 PM | General
Paul Benedict, the director of Buckeye Sports Camps, talks about his passion for running.
Why Do I Run?
Because it’s the only thing that you can do by yourself where the only excuses are you. It’s pure!
Because knowing I gave Everything, Mean’s Everything
Because it’s the Feeling you get when you Finish
Because I love Running Shoes
Because I can drink more Beer and eat more Cookies
Because it’s addictive!
Like most, after competitive running in high school and college I got into marathons. I entered the slow-twitch phase of life, completing six marathons (several halfs) and was fortunate to qualify to Boston as well as complete a Half Ironman. Prior to working at Ohio State I coached cross country and track at the college level, therefore running has always been more than a hobby. Since coaching, however, I’ve been able to view running in a different light. It’s now more about the experience for the day, rather than what pace I am running per mile.
Because running (jogging, walking, sprinting) is everyone else’s punishment, it’s very much a mindset and finding the joy in it takes time. I enjoyed running the Columbus Marathon this month, not to just finish or for the free bananas at the finish line, but seeing friends and family on the course (and texting me that day) providing encouragement. It’s hard to put into words the joy running can provide but knowing all these people have your back is enough reason to keep going!
What’s cooler than a human being running under 2 hours in the marathon!
