By Ambassador Lindsay McClelland

Everyone has a reason to run. For some it’s exercise, for others it’s competition. There’s no right or wrong reason to run, unless you stop having fun. I recently had the opportunity to spend an hour with Don Hall, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and personal trainer at SEARCH Homeless Services.* Don has an inspiring story, which I won’t go into details here. If you’d like to learn more, read this article from 2013 in the Houston Chronicle.

Spending some time with Don Hall

Don runs to stay healthy and set a good example for his clients, some of whom he’s convinced to start running. He also sees running as an element of recovery, a way to build self-esteem and confidence. In 2013, he ran the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and last year he ran the Chevron Houston Marathon to raise funds and awareness for SEARCH with Run for a Reason.

Don teaching yoga during a fitness class for his clients

After spending an hour chatting with Don about running and why he runs, I started thinking. For some people, running is a reason to change your life. How amazing is that? Training for a half or full marathon gives people a reason to exercise, eat right and get out of their comfort zone. It’s a sport I’m glad I’ve found because it gives me a reason to get out in the fresh air every morning.

If you want to run the Chevron Houston Marathon or Aramco Houston Half Marathon, but you don’t have a reason…get one. The Run for a Reason Charity Program is an incredible way to support a charity that needs your support.

Why do you run? Tell me on Twitter at @lindsaylm.

* For full disclosure, SEARCH is one of my PR clients, but my thoughts in this blog are one hundred percent genuine.

About the Author: Lindsay McClelland
Lindsay is a 26-year-old PR & social media professional at MMI Agency in downtown Houston. About a year ago, she moved to Houston from Honolulu, HI to be closer to her fiance. While she does miss living in paradise, she’s fallen in love with her new city and it’s countless opportunities. She loves everything active, outdoorsy and fitness related. Her hobbies include running, crossfit, hiking, yoga, reading, dining out, writing, and traveling. She is a former collegiate swimmer and still loves to coach!  Lindsay has run seven marathons and more half marathons than she can count…she’s even dabbled in a few triathlons. Here in Houston, she trains with Kenyan Way. She comes from a very active family. Her father is also a runner and the Houston Half Marathon was his first half marathon ever, she had a blast sharing the experience with him last year. Her mom is a former professional ice dancer and is obsessed with tennis.
Twitter – @Lindsaylm
Instagram – @lindsaylm