"Why do you run (so much)? This is a question I get asked regularly, often followed by a comment along the lines of "I only run if I'm being chased." I run because I have to. It's become so much a part of me that I don't know who I'd be without it. But this is something 16 years in the making. How do I know the exact number of years? Because my now 16 year old is the reason I first started. A little over 16 years ago, the cutest little guy joined my life. And I was ecstatic to have him. But I was also barely able to cope. The double whammy of hormones and a baby who did not believe in sleeping dropped me in a hole deeper than I thought I could get out of. I remember sitting on the couch, nursing him and crying. I was … [Read more...]
Running for joy #joymiles
Last week, I ran my first run longer than a half marathon since I ran Marine Corps Marathon last year. It was only 15 miles, but I ran with friends who were faster than I am and we ran a super hilly run. The combination meant that I was pretty wiped out at the end. In fact, for the first time in a really long time, I took an epsom salt bath because I needed it. My hips ached and my legs were wiped out. While the bath did help, I was pretty sure I was going to wake up super sore the next day. I didn't. In fact, I woke up feeling great and it was a grey and misty day and I HAD to run. I could not resist, even though I knew I was going to be running at Mad Fox later in the day. I decided to go out for a quick 3 miles and ended up running 5. … [Read more...]
Rainbows and Unicorns
I woke up this morning in a crappy mood. Some of it was hormonal. A lot of it was just a lot of little stresses weighing me down. Nothing major, just general life annoyances plus the added stress of Christmas. I didn't want to run. I ran 25 miles over the last three days (yes, I did add mileage yesterday to make it a nice round number). I also did an hour long yoga class that had an emphasis on legs. So, my legs were tired and I was crabby. Sounded like a perfect recipe for a rest day. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. However, I had made plans to run with a friend and she showed up at my door before I could come up with a good excuse not to. So, I took my sorry butt out the door and started running. And, guess what? … [Read more...]
I am SO hardcore
I went running today in the snow. OK, so it was just flurries and well, there was no snow actually on the ground. And really, it was 36 degrees out, but still, I'm hardcore, right? (I can hear you northern girls snickering from here.) After two days of 33 degree rain, it was dry and sunny today AND a friend took Shoo for a couple of hours. I was planning a 4 mile tempo run, but I've been having some stomach issues and I had a raging headache, so I decided to just do an easy 3 miler. I felt better as I ran and did manage to do 4.5 miles at about a 9:30 pace, but it was definitely not a great run. I also tried to use my heart monitor and I couldn't get the band to "talk" to the forerunner. Not sure what the problem is. Even if I can get … [Read more...]
