The Upside to Injury

Over Thanksgiving break I discovered the problem to why my knee has been bothering me so much lately: I have chondromalacia. Or, in simpler terms, "runner's knee." I'm supposed to be taking it easy on the running, and doing a lot more stationary bike workouts and yoga, to strengthen and loosen my muscles around the knee, giving it a rest. But, I am allowed to run once or twice a week, if my knee isn't hurting that badly. Today was my running day. It didn't matter that it's the week before finals or that I've been working overtime or that it was 34 degrees this morning when I woke up at 5:45. Nothing was going to keep me from my running day. I told myself I wasn't going to push myself and just run an easy 5k. But, once I was out there, I couldn't stop. I was singing along to my music, I was saying hello to every runner I saw, I was smiling at everyone and everything. At one point I even started laughing. I probably looked insane, but I couldn't help it. I was in love with running this morning! While I know being injured is never fun, it's helped me to really love running again. I don't get to run that much lately, so when I finally get to my running day, I'm wanting it. I'm craving it. I'm needing it. The upside to being injured is that you stop taking your body, and your sport, for granted. You learn a new respect for both, and in turn, once you heal, you have a new-found respect, desire and devotion to both running and yourself.

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love to eat, and I really, really love to eat Thanksgiving food. My dad is an absolutely incredible cook, so the massive feast he prepares for today is simply outstanding. Last year my stepmom and I participated in a Turkey Trot 5k road race, but today we're making up our own tradition. Instead of joining the masses and running in a race, we're heading to the trails behind the house, with the dogs, for our own leisurely run. I absolutely love running with my stepmom and the dogs (or the "racing team," as we've dubbed our group). There's no music, or roads, or crowds. It's just us and our four-footed friends, running through beautiful woods, and talking. It's the only time where it's just the two of us, and through running together, we've formed a bond that's unlike any other we've had previously. We've become the other's confidant, therapist, comedian, and friend. Today, I give thanks for my stepmom, Michelle. She gave me the confidence to run, the desire to keep going, and the companionship on the trails. She's entirely changed my life for the better, and I couldn't be luckier than to have her in my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks to those special people in your life.

Overcoming Obstacles

I was watching one of my favorite shows the other day, and there was this fantastic line that really stuck with me: "Life is going to kick you down more times than you can count. Don't kick yourself down." This past month has been really hard for me, personally. It's basically been one big month of suck. But, through it all and feeling at my lowest, I was determined to not let life entirely drag me down. I threw myself even more into work and school, oftentimes being out of the house for 16 hours a day. I worked weekends, I applied (and got!) a part-time internship. But what really kept me feeling mostly okay, was running.
Getting up at 5:30am after going to bed at 1am isn't fun. And it's even less fun to go run outside, or walk to the gym, in 30 degree weather. But once I'm running, everything else stops existing. I can be free from heartbreak and stress and anxiety every day, even if just for a 5k. And that attitude, that freedom, stays with me longer and longer as the days go by. I'm not yet getting through an entire day without feeling life trying to kick me down, but I'm getting there. Life may be really, really hard at times and be determined to kick me down to my lowest of lows, but I have the choice to go down or not. I have the ability to keep going, to keep my head up, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Because, really, that's how I'm going to make myself okay. If you just keep moving, eventually everything will all make sense again. And running supplies that; the more you realize that you have the ability to overcome physical obstacles, you realize you have the ability to overcome emotional obstacles, as well.

Gloucester 7 Miler

Yesterday, my friend, stepmom and I all ran in the Gloucester 7 Miler race. It was the most beautiful course I've run on yet; right along the beach and throughout the absolutely adorable and picturesque town. I've been worked up (obviously) about the race for the past week or two because I've been having trouble lately getting past 2-3 miles. After a lot of advice, I believe I might be lactose intolerant. So, while this is slightly depressing considering my love affair with cheese, it was also really positive; I avoided all dairy 24 hours before the race and was able to do the 7 miles sans problems. Well, minus the normal wear and tear :)

The three of us did really well in the race! My stepmom said she even "took it slow" so she could look at the course. Granted, for her, taking it slow was running 6:50's and coming in second in her age group. Did I mention that the world record holder for the female 10k ran this race? And won, naturally. They flew in some of the fastest Kenyans to participate in this inaugural event. It was so exciting, being able to run the same course as these world class athletes. My dad made an excellent point: "Running is the only sport where the professional athletes compete with everyone else." You don't see Red Sox fans allowed on the field to play along with the pros. It's true. Running is a sport for everyone, because everyone and anyone can do it. It was extremely inspirational to see these world record holders crossing the same finish line as you, albeit even if they did it in half the time ;)

Hiatus from Blogging

So I've been majorly slacking lately. Not on running, but on writing about running. I wrote constantly before the 1/2 marathon, it was a motivating force to get me through those long and exhausting training runs. But after I crossed that finish line (!!!), I stopped writing. Maybe I needed a break from the long runs and the writing, but nevertheless, I'm back now.

My solemate/running partner, Cat, and I have a 7-mile race coming up in a week and a half. I've been running M-F with one of my coworkers ever since the 1/2 Marathon, and I set my PR in a 5 mile race a few weeks ago. Cat and I haven't really gone running much since our 1/2 Marathon in the end of June, but that's changing tonight. We're going to go back to Castle Island and go running and then get our traditional ice cream together. We're determined to continue our "training runs and ice cream," even if we're not really training for a specific race. Sometimes all you need is your solemate, ice cream, and an open road.

Boston 1/2 Marathon

IS TODAY!!! this is it, folks. This morning, I'm a runner. But around 8:30am, I'll forever be a 1/2 marathoner.

13.1. Because I can!

13.1 Boston Playlist (probably more music than I need)

1. OMG - Usher
2. Alejandro - Lady Gaga
3. Shut It Down - Pitbull
4. Bulletproof - La Roux
5. Hotel Room Service - Pitbull
6. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
7. If I Knew Then - Backstreet Boys
8. Balla Baby - Chingy
9. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz
10. Take It Off - Ke$ha
11. Don't Stop Believin' - Glee
12. 13:44 Moth Short Story
13. Straight Through My Heart - Backstreet Boys
14. Tik Tok - Ke$ha
15. Fire - Joe Budden & Busta Rhymes
16. Starstrukk - 3O5!3
17. Replay - Iyaz
18. Take You There - Sean Kingston
19. Empire State of Mind - Jay Z & Alicia Keys
20. Take Me Back - Taio Cruz
21. Beautiful - Akon
22. Keep You Much Longer - Akon
23. Memories - David Guetta
24. 21:11 Moth Short Story
25. Bigger - Backstreet Boys
26. Hit the Floor - Twista & Pitbull
27. Right Round - Flo Rida
28. Troublemaker - Akon
29. Top of the World - Pussycat Dolls
30. Bye Bye Love - Backstreet Boys
31. Solo - Iyaz
32. Fire Burning - Sean Kingston
33. Eenie Meenie - Sean & Justin Bieber
34. All of Your Life - Backstreet Boys

52cents

Cat and I went running last night for our last long run before Sunday, aka 1/2 Marathon day, aka death. We ended up doing a very strong 7 miles. After the run, I admittedly had a slight mental freak-out that she unfortunately had to witness. 13.1 miles is a lot. And because I've never run that before, and I already have issues with "worrying the run," I'm worried about Sunday. A lot.

Cat and I talked through our horrible anxieties about the upcoming race on our way to get our ice cream reward. While sitting on the trunk of her car, we decided we were going to do another 1/2 marathon this fall together. Even though minutes earlier we had both been hot messes of stress about this race on Sunday, we still wanted to run more of them. That made me smile so much, because I realized the anxiety and the stress and the freak-outs were normal and expected, but that the desire to keep going was not.

That moment sitting on her car I realized something: we're runners. And on Sunday, we're going to do 13.1 because we can and because we want to. We both have that in us, and no one can ever take that away. I'm so lucky to have her in my life, because while she'll always be there when I mentally fall apart before a race, more importantly she'll also be there when I cross the finish line. Friends like that are few and far between, and I know that if we cross that finish line together, or miles apart, we'll both be the other's cheerleader for the entire 13.1 miles. If that isn't the perfect friendship, I don't know what is.

Rewards Taste So Sweet

So this is it...in 4 days I will be on the starting line (and hopefully eventually on the finish line). My friend / training partner, Cat, and I are going on our last long run together before the race. Well, 6-7 miles. We don't want to overdo it, but we also don't want to feel too weak come race day. Cat and I have learned an amazing running lesson: The best thing about running is the reward you give yourself when you finish. So, after every long run we do, we go get ourselves a reward. Our reward is always ice cream, simply because there's nothing better after a long run in the summertime. Being able to sit on the hood of a car or a park bench or a beach and truly enjoy a cold, sweet, delicious ice cream is the greatest experience.

I cannot wait for our run tonight! I know we'll power through it and I know we'll feel even more prepared and excited for race day, and I know we'll be thinking about that scrumptious reward the entire run. Or, at least I will. I have no problem admitting that these days I run to eat ice cream. Hey, at least I'm running :)

Castle Island

I had a horrible run over the weekend, which sucked because I was so excited about my 8 mile run I had done just a day or two before. My body just felt like it was shutting down, and 3 miles in I was just destroyed. It was a big mental setback for me, and I've been in this negative mindset about my half marathon ever since.

And then my friend Cat and I decided to go running last night. We decided to go run around Castle Island right at sunset. Castle Island is this gorgeous 2 mile loop around a bay with boardwalks and excellent people watching, right on the beach. We agreed to do the loop twice for a quick 4 mile run. And by quick, I mean quick. Cat and I are both doing the half marathon together this coming Sunday, and we've been training for it now together for months. She is a much faster runner than I am, but it evens out because I am faster on the hills (our half marathon course is super hilly, so our strides even out).

Last night I was able to keep up with her for the first 2.5 miles, which is impressive. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep that pace for another 1.5, but I did push myself to run much faster than I normally do. Running, full out running, around Castle Island is really fun. You feel free and like everyone is watching you as you sprint by. It was a big rush for me, personally, and when I got back to the car after my final loop, I felt fantastic; I felt like I could run another loop around the Island.

Cat's great like that. She pushes me and challenges me in many different ways. Running really is a love-hate relationship, but it's so much easier to stay with the love aspect of it when you find someone to run with. Cat truly is my running buddy, and I couldn't be happier to be going through this experience with her. I know Sunday might feel like a death march, but I know we're going to make it fun. We're going to do 13.1 because we can, and when it's over, there's no else I'd rather exchange a huge sweaty hug with.

Runners High

Yesterday, per usual, I was procrastinating my run. I told myself I would just do three miles, instead of the six I had decided on earlier. But, even those three seemed daunting. I started going through all the normal excuses, telling myself three miles was super impressive and I should be super excited if I could go out and do that. And then it hit me; my half marathon is a week and a half away. If I'm at the point where three miles is an achievement, how am I ever going to run 13.1 in about a week?? Not happening. So, I tuned my brain out, swallowed some Power Bar Gel Blasts (you have to try them! They're so good.) and headed out the door. The first three miles were beyond tough. I've discovered though that if I can get my body (and mostly my brain) through the first three miles, the rest is easy.

The first three miles hurt. I felt slow and cumbersome and every part of my body decided to cramp up all at the same time. But then something changed around mile four. My cramps disappeared and my pace became fluid and natural. I stopped thinking about the run and just ran. I was able to stop focusing on my breath (and breathing) and just melt into the the pavement and the experience. I ended up running eight miles! By the time I got home, I was actually kind of disappointed; I wanted to keep going!

I've heard about runners getting these fantastic runners' highs where they feel invincible and as if they could run forever. I've experienced smaller doses of this said high, but last night was unlike anything else. I truly just became a part of the run and my body stopped feeling tired, it basically stopped feeling anything at all. I was truly convinced I could have easily done another eight miles (but it's important to not overdo it all at once).

That was by far the best runner's high I've ever experienced and the most amazing feeling eight miles. I needed that run. Now I cannot wait till race day!

Morning Runs

I did not want to go running this morning. I didn't want to go so badly, that I was even procrastinating last night. I stayed up way too late watching horrible television that I was barely interested in. And then when I tired of that, I played about a dozen games of spider solitaire. I love to read and there's this book that I haven't been able to put down lately, and I didn't touch it last night because reading late at night makes me want to go to sleep. That's how badly I didn't want to go running this morning. But, I did. After a lot of grumbling.

It started out slow, as most of my runs do. I fiddled with my iPod, trying to find that perfect song that would try to get me out of my mental funk. I thought about ex boyfriends, trying to hash up some old anger that would fuel my steps into a faster pace. I stared in shop windows, willing myself to run longer so that I could look like all of the plastic mannequins. And then somewhere between all of the forcing, something just clicked. My pace came to me and my ex boyfriend thoughts disappeared (thank god) and I eased into a happy rhythm and let myself just enjoy the run. Four miles later, I came home happy. And that's really the best thing about running, you know? Discovering you don't run for a certain person or a certain reason; you run because you can.

Solemates

I recently got back from a week in Cancun and then a long weekend in NY. In total, I was off traveling for about two weeks, which didn't really bode well for my running schedule. I took too much time off, was jet lagged, exhausted, and hungover (what else do you expect from a week in Cancun?!), so it was no big surprise that my 12 mile run ended after only 4 miles. I was burnt out and felt incredibly out of shape. Also, my half marathon is in 23 days. I wasn't ready to quit, but I also wasn't ready to step it up. I didn't know what to do.

My friend that's running the half marathon with me knew exactly what to do. She told me she was going to run 7 miles on our race course last night. 7 intense, hilly miles. She asked me if I wanted to do it with her. Did I want to? No. Did I? Yes. Turns out, that was the best run I've ever had. Ever. It was fast and there's a good two-mile incline at the end of it, but I never felt better or stronger. We ended up sprinting the last few hundred yards, forcing the other to go faster and faster, racing to see who could tag the car first. At the end, we were breathless, giddy and so proud of ourselves and each other.

She believed in me. She wouldn't take no for an answer and she knew I was capable of doing those 7 miles, even when I didn't think I was. Not only was I able to do it, I kinda wanted to keep going. It was exhilarating, running in such a beautiful place. I wasn't expecting to enjoy that run, I wasn't even expecting to make it. But I loved it! Thank you, solemate. I cannot wait to have that much fun with you on race day!

worrying the run

I went for an amazing 5 mile run on Sunday with my stepmom! I was all nervous before the run because 5 miles can be intimidating, but I did it and I felt so great at the end that I wanted to run another mile or two. My stepmom told me my problem isn't physical; it's entirely mental. I "worry the run" too much, and she is entirely right. I think of everything, ever, that could possibly hold me back during the run and I end up being a big ball of nerves the entire time and not being able to relax and enjoy it. I need to learn to stop letting my mind control the run and learn to just enjoy it. Because running IS enjoyable once you're out there and get into your groove. Sure, everyone has "off" days, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.

What is it about society that makes us emphasize the negatives so much more than the positives? Why do we always stress and worry and focus on the things that aren't going well, than on the things that we're excelling at? Shouldn't we be spending more time celebrating our accomplishments than beating ourselves up about our setbacks? I feel like we'd all be a lot happier, and a lot more confident, if we allowed ourselves to be excited about accomplishing our goals, and even the smaller tasks.

Take this morning, for example. I woke up at 5:40 all excited to go on a 4 mile run. And then as my mind started waking up more, I immediately found myself talking myself out of going running. I realized I was telling myself that 4 miles was too far to do, even though I ran a really strong 5 miles two days ago. At that point, I told myself to shut up. In record time, I got dressed and went out the door and had an amazing 4 mile run. I've discovered that the more time I spend thinking about, or "worrying," the run, the more negative I feel. I can run! Why do I try to convince myself otherwise? No more negativity (yes, I'm aware how often I write that). As a whole, we have to STOP telling ourselves no and instead, realize that we truly are capable of amazing things. Start celebrating your accomplishments and focus on what makes you happy and proud of yourself. Hopefully this new attitude change will not only get you out on the pavement, but will also get your negativity out there, too. We're all amazing, so be amazing to yourself :)

BOS - Run Faster

The Boston Marathon was yesterday, and I was lucky enough to catch parts of it. I've been watching that race since I was a kid and every year I would always say "I want to run that one day!" Watching all of the thousands of runners finishing 26.2 miles is just a thrill and an honor. Thousands of people, from all different backgrounds and running histories, actually get together to run, voluntarily, 26.2 miles. Some have one leg, some are blind, some are running because they can. But the thing is, everyone has a reason. They all vary, but they're all impressive, because it gets these people out there.

I cannot imagine what it must feel like to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I know one day I will, and I also know I'll probably be an emotional mess. But every year I get more and more motivated to run. Not just run, though. I get hungry for Boston. I'm craving that finish line. I'm craving heartbreak hill, I'm craving those fans and that runner's wall and yes even all 26.2 miles. I will one day be one of the thousands who run, and finish, Boston. I'm determined.

I have this friend who is beyond impressive: He ran Boston yesterday in 2:49:36. He said the last 5-6 miles were absolute pain and that he was running on fumes. But he did it. He finished. And not only did he finish, he finished with such an incredibly impressive time! I could never do that. I could one day run Boston, yes, but not with a time like that. Just think about the training and the effort and the talent that goes into a finishing time like that! It's so inspirational.

I cannot wait to one day write a post about finishing Boston myself. I know I can do it, and that desire comes from watching friends and and strangers run. It's that one phrase that always comes to mind: "If they can do, so can I." And it's so true. I can, and I will.

Boston 13.1

I signed up to run the Boston Half Marathon! I've been talking about doing a race like this for far too long and haven't done anything about it. Now, I have. I even talked one of my friends into running it with me, so that we can be training buddies and be a wonderful source of motivation for each other. Admittedly, I'm intimidated by the 13.1 distance, but I know I can do it and I know my friend can do it, as well! I cannot wait for June 27th! Now that I have an actual race to prepare for, training will be easier. I have a goal, a deadline, a training schedule, an incredible friend to run it with and new-found motivation!

Sick? Nope. Not me.

So as some of you know, I unfortunately caught the dreaded norovirus that's been circulating throughout my work. I work in higher education, so the diseases spread like wildfire because there are so many students living/working so close together. Anyways, the norovirus literally knocks you out of commission for 1-2 days, as it did to me. My roommate made me swear on her life that I wouldn't run the morning after getting it, naturally. And I was good; her life is more valuable than that :) But I did go for a run the following morning. I figured giving myself one whole day of recovery time was more than enough, and besides, I didn't want all of my hard work to go to waste.

That run was fabulous. Don't worry, I ran slowly. But I was able to complete my normal 5k loop without feeling winded or near my deathbed. And although I still felt incredibly weak, I also felt like that run helped amp up my recovery time. The rest of the day I was able to run a bunch of errands and I haven't felt sick since.

My step-mom always told me that running usually helps her fight off sickness. While I was smart to listen to my beloved roommate and not run while sick, I have to agree with my step-mom: Running really might be the best cure, for everything :)

Hello, Spring!

This winter I went and bought running tank tops because I just could not wait anymore for spring. Today was the first time I ran outside wearing one, without a jacket or anything else over it. It is FINALLY spring in Boston! The warm weather felt so great and there were so many runners out, I just couldn't stop running until I literally had to before I passed out. It was one of the absolute best runs I've had in many, many months. I cannot wait to go run tomorrow morning!

A Real Runner

I had someone recently tell me that a real runner doesn't need music in order to run. That a real runner can just run. I'd like to know just what a real runner is, then. I've been running now for a year. Granted, it's just a year and to many runners, I'm still a beginner. But I don't care and I won't listen to them or to that negativity. To me, I'm a runner. Yes, I have multiple running playlists on my ipod that I update often. Yes, I sometimes make the mistake of running while wearing a cotton T-shirt. Yes, I still cannot run a marathon, nor can I win a 5K and yes, I still get tired and sweaty and want to give up.

But, I don't.

And to me, I'm a real runner. And you know, that's all that really matters.

Spirited Shopping

I went shopping this afternoon with one of my best friends for new running clothes. I was really just there to accompany her, but I decided to splurge and treat myself to something as well. I ended up purchasing a new pair of running tights and was so excited about them by the time I got home that I quickly put them on and went out for a run. My run was slightly longer than my normal routine, but I surprisingly felt good the whole time.

I know that it's not affordable to go out and purchase new running attire every time the motivation dwindles, but I'm going to be excited about these tights for awhile. I felt great in them, and I owe that all to running. So, if I wear these while running, and continue to feel great, maybe in a few months when I go on another running shopping spree, I'll feel even better! I think it's essential to keep the motivation up, at least personally. So while I might not be able to buy a new running outfit every time I need that little extra push, I can get a running magazine, or a new running playlist or a new running route from online to keep me interested and excited about running.

I Run For Me

I realized something this morning. Almost everything I've done in my entire life has been for someone else. I've barely had any hobbies that were just for me, just for the sole purpose of making me happy. That's what running is for me. It's finally me stepping up for myself and doing something that I enjoy. I don't worry about working around someone's schedule or how it will make them feel; I just run. And I think that's why I keep coming back here. I think that's why I get up early every morning, even when I don't want to, and go out for a run. It's because I can. Because I don't have to listen to anyone else. I don't have to take their feelings, schedules, lives into consideration.

For the first time in my life, I'm happy because I'm putting the effort into making myself happy. Running does this for me. Yes, at the end of every run I feel sore and cramped and tired and sweaty, but I also feel elation and pride and freedom. I have the ability to go out there and zone out. To listen to the music I want to listen to. To do something good for me, and enjoy it.

I knew, 11 months ago, that when I started running it would be trial and error, stop and go, and many good days and bad days (weeks). But I stuck with it, sometimes not even knowing why. I know why, now. These past 11 months have been incredibly up and down, but I always had running; I always had an outlet. I'm not saying that running is the end all be all, but it's something. There's an indescribable feeling that comes over me when I'm finishing up a run. No matter what the day decided to bring, I know that at the end of my run it's all okay. It's that feeling, that feeling of inner calm and the "OK, I can handle this" feeling that make it worth it. And it is. It's always worth it. Because when I run, I run for me.

In Love With Running

Getting up this morning, I could not wait to put on my sneakers and go for a run. I actually woke up at 7:20am, on a Sunday, just because I was so excited about running. That thought alone makes me so happy. I'm officially back to being in love with running. I feel good while running, I feel good while thinking about running, and I feel good being me. Life has its way of sneaking in and bearing down with so many different stresses, especially for a single girl on Valentine's Day. Having an outlet, and a healthy outlet at that, is essential. Knowing that when I slide my feet into my sneakers every morning, I'm doing something to actively beat down the stresses and improve my life is wonderful. How could I not be in a fabulous mood for the rest of the day? Running really does bring a sense of calm into my life and mellows me out. I feel I can handle the stress after an early morning run now. I feel secure in my own body and I feel happy. If this is truly what running can bring, no wonder so many people run marathons.

Move Aside, Brooklyn

I went for a 1.5 mile run this morning and then walked 2 miles to work. While admittedly tired for a good portion of the morning, I also felt this incredible inner calm. My work is at its busiest this time of year, so getting in a good workout is always hard. Being able to come into the office feeling refreshed is really just exactly what I need for that extra push through these 13 hour days.

Recently I was chatting with my step mom about running and this blog and how I've been needing more motivation lately than usual. She ran competitively in college and still runs numerous races; distances ranging from 5ks to marathons. No matter the weather, she'll be out there on the trails, roads, treadmills. She's dedicated, she's motivated and she's head over heels in love with running. She is the best source to go to whenever I need an extra surge of motivation. She told me to start looking around for races in the next couple of months, and to start registering for them. This way I won't have impossible goals (being on the cover of Sports Illustrated), but rather much more manageable goals, such as running in more races. Who knows? Maybe Brooklyn Decker will have some competition ;)

Seriously, though. My stepmom made an excellent point: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. So go out there and register for those races and prove to yourself that not only do you have the desire to run, you have the ability to as well.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

My morning run today was incredible. In all honesty, I was dreading getting out of bed earlier than normal and putting on spandex only to go run around outside in Boston, in February. However, it was one of the best runs I've ever had. I felt so free and relaxed, and when it was over, I had such a sense of accomplishment knowing that I had been so productive before the sun was even out.

I love running by people sitting in their cars, stuck in traffic. I get to wondering what they're thinking about seeing someone out running at 6:30am while they're just sitting there. They probably feel happy that they're not me, but maybe not. I like to think that I inspire some people to get motivated and go running. And even if I don't, it's nice to think about to keep myself motivated.

I'm really glad my run this morning went so well because I know it'll be what gets me out the door again tomorrow morning. Sometimes the hardest thing really is finding enough drive within yourself to get out the door. Once you're out the door though, it's pretty easy to keep going. Here's to a fabulous new start to running and continuing in knowing that running really does give you more than a healthy body...it gives you a healthy mind as well!

Running, Take Two

So it's been a few weeks since my last post. I admit I let the winter get to me and my morning runs. I could launch into the endless excuses about finals and 60 hour work weeks and losing my sneakers and negative temperatures and snow...but I wont :) Instead, I'm proud to report that I'm even more determined to make running a part of my life. I've actually missed my morning runs, which has to count for something.

These past few weeks have not been a total loss. I've taken to doing morning and evening stretches and ab workouts, and walking four miles every day (to and from work). My body still feels in shape and I feel even more limber and ready to hit the ground running. I've decided that after this long work week and this weekend away, I'm going to go out for a morning run on Monday. It'll be a fantastic start to the week and a fantastic way to get back into gear.

While Haruki Murakami writes that one should never take two consecutive days off from running, I think my three-week hiatus was actually needed. It allowed me time to rest, focus on other aspects of my life, and let me look forward to running again.