Did you know today is National Running Day?
It's sort of fitting that it falls so close to the starting of my marathon training - which kicks off on Monday!
Running has become a huge part of my life; it almost borders on being a bit of an obsession or addiction. I figure there are much worse things to be addicted to, though!
So today, in honor of National Running Day, here is a list of just a few things I love about running!
- Running makes me feel Athletic: I was always the kid that got picked last in gym class. When I was in basketball in 5th & 6th grade, the only basket I made was for the opposing team. “Athletic” was never a word that described me… until I discovered running! I still have a hard time saying I am athletic, but the fact that I can run 10, 13.1, or even 26.2 miles without collapsing must mean I am athletic!
- Running keeps me healthy: During grad school, I did a horrible job of balancing a full time job, school in the evenings, a boyfriend, and running. Stupidly, I cut out running completely and really paid for it on the health front. I learned my lesson - cutting out running is not a good idea. It helps me stay at a healthy weight, I sleep better, and I now have toned calves to show for all the hard work I've put in!
- Running ties in well with my type-A personality: Training for a big race like a marathon or a half-marathon takes hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of planning (at least the way I approach training). This will sound weird to the non-planners out there, but I am comforted by the fact that, starting on Monday, I know exactly how far I need to run each day (or when to rest) for the next 18 weeks!
- Running calms me: Since I have a type-A personality, I am a bit on the high strung side. Running gives me an outlet for pent up stress and frustration. Sometimes I use my runs to think through issues that are bothering me. Other times, I use my runs to take a break from the inner monologue that marches through my brain all day long.
I could go on and on, but I will stop there as I know not everyone shares my passion for running!
Today I will be celebrating National Running Day by running with a group at my favorite local running store, Marathon Sports. The run is being led by some pretty elite runners (one guy placed 9th at Boston this spring!), so I will be a bit out of my league, but I am guessing there will be some people there close to my pace group.
Do you enjoy running? If so, what do you love about running?
17 comments:
Wow I will have to do a running post too!! Your run tonight sounds fun/interesting!!
I'm actually starting back into running now that I'm home. I love it, but I tend to over do it and then take time off and fall out of it- finding a balance is key for me.
Good luck with your running group tonight, that sounds like it will be intense!
Oh this post just made me FEEL BAD lol I was doing well with running for a little while, but I've fallen off the last couple of weeks. And I ate FRIES yesterday and now I feel awful lol!! This has motivated me to get back on at LEAST once before the week's out :)
You are most certainly athletic! Running anywhere between 10 and over 26 miles qualifies you as athletic rockstar in my book. I don't run, I've never aspired to run, and I'm ok with that. I walk and I'm ok with not going any faster than that. Its great that you have such a wonderful outlet though.
I love that it made me feel strong, invincible, it changed my body both physically and mentally and lastly, that it was a (good) challenge.
I miss running so much I dreamed that I ran 9 miles the other night. Funny though, cause when I woke up? My messed up knee hurt. Crazy.
I did know it was national running day thanks to my Active.com daily updates (haha - I'm such a nerd!).
Yay for running! You work hard at it, and it definitely pays off. Best of luck as you start your official training next Monday!
I totally agree with you about the running schedule. When Im' not training for something, I spend my 1st 10 minutes of my work out wallowing thinking "What am I going to do for this workout...."
But when training comes - it's a different story!
Enjoy your group run tonight! Sounds fun :)
As you know I'm just starting to run to train for a 10K, and I love the sense of accomplishment I feel after I run. Right now it's only for 20 minutes at a time but I feel good because I can't be distracted during it. I'm tracking my distance and time, and can't carry things that distract me (like a blackberry) so I'm totally unplugged while exercising.
You are totally athletic!
I didn't know it was national running day!
I really agree with your sentiments in this post. During pharmacy school I let my running slip and it was a silly thing to do. I felt lazy and lethargic and honestly it probably hurt my studying more than helped it.
Oh and I think running marathons...yeah, you count as athletic! My hubby and I started our training this week (he's doing a half, I'm doing a full) so we'll be on a really similar schedule. Hopefully you will keep me motivated!
Enjoy the running group tonight!! There are so many good reasons to run! Its a lot of fun!
I think running any amount makes you athletic. It's about getting out there and just doing it.
I have my days that I love running and some days I don't like it. I think it might come down to motivation for me!
Have fun tonight!
Obviously I LOVE running ;) But I've been a bad runner this week and snoozing my alarm every day! Need to stop that. Today I'm going for a run at lunchtime to celebrate National Running Day (even though I'm not sure if that's in Canada too! Haha)
Can't wait to start TRAINING! Expect daily BBMs, coming Monday ;)
I've been an on and off runner, although I wish I would have kept up with it. I love the feeling I get after a good, hard run. I also find running is the best way for my body to stay in shape. I eat better, I'm less stressed, and I just tend to care more about my body in general when I've been running regularly. I'm also Type A (very much so), so I also crave the stress relief running can offer.
I love running after I get into the groove. It is always tough starting out but once I get into the rhythm I am good for a good five or six miles.
Best,
Hannah Katy
I love running after I get into the groove. It is always tough starting out but once I get into the rhythm I am good for a good five or six miles.
Best,
Hannah Katy
I love running for many of the reasons you do. And since I didn't know today was Nat'l Running Day, I guess it's fitting I can't run (I'm taking a class tonight after work). Think of me as you run tonight and have fun!
Yeah, running is good for me in so many ways, but one of the best is just keeping my head clear and giving me something to shoot for. Running keeps me operating at my best in every aspect of my life bc it makes me feel good about myself and my body, it pushes me, it ties me to my friends and it allows me to enjoy some of the foods I love without too much guilt!
I always wanted to be a runner, but except for high school where I ran track to prep for basketball season, it's just never clicked for me. I am an excellent walker though.
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