Apr
2012
What I Like About Running
Friday the 13th! I’ve already overslept (my cell alarm was on vibrate- hate that!), spilled coffee everywhere, and a weird thing happened- I was sitting in Starbucks and a homeless guy (who has some mental issues too) took out a throw-away camera and started snapping photos of me. Weird and disturbing!!
It’s another moving day at work (the stuff from storage to the new office) so I think I’ll be all over the place again.
But no worries, ’cause on Sunday and Monday, I’ll be in Napa!! We’re celebrating my dad’s 60th with a mini family trip. Hello massage, pool, and VINO. Supposed to be 70 degrees too thankfully, cause it was lightning and thunderstorms and pouring the last few days.
My favorite place to stay in Napa...email me if you ever have napa questions!
The past few days, I’ve been trying to decide what new race to sign up for. Now that it stays light earlier and later and just cause my legs ate getting the “itch”…,,Time to start running again!
Since I love making lists lately, I’ve been thinking about the things I’ve learned from running. Tell me if you relate.
This is totally me.
1. My body is capable of much more than I ever thought it was. A year ago, I had never run more than 6 miles. Now I can run more than double that. Three years ago, I could barely run 1 mile. I was in shape, but not conditioned for running. The day I ran 10 miles, I smiled a ton. I never thought I could do it. And I did.
2. Foam rolling is amazing. Yes, without a race to focus on, I doubt I would have started foam rolling. And now I am obsessed.
3. Carbs are good. I definitely eat way more carbs during training. I used to steer clear of bagels. But now after a long run, they’re just what I want and “can” have. And they taste great. Just have to watch to make sure I don’t go overboard.
4. My leg muscles get stronger and my pants are a little tight, but that’s ok. It never would have been ok before. But now it’s strong, not fat. And that’s a good thing!
5. Early mornings are so worth it. The sunrises and pretty views of dawn I’ve seen from being outside (as opposed to being inside the gym…or let’s be honest, still in bed) is incredible and makes my whole day so much better.
6. The right shoes and clothes really make a difference. I learned the hard way. ‘Nuff said.
7. Update your iPod already. Yes, I learned the hard way for this too. So bored with my same 20 songs.
8. Goals and Schedules are for me. It’s been really nice looking at my calendar every morning and feeling like I “have” to finish and not cut it short, because it’s part of my plan.
my last race
9. Don’t be afraid of a running buddy. I was so scared to run without someone and fail, but when I actually did it, it was way more fun and made the miles go by so quickly.
10. Running gives you bragging rights. Non-runners get impressed by runners and talk of their miles. “You ran 12 miles today! Oh my gosh!” and it’s fun to be the recipient of their positive comments. Kind of a motivator.
No matter how far you run, whether it’s 5k or an ultra marathon, running teaches you a lot about yourself and your body…things you might never have expected.
Ok, back to work and trying to pick out a race 
–Tell me what YOU have learned from running!
ibrokemyumbrella
April 13, 2012 at 10:31 am (402 days ago)Haha definitely the pants thing! Now when I buy pants that fit my legs, they’re way too big on waist. I’d never give up running though, so I guess I have to find a good tailor
Becca
April 13, 2012 at 1:52 pm (401 days ago)Haha- soooo true about the waist!
Andrea @ Vegvacious
April 13, 2012 at 10:41 am (402 days ago)What a great post! Two friends & I have started running with the hopes of running a 5K in May or June, doing the Dirty Girl Mud Run in Buffalo in September and possibly a 5 or 10K in September. I’m in shape, but running is a whole different ball of wax! I can so relate to the points that you make in this post because slowly I’m learning some of the same things.
Becca
April 13, 2012 at 1:52 pm (401 days ago)A mud run! How fun!
WhitLikesFit
April 13, 2012 at 11:40 am (401 days ago)Love that you talk about the foam roller!. I have major knee/hip & IT band issues and the foam roller is litterally saving my life. I roll out in the morning, before/after every workout and before bed. I’m alreayd getting nervous about what I’m goign to do without on an upcoming vacation.
Becca
April 13, 2012 at 1:53 pm (401 days ago)They should make a travel foam roller! That would be an amazing invention
Living, Learning, Eating
April 13, 2012 at 1:16 pm (401 days ago)I’ve never done foam rolling.
It sounds like running is really healthy for you (which is something I feel rarely when reading blogs) so yay for you!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
Becca
April 13, 2012 at 1:54 pm (401 days ago)Thanks! Try foam rolling if you get a chance….you might really like it
Luv What You Do
April 13, 2012 at 5:11 pm (401 days ago)One of my favorite posts to write was my lessons in Marathon training last year!
http://luvwhatyoudo.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/lessons-in-marathon-training/
It definitely starts with a picture of me and my foam roller! Every morning is definitely worth it. I love my quiet morning runs (no ipod needed) along the forets patch with the deer. It’s so beautiful and peaceful before my crazy hectic day!
Becca
April 15, 2012 at 7:09 am (400 days ago)How beautiful that you get to run in a forrest with deer! Love that!
Apples and Arteries
April 14, 2012 at 6:20 am (401 days ago)Great post. And that pool looks amazing! Have a great trip!
I’ve learned from running that I am strong and can push myself to be fast! I used to be a real plodder…just shuffling along at 10+ min miles. (Nothing wrong with that.) Then I lost weight, built muscle, and last weekend I clocked 7:15 min miles for a 6 mile run. I couldn’t believe it! So needless to say, sometimes I surprise myself and that reminds me to push myself.
Happy weekend.
Becca
April 15, 2012 at 7:08 am (400 days ago)7:15 mile’s amazing!!
Jamie [Don't Forget the Cinnamon]
April 14, 2012 at 1:48 pm (400 days ago)Running has taught me the importance of respecting my body and not pushing it to the point of injury! I am now very good about stopping when I feel pain because I know that pushing through only leads to long-term injury (and thus no running)!
Have an awesome trip!!!!!!
Becca
April 15, 2012 at 7:08 am (400 days ago)Very true! Hope you’re having a great weekend too!!