Saturday, September 3, 2011

Why Do I Run?!

Training for a marathon is very taxing.  I have been struggling for a couple weeks staying on top of my training. School starting and getting back to a normal schedule has distracted me and I have been having a hard time trying to get back into a routine.

After talking to my sister and dad; I realize that it is alright to get distracted from training and a little detour in training is alright--as long as it isn't for too long and I get back on track--that is.  My sister has been feeling similar with the stresses of life detouring her from running during the week---but we both have faith and comfort that we are in it together so we can do it!

A Family Affair :)

A Few Motivational Quotes to help me get through it:

"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character."
-- T. Alan Armstrong


"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!"




"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." 
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder


"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." 
-Oprah Winfrey



"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." 
-Jesse Owens



And just for fun-sies (joking)...


If you run 100 miles a week, you can eat anything you want -- Why? Because
(a) you'll burn all the calories you consume,
(b) you deserve it, and
(c) you'll be injured soon and back on a restricted diet anyway.
--Don Kardong



Don't get me wrong--I absolutely love running.  It is my number one passion and keeps me sane (literally).  I am so blessed and thankful that I have the ability to run and happy that I have found an activity that I love so much.  Running is my time to be by myself and clear my head.  Running is sort of like a religion and a lifestyle.  My love of running may sound sort of crazy--but I'm sure if you are a lover of running you understand too :)


As for today, I was attempting to get my 20 miler out of the way before this long weekend :).  I packed up all my stuff for school, for running and for after running--including post run fuel and face wash (gotta clean my face before class).  BUT my body was telling me it needed some more sleep, so I stayed in bed and decided to just run 8 miles after class and go for the long one on Sunday morning!!  Win-Win situation---plus I think my classmates will be happy I'm not smelly ;)  


Little Motivations to Keep Training:


Bags Packed Before School 
(didn't work this Friday, but does work--promise)
My Running Chart--simple chart that keeps me on track 
plus fun to mark and see how much I've done :)
Post-Run Fuel: Homemade Peanut Butter Granola (sooo good)!

Hope everyone has a happy start of this long Labor Day Weekend :)!!



2 comments:

  1. You inspired me to get off my couch and outside to run!! I am new to running, usually just to classes at the Y to stay in shape, but I am wanting to do a 10k Thanksgiving morning this year. It's no half-marathon (which is on my bucket list) but its a start!! Any tips you may have for me? I'd love all the advice I can get!

    XO, Danielle
    maryanddyer.blogspot.com

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  2. That's awesome that you decided to start dipping your toes into running! Running is a lot about you, but it is nice to have support of family and friends. I stay on top of my training because I talk with my sister who is also training for the same race. Also, asking friends to run some with you helps break up longer runs!! Hope this helps, can't wait to see your progress :)

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