I run to be...

Recently someone asked me how I find time to run. It's not easy, I said, I have to actually make time for it on the calendar. Sometimes it's a struggle to fit in a run, but I somehow manage to work it out. Then he asked me a seemingly innocent question. Why? Why do I bust my tail to find the time, make arrangements for the kids, get up at THE crack of dawn, miss out on good sleep and generally inconvenience myself just to get in a run?

I had to think about that. I'll get to what I finally replied in a minute, but first let me say that the upcoming Nike Women's Marathon has a "fill in the blank" motto this year. It's "I Run to Be..." Each runner is supposed to fill in their own words. It got me thinking even more about why I do what I do.

I run to be strong. Running has made me fitter than I've ever been in my life. It's helped me keep that weight I lost a few years ago off. It's made me realize that I can accomplish ANYTHING with a little hard work and self-discipline.

I run to be still. Yeah, I know, it seems contradictory. My body is moving, true, but so many times when I'm running is when I have a chance to let my mind and my soul be quiet. Some days my mind is going just as fast as my legs (probably faster!) but I love the days when I can push everything out of my head like I'm clearing a table of dirty dishes off with one swipe of my arm. Don't think. Just run. It's a peace that I don't get often as a busy mom.

I run to be spiritual. There are days when I run that all I do is pray. It's an amazing quiet time for me, when I'm able to focus without distractons on all the people and things that I'm praying about, and I can truly feel and express exhiliration and thankfulness for all the blessings I've been given.

I run to be a good example. My kids started life with an overweight mom who didn't eat well or exercise, and that's something I wanted to remedy. Now I hope they are seeing the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. I truly get excited when they want to run with me...I want them to learn to feel joy and strength in moving their bodies.

I run to be a better person. Running clears my head. It gives me quiet time. It gives me peace. Yes, there are days when I don't want to run. I feel tired or under the weather or just don't feel like dragging kids to the gym or a sitter. But when I focus on how I'll feel when I finish the run, I never can take a pass. I am more patient with others. I'm kinder. I'm more able to cope with stress when I run. I feel GOOD. I feel sane. I like the person I am when I run. I am the best version of myself then. Running just makes me...better.

In the end, that's finally what I answered when asked why I do it. I run to be a better person. Why do you do it?

1000 miles/100 miles

I am very excited to post today to say that I've surpassed 1000 miles of running logged on Nike+!! That's a looooong way!! Wooohooo!!

I've also been released from Physical Therapy! I suppose this is a good thing, although I must admit I have been REALLY grateful for the massage therapy I've been getting there. Having someone who can pinpoint and really understand the musculature where the discomfort is has been fantastic. I will miss that, and I probably need to find a good sports massage therapist. I am still having latent pain...it doesn't hurt WHEN I run (except a little in the first mile) but it does hurt AFTER I run. It's improved to be more annoying than hindering, so they just told me to stretch well and ice it. Guess we'll see what happens once I really start to click up the mileage. This weekend will be just 6, so nothing too strenuous. Yet.

Now for the 100 mile part of the post. I recently started a part-time job working for a division of a private school. They asked me, as part of my position, to take on the role of head coach for a 100 Mile Club. This is a really fantastic program that I'm totally excited to be involved with! Basically, it encourages kids to set a goal of running (or walking) 100 miles total over the course of the school year, and they earn cool incentives along the way. I truly, truly enjoy encouraging others to run, so I think this is something I will really enjoy. We will be kicking it off soon, so I'll be sure to post updates on how things are going. Check out more about the 100 Mile Club or sponsor a child to run at www.100mileclub.com/sponsorinfo.html.

I'll post after tomorrow's sixer and let you all know how the hip holds up!

A NEW challenge!

I'm still here!! I haven't updated in a while because things in my life suddenly got really busy...BUT, I am still running. I'm almost finished with my second round of physical therapy, and they have finally given me the go ahead to up my mileage. HOORAY!!! I've been slowly moving higher, though I still have to watch myself on the hills because the ups and downs can cause the pain to flare up. I'm running with the Winter Team in Training team as an assistant coach this season and next weekend we'll be at 6 miles for our long run. I feel as if I'm starting all over again because I haven't been able to keep up my long run distances. The upcoming 6 will be the furthest I've run since injuring myself at the marathon in June. Not to mention that my speed has taken a plunge, too, and I'm back to plodding at a much slower pace than I was hoping to be at by now. Still, I've rekindled my motivation by launching myself into a new challenge. In October, I'll be doing half marathons on back-to-back weekends. That's right. Sunday, October 17th, I'll be running the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco, and the very next Sunday, the 24th, I'll be running the Inagural LA Rock N' Roll half. Am I crazy?? Most likely. But I apparently thrive on pushing myself to see how far I can go. I'm totally excited!! Now if I can just get through some of these hills in training...

I'll catch up again soon!