Monday, April 15, 2013

Why I Run (or rather why I DON'T run when I should...)


In 19 days I will be running my first ever half-marathon. I am running it on my own and I am scared! I am so scared that I haven't been doing my real training runs for almost 4 weeks now. So now I am DRASTICALLY behind and even more scared! HELP!!!!!!

I know that what would really make a difference would be to have a running buddy. I think that running by myself is only good for up to 4 miles and I am feeling exceptionally alone these days (in all aspects of my life) so this whole running by myself thing has been stinking an extra large amount. Now before you write a comment to the effect of "I would totally do it but I just couldn't keep up with you..." please DON'T!!!!! I've been flooded with shenanigan comments like that and it just makes me mad and frustrated and left feeling less supported than before. Instead you could leave a comment like "I will totally be your virtual running buddy! Let's start at such and such a time with a phone call and stay on the line until your run is over...even if we don't talk!" I really need a running buddy to keep me on track because this girl isn't making it on her own!

When I first started running I did it because walking was simply taking too much time and I wanted to burn more calories in less time. It used to be fun and amazing every time I went out and could actually run any length of time/distance! I mean when I started out I couldn't even walk around my dang cul-de-sac let alone run any distance at all! This whole training thing, running 4-5 times a week, and having the running cramp my style in being able to do other fun things has made the running become a painful chore. I don't want it to be a painful chore!!!!

With all of that in mind I want to remind myself why I have become a runner (YES! I am a RUNNER!)...
  • To travel farther faster
  • To have strong, gorgeous legs (you should see my calves!)
  • To be fit
  • To be outside in the sun and fresh air
  • To know myself as an athlete
  • To learn how strong I can be
  • To challenge myself & to step outside of what is easy or comfortable
  • To do something bold
  • To feel like an equal with my athletic friends
  • To prove that the voice in my head is wrong!
  • To justify buying all kinds of cute workout clothes :)
So there you have it! Now the question is...will you be my running buddy?