Here, There, Everywhere

Running is everything they say it is, empowering, energizing, meditative. And I like it. Me! Like running?! Yes. That only proves it's addicting. It feels GOOD! It makes me happy. It challenges me, and then I overcome that challenge. I win! Every time I go for a run...I WIN!

I run here...

I run there...and just about everywhere. In fact, when we booked our cruise I started looking up running routes in the ports. I've started watching race documentaries. I get the running jokes posted on Pinterest. My running shoes are the most expensive shoes I own. Do I have a problem?

I enjoy finding new routes, it makes a long run seem shorter. Plus who doesn't like new scenery?

I signed up to run a Hot Chocolate 5k in Dallas in February to support a friend, then she couldn't make it, so Adam came in her place and kept me company.

It was cold and early and when we arrived, still dark outside. I didn't bring a jacket because I'd just take it off 5 minutes into the race so we took shelter inside a building for a while and then later stood in our race corals taking selfies and freezing until it was our turn.

(PS. I love photobombers. They crack me up.)

I hate the idea of PAYING to run—but the race was exciting! Loud music, wrestlers and pumped up people...can you imagine all the adrenaline everyone is experiencing? We're all chatty, taking photos, jumping up and down, dancing to the music, and then as soon as we cross the line and start our timers—it becomes silent. And all we hear is "pit pat pit pat" of A LOT of shoes hitting the pavement. I was unprepared to hear that sound effect and laughed out loud.

Adam was a great running partner, he kept my pace (he's usually faster) and since it was only 3.1 miles it was over quick! And though it was in a crummy part of Dallas, it was still nice to run somewhere new.

Our reward for running? HOT CHOCOLATE baby! Along with dipping chocolate and various treats for it. We also received a jacket which you saw all the lemmings wearing a few photos up.

The bibs have a chip in them that record your stats which you can look up by scanning your QR barcode with your phone after the race. In doing the math, we came in at the top 15% overall, the top 11% of all females, and top 10% of females in my age group. That was interesting to see, I'd had no idea where I rank generally. I just...run. Though, as you can see—I'm not fast. 

By the time I ran the 5k I was already running longer distances at home. But the 5k was so fun I decided to bump up my mileage and try for a 15k.

But as I mentioned, it's hard to swallow the cost of a race. So when I was ready, I ran a personal 15k instead. For me, that's 1. 5 hours of running. I was pretty emotional during the last mile. A car passed me while I was finishing up and as it drove ahead, the passenger and driver stuck their arm out the windows and gave me a thumbs up. To which I responded by putting both my arms in the air and yelling. And then I started crying. Note: don't cry while running. Your throat will close up and you will literally have difficulty breathing. Eeeek!

But that kind of encouragement is totally awesome! Anyway, of course I Snapped the victory to EVERYONE.

So I continue to run. I never regret doing it. It's helped immensely with depression and gives me a reason to go outside everyday and "connect" with something else other than a screen.

And look where it's getting me! I'm up to 11 miles. (I use MapMyRun to record runs. And for music to help keep pace, I use Spotify. You can set it to play music all of the same tempo.) Next mileage goal—a half marathon!

So, NO I will not slow down in your neighborhood. I got me some mileage to log and some goals to reach! I'm gunna run here and there and EVERYWHERE!