Run of the Century

Yesterday I ran a 5k at one of the local high schools. I did a pretty good time (for me), which was about 43 minutes. It was really funny because I started off kind of quickly and the hills that I distinctly remember walking last year, well, I ran up them this time. However, I had blocked out of my mind one particularly dreadful hill. Not sure if it was mile 1 or 2, but one of the men on the bikes came past me and said, "Are you ready of the fun part?" I, of course, said "yes." What I didn't realize is that I had totally forgotten about the hill of doom. Its about a quarter mile at a 35 to 45% grade (may not be, but it seems like it). Its really steep! Needless to say my legs were very tired by the time I got to the top, and I did give up and I walked at least half of it to the top. Well, there was a blind corner at the top and the hill of doom wasn't finished with me yet. Luckily this was maybe a 15-20% grade and I proceeded to walk the rest of the way up that damn hill. Apparently the experience of the hill was so awful that my mind blocked it from memory last year. This is why I am blogging about it, so I can remember how bad it was that way I will be mentally prepared.

All in all it wasn't a bad race. I didn't finish last, which is important. I ran it faster than last year, which is awesome. I also came to realize that my resting from October has taken a toll on my legs, so I need to push myself better in training. The problem is I seem to have caught a nagging cold, it isn't bad enough to keep me from doing stuff, but it is just bad enough to leave my wiped out after a long day. Hoping for a little R&R over the Thanksgiving break.

I do have the YMCA Turkey Trot, which my husband and I love. Hopefully I will get some pics up soon. I did wear my Eat-Sleep-Trot sweaty band yesterday! So cute :-)

Happy Running!

Why I Run and What I Am Thankful For

 A little over two years ago I began running. As I have said before, I was very out of shape. I had high blood pressure and I could barely run a quarter of a mile. Now I can complete (while mainly running) half marathons with relative ease. I have come a long way, but I still have further to go.

But why do I run? Why do I push myself? Why do I workout as much as I do? Honestly, it is the only thing that makes me feel truly good about myself. Like I said before, I am going to be candid and be real. I have very low self esteem and the only time when I really feel proud of me is when I am running. Its sad, I know, but try as I may I can't seem to shake the low self esteem. Its really the only time when I feel like I am special. I hate to say it, but I am a "forgotten" person. Its been something I have suffered from since I was young. Family, friends, and work all forget about me all the time. Most people don't realize I exist unless they want something and its sad. When I run, I don't feel forgotten. I love having people cheer me on and I love having people take the time to tell me I am doing great. They may be a stranger, but for that brief moment in time when they tell me something positive in a race it means the world to me.

 I also suffer from anxiety. I deal with it, but a lot of times I am afraid to try new things or go places and meet new people because of how anxious I get. Its crippling, but when I run I don't have those fears. I don't mind being in a crowd of people and running with them. Often times I meet new friends and I am not afraid to talk to them. Running helps me get over my fears and that is better than anything I could hope for.

So it is the Thanksgiving season and I want to state what and who I am thankful for in my life:
1. My husband who truly cares about me and whom I love.
2. My family both mine and his for being a means of support and stability.
3. My pets, especially Bandit who loves me unconditionally.
4. My best friends, Natalie and Valerie, I don't know what I would do without the two of you.
5. My job, as stressful as it may be, at least I am fortunate enough to have one.
6. Great colleagues like Casey, Marcella, and Josh whom I know I can talk to about almost anything.
7. My home and my car both may be old and broke down at times, but at least they fulfill a basic need.
8. My life, no matter how flawed it may be and how forgotten I may feel at times, at least I know every day on this earth is a new adventure and blessing.
9. Running, without it I wouldn't have any direction or a way to stay sane.
10. My ability to persevere when the chips are down.

I am continuing to run and this week I have two turkey trots coming up.

Until next time, happy running and happy thanksgiving.