Skip to main content

5 Things I Love About Running



I have a love-hate relationship with running. I think most people can say the same about themselves and their own hobbies/lifestyles. But for now, let's just stick with the positives:


5 Things I Love About Running


1. The feeling of knowing I am better than I was yesterday




Never ever did I think I would be a runner in high school. Even when I was running regularly, I wasn't doing it for the love of the sport. Then in college when I stopped running, I doubted ever picking it up again. Now, I look back and think, "Damn girl, you showed you." Seeing how far I have progressed and how I've become a runner in itself energizes me to keep going out there.



2. Being exhausted



When am I not exhausted actually? I work too much, sleep too little, and from what my non-running friends say - run wayyyyy too much. But there is a whole new exhaustion felt when you finish your run. No matter if its 1 mile or 10 miles, the body is tired more than it was before. As someone who pushes through the heavy eye-lids and mental exhaustion, being physically drained makes feeling tired more tangible and not-so-easy to just push through.



3. The clothes




I live for sports bras and anything non-jeans. My job doesn't have a dress code, and actually encourages us to wear clothes that we are able to move better in. If I can get dressed in the clothes I'm planning on running in that day anyway, that's more day in between laundry days. And the conformability is irresistible!




4. Seeing my body be fit



This might be back to #1, but this is more about my physical condition less-so than my mental condition. Physically, I weigh the same as I did before I began running. But my resting heart rate ranges anywhere from 49-50 BPM. The average adult ranges anywhere from 60-100 BPM. I am not underweight (many people underweight develop low heart rates) by any means whatsoever, but my heart is just that conditioned that it doesn't need to pump as fast. My VO2 Max (maximal oxygen consumption) is currently 52. For those of you who don't know, your VO2 Max measures of your body's ability to generate ATP, and ATP is the energy source that allows your muscles to continue working while you are exercising. Therefore, by definition, a VO2max measurement is ultimately a measure of your cardiorespiratory fitness level. Olympians run around the high 50s and into the 60s; I must be doing something right if my level is that high!



5. It's my therapy



When I have a shitty day at work or something is going on in life that stresses me out, I am eager to get out and run. In that timeframe, it is just me, my music, and the pavement. The exhaustion grounds me and levels out my stress so I can handle what is going on effectively. And if I were to make whatever made my day so bad tangible, I am able to stomp it out with every strike to the ground. Not that I'm stomping for 4 miles (I feel like my form would be totally off), but I am just releasing all the ill feelings with every step and every drop of sweat.







I'd love to hear what makes you love your hobbies in the comments!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOF Marathon Training: 1 of 16

IT'S TIME! Hall of Fame Marathon Training is here! Hey guys! I'm so excited to be on a training schedule again. I want my redemption at HOF for Erie. If you followed me last summer, I trained for Erie up until 4 weeks out, only to result in an overuse injury. This is my time. I've rested, cross trained, and learned so much to better prepare myself for this training cycle.  This winter/spring race season has a couple races that I wont be racing for time, rather just to enjoy the energy and use them as test runs going towards marathon day. Some of these are the ever-favorites like Spring Thaw and Just A Short Run that are unique to the Pittsburgh area. These two races alone have brought me to meet many others in the running community that I am happy to call my friends.  Everything I will be doing now is aimed for April 29th LETS DO THIS So this week has been kinda crazy... as if my life isn't ever not-crazy. With marathon training and starting...
2 comments
Read more

Monday Motivation: Good Week

But really, isn't every week? Life is what you make it despite the ups and downs we face. Leave whatever struggles and hardships this past week brought you. It's last week, we have to look ahead of us. Ever try looking backwards while running? You're not as focused on going forward. And isn't that why you're running in the first place? So make this week a good week that you can reflect on and be proud of. Welcome the challenges. Crush those goals. Be mindful. Enjoy the little moments. And damnit, smile all the way through.  Have a good week!
1 comment
Read more

5 Helpful Tips for Summer Marathon Training

My first marathon is in September. When I picked the marathon, I chose Erie because it was close to home and because it was the last weekend for Boston Qualifying submissions for 2018. I did not, however, completely consider that it would mean training all summer. Oops. As someone who does not handle the heat well, I've compiled a five helpful tips that I plan to use to help combat summer training for fall marathon season. 1. Always Check the Weather I do this all year round, but this is especially critical for me for the summer. Last summer, I was training for my first half marathon, and I found myself running late at night because those times had the lowest temperatures. I've also found the early mornings to be great since the sun hasn't boiled the ground yet either. ... unless you like the heat... you crazy heat people... It's also good to see how the weather is going to be a few days out. If your training is a little flexible, th...
3 comments
Read more