Why I run

A lot of people have been asking me why I run and when did it all start. I guess you could say I always wanted to run, I was just never good at it so I started cycling, because to be honest, at my previous weight the thought of running was a kin to torture, while cycling was waaay easier. So anyways, after participating in 4 century rides and one 2 day 140 mile ride across the crazy hills of CT (crying my way through hill after hill) I decided that I hated cycling and I needed something new...enter running.

My cycling friend Bridgette and I started out with a few 5k's that were really terrible. I absolutely loved the before and after, the comraderie among racers, seeing people cross the finish (although I was one of the last people in so I often only got to see a few people cross). But the running..oy, I HATED it. I was sweaty and could hardly breathe, it was beyond torture. Still, I knew that I wanted to love running, I just needed to figure out how...and that took a while

After cursing running and some time off I decided to start up again and thought that participating with TNT would be a good idea....and it was until I got laid off and really needed to place my fundraising energy elsewhere (i.e. I needed to network and find me a job!). So to make a long story short I continued to run after breaking up with TNT, joined my running club, made a few runs, tore my acl (see older posts for details) lost a bunch of weight as a result of tearing my acl (note - a torn acl will not make you loose weight, but an awakening from not being able to excercise will...enter the no sugar, flour and wheat part of my life)and now I can say I really love running.

That's the really long version, but the short of it is that once I got healthy (i.e. shed about 20 lbs), running became really easy (well, not that easy) and I found myself able to enjoy the whole act of running. It's been great motivation to see my times improve and my endurance continue to get better. I have also met a bunch of awesome people and get to write this blog, which is so fun for me, even though I think my posts are pretty boring! I know there are a ton more reasons why I run, which I will post later and I'm sure will continue to post as this running journey of mine continues.

New Gear

Went on a spree at my favorite running store and got a bunch of new gear!! Woo-hoo! Shopping always seems to make my long runs go better (especially when new sneaks are involved). I am partial to the Asics GT 2130 as they make my knee and my toes feel really good. They also seem to last a bit longer than other brands I have run in. I also baught a fuel belt and new sunglasses which I desperately needed. The fuel belt thing is kind of throwing me off as I am not used to really running with anything, most days I don't even run with an iPod, but it's been really hot and I know that I will need it once I really get into my long runs.

Summer Run Update:
Last night was the Belmont Lake State Park run which was sweaty and super dusty - not my favorite of the state park runs (although part of the course I run on a regular basis). My time was off, but that really was due to congestion on the path. It was really hard to get a good pace going until the 2nd mile. I love these runs and will be sad when they are over - only 2 left for the season.

Hempstead Lake

Last night was the Hempstead Lake run - I set a new PR for 10:05 minute miles. Woo-hoo!!!

Nothing really new to report other than the fact that I have been running A LOT and my sneaks are dead!! Scheduled to run 10 on Sunday, although I really think I am only up to 8 but I am going to see if I can do it. If I feel like bailing I will just take it real slow, or walk in the last mile (hopefully not, but it's nice to give myself the option).

Best Ads EVER!

I'm telling you, these are brilliant!

Robert Moses

Lat night was the Robert Moses 5K, which was supposed to be a 1 miler on the beach but was changed due to some erosion. Overall it was a great night....I hit a PR with 10:21 minute miles!!! I was determined to come as close to a 10 minute mile as possible and I am so psyched I did!! I took most of the weekend off due to some crazy pain in my knee (BTW, I can't wait for the day that I don't use this blog to talk about the knee) so I was focused and ready to run. I volunteered with my club on Sun for our annual Firecracker run. I was at the 1st water stop which was awesome. I have never volunteered before so that was cool, but the exciting part was seeing the elite runners as they were barreling down the course. I'm usually towards the end of the pack so it was nice to see from that vantage point.

I've Been Tagged!!

Exciting news in my little blogging world...I've been tagged!! I think that makes it official that I have a few readers which is awesome (thanks Ama)!!

Here goes:

6 random things

1. My cat Olive wakes me up EVERY MORNING at 4:15. It has gotten so bad that I have to move to the couch to fall back alseep. I would say that this happens about 5 - 6 days a week. She is also ruining my really fancy banana leaf chairs, but I'm either too cheap or too humane to get her nails removed.

2. I no longer eat sugar, flour or wheat. Brutal in the beginning, but it's been 2 months and I feel really healthy...plus I've lost a bunch of weight which makes life waaaay better.

3. I have a jealous streak which pops up every once in a while in weird ways.

4. I love the Real World, RW Challenges, The Hills, and Oprah. Those are the only things I watch on TV, shocking but true (especially since I am about to turn 31). Oh, I also love that new Living Lohan show (Dina's friend Eileen works at my gym and lives in my town) and am looking forward to Celebrity Rehab.

5. I blog during work.

6. I really, really love peanut butter brownies and Nutter Butters, but they are not working out with the food plan so I end up talking about them a lot!

Tag you're it!! Sorry if you all received this already.....
Grace
Christi
Morgan
akharkev
Jessica
Jill


The rules:

link to the person who tagged you.
post the rules on your blog.
write six random things about yourself.
tag six people at the end of your post.
let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1/2 of a Half

Last night I ran 6 of the best miles ever! I felt great, didn't stop and completed without feeling crazy sick or anything! It was one of those runs that make you feel really great about everything in life! The trail is really nice, but it can seem like a bit of a mind f@#$ck if you're not used to it. The first time I ran it I had no concept of mileage or time (now I wear my Garmin) which can be a little freaky.

It occurred to me during the run that I really am a runner, no doubt about it! I have finally fallen in love with the whole act...the rituals...the scenery. This is borderline cheesy, but I completely feel blessed that I have been able to embrace running. A lot of really great people and experiences have come into my life because of it.

Still keeping up with my goals for the week....off to Point O' Woods for 4th of July fireworks (on the 3rd).

Bethpage!

Last night was the Bethpage State Park run. It was pretty hilly but I still managed to run straight 11 minute miles, which although is not great, is good enough! I took most of last week off due to the bum knee, but I am feeling much better and have a 6 mile run scheduled on Weds in the Babylon trail. I am going to take a few friends through it who have never ran it before. Should be fun and a great way to get a long run in. I keep forgetting that I am running a half in Sept! As far as the push up challenge goes, I am a total slacker, haven't started it yet. I have also been really lax on the gym, the only good thing is that I am down 16lbs and am holding steady on the ol' food plan.

I figured I'd post my schedule for the week, that way I am accountable and stuff..
Tue: off
Weds: 6 mile trail run
Thurs: off or possibly hitting the gym for weights in the morning
Fri: 3 or 4 mile run
Sat: Run with the club, not sure of the miles
Sun: Firecracker run, probably running, def. volunteering