Running, for your mind and body

Here's a little bit not about food. Click away, that's fine. But I want to talk to you about moving your booty. Get out of that chair. Not because you feel guilty, not because someone told you to, not even because you ate that other half of a burrito last night, or because the chocolate cupcakes in the kitchen are screaming your name.

What's that? Why on earth would you exercise for reasons other than guilt or food? Let me tell you.

Because it feels good. 

Because physiologically, you will feel better.

Because at some point in your life, you might get chased by a bear, and wouldn't you rather be able to run from it?

All kidding aside, I finished my first half marathon almost a month ago, and I really think that running has saved my brain.  Some people run with partners, some people have support groups for exercise or take group classes. My runs are me time. It's my chance to kick anyone and everyone out of my space, and just be alone, me, my legs, my running shoes, the pavement.  It's methodical, it's serene on the outside.
It's never not a struggle.
But I can't say this struggle is because the running itself is difficult. It's because of everything it has come to mean to me, and all the daily stress I work through on these runs.
I can't say I'm not guilt-driven.
I can't say I didn't choose to get out of bed this morning and run so that I could have the fro-yo after dinner.

It's all true, I did those things. (Ok, I haven't eaten the fro-yo yet, but I fully intend to)
But starting to read the stories of others, first marathons, forty-first marathons, first 5ks, first workouts, they are all so inspiring.  Every work I read makes me want to run.  I want to see how far I can go, I want to be amazed at the work my body can do when I ask it. I want to marvel at the fact that my legs can carry me 13.1 miles one day, and still let me get out of bed the next day, no matter how hard my head objects.  I love that the body can mimic a warrior, cobra, dog, or eagle in a yoga pose, and then carry the warrior spirit miles and miles from where it started.

It is this inspiration that makes me want to keep running. To push myself, to save myself, to know myself.  I am determined to run my first full marathon next year, and I love to try and improve my times in shorter races, possibly planning some 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathons in there.

I have been blessed with a body that is capable, and I appreciate everything that it can do for me.  I'll take care of you and you take care of me, ok?

Race Time

This morning, I finished my first half marathon ever! 13.1 miles of excitement, fear, pain, sweat, nausea, happiness, success, and joy.  3.1 miles farther than I have ever carried myself on my own two legs.  13.1 miles to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. 13.1 miles for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. Hoping to do a full marathon next year! I don't even know how I am saying that after the way I feel today, and the way my body felt in those last 3 miles today.  But I know I can do it.
I've never been a runner. Sure, I've casually run, but basically only because I really like to eat, so something has to balance that one out...

The sense of accomplishment is amazing. Knowing that I have done something for myself, fought through the stereotypes of what makes a runner,  and pushed myself to be something better than I was before.  I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to participate in this race, and I hope in some way my contribution to this event can help get the medical community closer to a cure for cancer.

Congratulations to all my fellow runners who competed this morning!

I'm hoping to make some Halloween treats this week, to celebrate my success and the lovely month of October. Oh yes. Deliciousness awaits...