More Than a Feeling

Que the cheesy Boston music. 

I'm about to step outside to go on a long run. 

How long will it be?

I don't know kids, I don't know. 

I've been stressing out about my mileage lately because I'm wanting to push past 10k distance and into half marathon distance. I'm aspiring to run one or two over the summer. 

And while taking mileage into consideration is crucial, I think I may be worrying too much.

So today I'm trying not to plan out an exact distance, I'm going to run long and enjoy myself. 

Why? Because that's why I'm a runner. 

Races are fun, and so is setting a new PR. But you can't do those two things everyday. 

It takes more than a competitive streak to love running. 

You have to love the feeling of your feet hitting the ground.

Love the rhythm of your stride. 

Love that moment of silent serenity that only a long, musicless run can provide. 

So I'm heading out the door without much expectation.

I'm heading out as a runner who just wants to have fun.

Run long, my friends. 

=)

Golden Hammer

GOOD NEWS! I finally found my camera, so I'm now posting my race from two weeks ago. More posts about recent races to come (unfortunately no photos).

How did I love the race? 

Oh let me count the ways. 

Getting excited for the race!

Well, I suppose I'll focus on the negative before moving onto the highlights. It was hot and cloudless with little to no wind, which was a bit of a bummer. But oh well.The route wasn't exceedingly beautiful either, but it worked.

Bonding with the race mascot.

Now onto the good parts.

Pumping up the intensity!

I took a minute off of my time! Really I started out going too fast, but I refused to let myself walk and ran through the discomfort and, well, pain. I realized that I was going to fast when I hit my first mile in 8 minutes and was running amongst all 40 year old males. Uh oh. 

Running with the men folk.

But I kept going even though my lunch kept threatening to make it's own debut at the race.

Pushing through barriers.

The best part? I won my age bracket! I know that my time wouldn't have won me squat in most races, but the race was a smaller one and I was proud regardless. Since it was a 'Habitat Hustle' my medal was a golden hammer. My sister and I kept saying "Stop! Hammer Time".

Finishing with a PR!

So all in all it was a fun race and a weekend that I can be proud of. 

=)