I often get asked "Why do you run?". Good question...without one easy answer. So...I have decided to give 10 good reasons why I run...
#10- Because there ARE people chasing me...they are called the COMPETITION!
#9- Because I am (almost) 42 and I can!
#8- Because there are so many cute running outfits to buy!!!
#7- Because it doesn't matter whether I come in first, last, or in the middle...I HAVE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE!!!
#6- Because running makes me push myself farther than I thought that I could go!
#5- Because it gives me a reason to travel with my friends!
#4- Because it makes me a nicer person!
#3- Because I want to teach, by example, these 2 sweet girls that GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING THEY WANT TO DO!
#2- Because I want to be around to celebrate many more wedding anniversaries with this guy!
#1- Because my Father has blessed me with the ability to run...I want to make Him proud!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Why I Run...
Labels:
10K,
5K,
athlete,
exercise,
favorite things,
friends,
friendship,
goals,
God,
Half Marathon,
love,
marriage,
perspective,
postive actions,
relationships,
running,
traveling
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Well...that's new!
Today there was a triathlon at the university in my town. It consisted of a 400 yd. swim, 10 mile bike ride, and a 5K run. I participated in this same race last year. So, basically, been there, done that, no problem, right?
Here's where the weirdness starts: Weirdness #1...I woke up this morning and did not want to do this race AT ALL! I have never not wanted to participate in a race. So, all morning, I was trying to psyche myself up to do this thing. Weirdness #2...Normally, I have so much adrenaline right before a race, that "nervous energy" that gets me started. This morning-NOTHING, NADA, ZIPPO...total flatline! Weirdness #3...THIS IS THE BIG ONE! I started the swim, and QUIT after 2 laps. Yup, you are reading this right...I QUIT!!! I simply could NOT continue! I climbed out of the water and did the "walk of shame" to my husband and my daughters!!!
Here's the good part: I told my hubby what happened (which was basically, that I had freaked out in the water and couldn't breathe). He said "Well, what do you want to do?" I had a choice to make. I could just hang out and root my sweet friend Mary on...or I could get back in there!
I decided to get back in there! Luckily, the race company started my time all over, and I completed the race! I have to give the credit to my wonderful God who gently said "I will be with you" and "I will not leave you".
So, I could give you my multitude of excuses...
...the truth of the matter is that I just had an "off" race day! As a "recovery perfectionist/overachiever", that is REALLY hard to accept. I have extremely high expectations of myself. I felt like I had let myself down...that I didn't do my best. I had a HUGE helping of humble pie today...and it didn't taste too good! However, now I realize, I DID do my best...I did my best for TODAY'S race. Hopefully, the next race will be different!
*Added plus- my daughters were able to see their mom struggling through a tough decision. Without using my words, just my actions, I hope that I taught them a very valuable lesson today!
In case you were wondering, my original goal was 1:15. Last year's time was 1:21. I finished this year in 1:19...2 minutes less that last year! I'll take it!
Here's where the weirdness starts: Weirdness #1...I woke up this morning and did not want to do this race AT ALL! I have never not wanted to participate in a race. So, all morning, I was trying to psyche myself up to do this thing. Weirdness #2...Normally, I have so much adrenaline right before a race, that "nervous energy" that gets me started. This morning-NOTHING, NADA, ZIPPO...total flatline! Weirdness #3...THIS IS THE BIG ONE! I started the swim, and QUIT after 2 laps. Yup, you are reading this right...I QUIT!!! I simply could NOT continue! I climbed out of the water and did the "walk of shame" to my husband and my daughters!!!
Here's the good part: I told my hubby what happened (which was basically, that I had freaked out in the water and couldn't breathe). He said "Well, what do you want to do?" I had a choice to make. I could just hang out and root my sweet friend Mary on...or I could get back in there!
I decided to get back in there! Luckily, the race company started my time all over, and I completed the race! I have to give the credit to my wonderful God who gently said "I will be with you" and "I will not leave you".
So, I could give you my multitude of excuses...
...the truth of the matter is that I just had an "off" race day! As a "recovery perfectionist/overachiever", that is REALLY hard to accept. I have extremely high expectations of myself. I felt like I had let myself down...that I didn't do my best. I had a HUGE helping of humble pie today...and it didn't taste too good! However, now I realize, I DID do my best...I did my best for TODAY'S race. Hopefully, the next race will be different!
*Added plus- my daughters were able to see their mom struggling through a tough decision. Without using my words, just my actions, I hope that I taught them a very valuable lesson today!
In case you were wondering, my original goal was 1:15. Last year's time was 1:21. I finished this year in 1:19...2 minutes less that last year! I'll take it!
Labels:
bike racing,
biking,
race,
running,
swimming,
triathalon
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