Hi running pals! Long time no see! Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping up with my training much better than I’ve been keeping up with my blog! 
Since my last post, lots of important milestones have come and gone. I’ve run 5 miles straight, then 7 miles, then 9 miles. I’ve run in two races, one that could even be considered a trail run (and if you know anything about me, you know how hilarious that is). I’ve experienced an array of climates, from brutally hot to torrential downpours. I’ve even completed Jenni’s killer hills workout without crying.
I've run two races so far - Hollydays 5K & Cane Field Classic - both great experiences! TOP: Shopping & socializing after Hollydays. BOTTOM: Tough race & muddy shoes, but a great feeling finishing the Cane Field Classic 4-miler
The funny thing is, I set out to write this blog to help keep me accountable for my running. I knew that without a firm commitment like this, I would probably bail out. Now it seems that my running keeps me accountable for my blog. It’s easy to make it out to the runs and stay motivated in a group like this, and now they are the ones that have to encourage me to update my blog more often!
In other words, I think I’m officially hooked on running.
I can understand now how people say that running is addictive. Even more so, I think it’s therapeutic. I’ve been pretty faithful to my weekly runs, but last week, life got in the way and I missed a couple runs. I immediately noticed a change in my attitude, and I swear, even in my immune system. I was moody, tired, and generally run down. I felt like I was getting sick, so I decided not to risk it and skipped the Saturday run. Monday, I was determined to run, but when I got out there, the sky fell. It was pouring rain, lightening, dark and cold, so again, I decided not to risk it. I had come too far and trained too hard to jeopardize my half marathon now because of a stupid cold. By Tuesday, I felt like I just had to run, so I headed out to the Happy’s run. I realized how close-knit the running community here really is when I noticed that I actually knew a few people there. I had a great run, and it seemed like I was instantly cured of the week’s ailments. Maybe I wasn’t getting sick after all – maybe my body had just gotten to the point that it craves running now. I never thought I could be that girl – the one that just has to exercise to feel good – but it seems like I am becoming just that… and that’s not a bad thing at all.
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So tell me, how has running become your medicine? Whether it’s physical, mental or emotional, how is running therapeutic in your life?
Tags: 5k, addictive, Cane Field Classic, Happy's, Hollydays 5k, medicine, races, sick, therapy, training
Before 2010 I never ran more than 1 minute in my LIFE. hard to believe i ran a half marathon in September. I tell you that has made me feel invincible. I have taken a few weeks off to recover from injuries, my husband thinks i am crazy but i truly enjoy the feeling of accomplishment i get after a run. How amazing i feel each time i run longer than i did before. I don’t love running, i think it’s the pushing your body to the limit that keeps me coming back for more.