day one

Have I mentioned I recently registered for a marathon? If you're counting, this will be number 8. Wahoo! In four months from today, I'll (hopefully) be checking off another state I've run a marathon in. So far, it's 7 marathons and 7 states - we'll see how long I can keep that up!

Today was training day number one. 5 miles? Check.

I've been finding it very hard to find motivation to start and continue training for this race. So I figured, I have this blog and perhaps I should use it for some accountability. Starting today, we'll count up to marathon day, May 29th. I won't post every day, but I'll keep the count going. We've got 113 days until the photo a day countdown.

Along the way there will be mundane training runs, some cross training, perhaps some food pictures, and even a couple of other races. Looking forward to another marathon journey with you!

the ho-hums

The past few days in the Boston area have been grey. We've had rain, cool temps, and cloudy skies. Any my attitude has been much like the weather. Dull, unmotivated, blah. I've got a case of the ho-hums and I just can't shake it.

I've been feeling less than motivated to do any kind of working out, let alone go for a run. I've just got no pickup, no drive, no mo-jo! Monday I worked my way through a T25 with a coworker, Tuesday was actually quite fun - zumba with a friend. And Wednesday, I modified the entire T25 speed workout - with the thought that I'd run 6-8mi in the evening. Well, in the evening it was raining, so I talked myself into folding laundry and watching Netflix...I'm such a pushover.

Last night, I knew I needed to run even if I didn't want to, even if I had to drag myself out there. Which I did. And I pushed myself farther and faster than I wanted to go (6mi at an 8:55pace). I'm glad I did it, but man, it was a bit of a battle.

I'm hoping with a break in the weather will come a break in my mood. Sunday is the Smuttynose Half Marathon - and (hopefully) a sunshine-y day. I am considering tacking on 7mi later in the day to get a daily total of 20...but we'll see what my motivation is like that day!

For now, it's back to work. Ho-hum...at least it's Friday.

where does yours come from

Motivation.  Sometimes I just misplace mine and can't find it.  Truth be told, sometimes I don't look all that hard.  But when I know that I absolutely need to get something done, I try my best to find some.

Take today for example:  I knew I had to run at lunchtime.  I packed all my gear.  But when it came to lunchtime, I didn't want to go.  I knew I wouldn't get a run in tomorrow and there is no time to get one in after work.  So I started looking for motivation. 

Today, I found it on dailymile.com - I've mentioned this website before, it's like Facebook for active people.  I read through a few posts of people I don't know and was motivated to get off my bum and go for a run.  It helped that it was 40deg and sunny today...

Typically, when I don't feel like running I look to other runners for motivation.  Either I'll try to spot some on my way home from work and think, "If they're doing it, I should too."  Or I'll do what I did today and scroll through posts on dailymile.  Or I'll try to find a buddy to join me (which I tried to do today to no avail...).

What motivates you? 

i feel better

Yesterday was my first run in three weeks.  And it felt great!  Well, it felt good...  I was a little slow and getting used to the frigid air will take some time (hello, burning lungs!).  But as I was running I thought about how good it is to do it.  No matter how slow, fast, or in between.  I run because it makes me feel better, in more ways than one.

I feel better mentally.  Running seems to put things in perspective.  When I'm out there, I think a lot.  I pray a lot.  I don't listen to music so depending on the length of the run, I've got lots of time to think through things going on.  No matter how I felt the run went, I'm always in a better mood when I finish.

I feel better physically.  Well, duh. 

I feel better about myself.  I've said before I don't run for anyone else but myself.  There's no one that I'm trying to impress.  But I am pretty pleased with being able to do something on a daily basis (and run crazy distances) that I never thought I could do.

I feel better spiritually.  Sometimes through the routine of my days I don't connect to God the way I want to.  Even by working at a church!  When I'm out running in creation, I can't help but appreciate it and feel more connected to God.

I know running isn't for everyone, but if you've been looking for a way to just plain ol' feel better, give it a try.  Or go for a walk.  Anything to get unplugged, get outside, and get some exercise.  You won't regret it.