Just do it!

I like to run. Somedays I love running. But then there are the days I hate running. Yep, I said it. I have days where I HATE running. Some people may think it's easy for me to get out there and run. But I struggle with it almost every time I do it. I have an inner struggle with it; whether I'm too tired, it's too cold, it's too dark, it's too lonely, I'm too sore, I have a million loads of laundry to do, I haven't seen my husband all day, on and on and on. BUT when I finally get over those feelings and just get it done I feel amazing. The endorphins kick in and I wonder what my bad attitude was all about. I've consistently run for the past 10 years (except when pregnant and post pregnancy) whether I went out and did 2 laps around the block or 120 minutes on a treadmill or a 12 mile run. I've run in multiple 10k races, 5k's, 2 half marathons, and I'm going on my 4th Ragnar Relay. Some people wonder why or how I do it. I'll tell you a few of my secrets to my motivation: good music turned up all the way so I can't hear myself breathing ridiculously hard (I'll make a post someday with some of my favorites), signing up for a race (the commitment is a huge driving force; I don't want anyone to have to peel my butt off the road), and a little ibuprofen (3 to be exact...about a 1/2 hour to an hour before my run or race). Last Saturday I ran 3 miles at a 8 1/2 to 9 min. pace and then another 3 miles at a 10 min. pace. And that included part of Hasayampa hills-if you've ever run the Whiskey Row race you'll know those are not easy. Not too shabby for not training as hard as I'd like to (with the holidays, cold weather, and multiple commitments it's hard to find the time....EXCUSES, EXCUSES). So if you're thinking about taking up a bit of running go ahead and sign up for a race You don't need to be fast. You don't need any type of special gear. You don't need to be a "runner." So what are you waiting for.... JUST DO IT!