WHY Do YOU Run?

I'm supposedly training for two half marathons coming up pretty soon (May 13th - Delaware Running Festival and 6/2 Virginia Wine Country).  But I really am such a slug. I am so not motivated to be following any type of plan.  I run when I want and for however long I want. My biggest motivation is when I run with the training group at the store but I don't get to do that as much as I would like.  I am finding I am running a lot more by myself these days than I used too.  Kind of sad but I guess a reality that I must come to grips with!  Another topic for another day is loneliness and how to cope with that (stay tuned)

May 13th is going to be a real eye opener as to what happens.  Yikes I'm a little scared and thoughts of setting a new PR are probably not going to happen.

Wondering where the motivation has gone.  I think about running -- all the time.  But when the alarm goes off at 5:45 I just can't do it.  I'm getting 3 runs in a week but I think I really need to push the mileage up and add a day.  Its getting close to D-Day -- am I going to do it or is it too late?

Now I am thinking I'll shoot for my PR on June 2nd when I run the Virginia Wine Country Half.  But... wow it can be hot then.  And yes there might be some hills.  And I might drink too much wine on Friday night.  So do I run for a PR or do I just enjoy the moment?  I love to run and have always run because of the people I run with.  If I start taking my training too seriously am I still going to like running?

So JUST WHY DO YOU RUN? 

Here is my list:

• To talk -- sometimes I am the only one talking (oh maybe this might mean I'm not training hard enough)
• To think -- I used to run with headphones... since separating from my husband I've put them away and use this time to think. And I think ... a lot when I do run by myself.  I am considering to start wearing them on one run a week just to add a little spice.  What's on your IPOD?
• So I can EAT!  --YEP I really like eating.  I eat pretty good most of the time but I do like to treat myself.  I can say I have not been on a scale in over a year so I must be doing something right!
• To FEEL GOOD!  -- oh yes my day goes so much better if I do make it out the door in the morning. 
• To LOOK Good! -- I will admit I never knew I had this body in me.  I feel and look good so I keep running.  I don't like the way I used to look before running!
• Cause I can -- someday I may not be able to run.  So I run today because I never know what the next day may bring. 

Leave me a comment why you run -- sorry no contest or give-away just motivation for the rest of us ... o.k. the other two people who actually read this blog!  Someday you never know who will read this?
This is enough motivation to run.  I don't need to PR in my races.  I just want to have fun and inspire those in my life to be healthy too.  Some day I am holding out hope my kids will run a 5k with me. 

After writing this blog last night ... I got up this morning and ran 11.5 miles this morning and I signed up for my first MARATHON.  So ... now I have to run!

Compression Socks

Its been awhile since I last posted cause I have been thinking of topics to write about that other people might find interesting.  I have so many thoughts but enough thinking... nobody will read what I don't write so its time to just write.  Again everything is a work in process and bound to get better as we learn.  So I am always open to suggestions or comments of what I can do to make this blog better. 

Today lets talk about SOCKS -- well really I mean Compression Socks!
  You know those crazy people you see out on the streets wearing knee socks -- those are actually compression socks.  I never imagined I would be one of those crazy runners ... but I love love my compression socks.  When you wear these socks in the winter nobody really knows you are wearing them.  Once the temperature starts rising though I have to make the decision to keep wearing them or ditch them to avoid the weird looks I get.

Thats me in my bright green compression sleeves -- LOVE THEM!

So, of course I decided to go with the weird looks.  How can you give up the benefit of compression socks just to avoid a few weird looks.  Most of the time, I forget I am even wearing them until I start talking to someone (I know imagine me talking!) and they kind of look at me weird. Then I remember what I am wearing. I get asked a lot what the deal is with my socks -- not sure if they understand but hopefully a few have tried them because they see me wearing them. If you have not tried them -- you really should -- I think you will be surprised how good they feel.

Now, I am not super fast or even fast... but I do still think my recovery from long runs is far shorter because I wear compression socks. 

Yesterday I went on a six mile run which I really did not feel like doing.  My body was achy and I just plain did not want to be out there.  After my run I wore my compression sleeves under my yoga pants all day -- with flip flops.  I woke up today feeling refreshed.  And nobody noticed I was wearing my bright green compression socks from CEP.  So I looked cute and felt good too.

Sometimes I wear them when I run and sometimes I wear them to recover -- if my run is long, like more than 5 miles I usually wear them while running.  If I am tired or feel yuky I might wear them the rest of the day also -- after I have showered -- and usually I put on a clean pair.  But I think find the right balance of when to wear them comes from experience and experimenting.  Everybody is different and might find something works for them that doesn't necessarily work for me. 

A few months ago Runners World had a pretty big article about all the different forms of compression.  I think if you go on their website you might be able to find an archive about it.  It is pretty interesting.  There are some really interesting compression pieces out there.  I have yet to try anything other than socks.  Next winter I might try compression tights.
Yes there are a ton of other benefits you get from compression socks also.  Supposedly your time can benefit from wearing compression socks -- honestly I am not fast enough to worry about shaving a few seconds off my time!  But you can get relief from shin splints, stabilization to ligaments, tendons and joints, reduced muscle strain and a quicker recovery. 

Give them a try or if you are currently wearing them and love them let me know.  I've only tried CEP Compression and have them in Hot Pink and Bright Green both the socks and the sleeves.

Lets Start At the Beginning!

Didn't mean to take so long before writing my next post.

Still trying to figure this all out but can't really use that as an excuse if I don't actually try to figure it all out.

Today's topic! I think I'll just start at the beginning since we kicked off our spring No Boundaries session at Fleet Feet North Wales tonight.

Beginning of what? I guess I'm thinking the beginning of what could be a life changing experience. It was for me and for many of the participants in this awesome program sponsored by NewBalance! RUNNING!

Wow! I am thinking it's only been three years since I started running and it is pretty crazy -- so much has happened in that time!  Good and Bad but running pretty much has saved my life (not in a physical sense but an emotional one!) and is what keeps me going many days. Some days when I run I actually think I can walk faster than I run. I don't do it for speed. I do it for sanity, for friendship and for fun.

Most of my runs are with others. I'm usually the one talking nonstop and whoever I run with usually can't get a word in. But there are times when nobody talks and its ok just to be in the moment and hear our breath and heart beat. I ran just short of 11 miles yesterday -- by myself and no music.  Oh my gosh it was the best run I have ever had -- cleared my mind -- its pretty full these days but never have I ever done that much by myself.  I can not believe I did it.

I love sharing my passion to be a healthier person with others. If that means running a little slower some days I do it with a smile. I'm lucky enough right now to be able to work at Fleet Feet so it's easy to share my story with others. Running your first 5k is huge! Take it slow! Enjoy the journey, don't worry about your speed and have fun! It's only just begun !

Whats up next on the blog!  Not sure but I have some good ideas... stay tuned.  Promise it won't be so long until my next post!