Why I run

2007, Columbus Marathon Finisher

2011, Columbus Marathon (C) and  1/2 Marathon (S)

This morning I put in 4 miles before 8am on a Saturday and some would say that's crazy :)  So, I thought I would take a few minutes and discuss why I run (and workout, for that matter).

1. Stress relief.  Nothing like a great run/bike ride/swim or workout class to bust some stress!  My schedule can get pretty busy and that makes me stressed.  When that happens, I try to make sure I'm getting at least 4 workouts a week to keep me balanced and sane.  Those endorphin's always make me feel better afterwards.

2. Time to think.  Most of the time, I run alone.  Sometimes C or a friend join me but it's hard to find people who want to get up and be running before 6am.  I spend my running time thinking, praying, meditating, being thankful and planning my day.  Needless to say, I don't get bored even though I usually run the same routes.

3. Being unplugged.  Working out is one of the few times that I don't have my phone and am not accessible...and I love it!   I check my emails first thing in the morning and the last thing before I climb into bed.   Don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone/computer/iPad and my job but sometimes it's nice to not be available.

4. Being able to eat.  If you read this blog, then you know we love food and I love to cook.  Working out allows me to do more of both!  I try to cook healthy, nutritious meals but I've inherited a deep love of chocolate from my mother (must have it every day) and working out allows me to enjoy dessert without feeling guilty.

5. Health benefits.  I've got great cholesterol, blood pressure and energy levels from consistently working out (I'm aware that genetics play a part as well).  And I rarely have issues sleeping, like I'm out the minute my head hits the pillow...ask my husband.

I believe in a balanced approach to working out and keep my workouts mixed up so I don't get bored.  When I feel like I'm in a rut, I try something new or sign up for a race so I have a goal.  Here are few of my current favorites:

Spinning-1 time per week
Running (obviously)-4 times per week
Body Pump class (I need someone to force me to lift weights)-2 times per week
Hot Yoga-1 time per week
Walking the dogs-daily
Bike rides with C-weekends when the weather is nice

What are some of your favorite workouts?  What motivates you to lace up the sneakers?  
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Father and Son complete Iron Man

Have you seen this video?  A father and son complete the Ironman, it is truly amazing and so inspiring and is worth a few minutes to watch!  

A Son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes". They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons. The father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his fater, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together."

To which, his father said "Yes".

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together!

Thanks Brittany for sharing!

Life

I found this Nike quote on another blog I read, Nutrition Nut on the Run and thought it was a powerful message worth sharing. 

Life-A Manifesto

I found this online and it really spoke to me so I thought I would share :)

Look at yourself after watching this

Having a hard day? Maybe things are going the way you planned? Watch this video, No Arms No Legs No Worries featuring Nick Vujicic to gain some perspective and BE THANKFUL. I know that I am.