I want to...

... be a runner!

So this summer, I "ran" 10 5Ks.  That running mostly consisted of running a little bit and walking most of the way.  So for some reason about a month ago I decided that I wanted to be a runner, for no particular reason.  So I downloaded an app for my phone, Nike+.  It has a great online component where it allows you to track your runs and do a "coach" program that helps you train for a variety of distances.  My goal was to be able to run the entire 5K no walking, no stopping, just running.

I started out pretty well, following the program and keeping up to speed with the runs.  Then I got some terrible shin splints about 2 weeks in.  In the past when something would go wrong, like terribly painful shin splints, I would quit.  This time I was determined to keep going, so I went to SL Running Company and got some inserts for my shoes.  I think they are helping, but I am stubbornly refusing to take a WEEK of to let my shins heal.

So far I've run 58 miles and I've got 40 more miles to go for this month, so by October 31 I will be at 98 miles.  That's the most I have ever run in my 25 years of life, but I am so excited about it!  I never used to get that"runners high" after I was done running and never could find a rhythm where I felt I could run forever, but I have found both of those in the last month!

It may sound silly but I love the reinforcement that my app gives me!  I like that when I finish running it tells me that I did a good job, or when I reach a new mile-stone I get a new color.  It keeps track of how fast I've run various distances, and that is so motivating!  Of course the numbers going down on the scale is also a good motivator, but for me this issn't about losing weight, its about being a new person!  It's about being a runner!