I Run

I am on a blogging roll this week- Watch out!!  This blog isn't going to be about Thatcher so if you want to quit reading it now I am okay with that.  It has been awhile since I posted anything running related. So here we go...I was on the phone the other day with one of my good insureds and she mentioned that she has seen me out running a lot.  ( You know she is a good insured if she knows me when I am not behind my desk!) She was like how much are you running girl? I see you all over town. It occurred to me at that very moment that I am "that guy".  Those of you in Kearney may know who I am taking about.  The guy that would run without his shirt on and a bandanna on his head - running all over town in his tan glory- while what he thought was his tan glory.  I would see him in the morning and then like two hours later see him again.  I remember in my non running mind- "good Lord how much is that guy running- what a weirdo- he has problems".  Guess what? I am that guy now!!!  So frightening to be in the same thought as that guy. Let me tell you when you are training there is no way to avoid it- when you have to put on 25 + miles a week that is covering a lot of Kearney considering that end to end the town is probably only 6 miles long. 
Some people are in shock that I run as much as I do, or they don't get why I do  it, or why I enjoy it. - I get it because most of those asking questions are non runners and I have been that person wondering that same thing about Mr. Tan Runner and as snotty as this may sound if you don't like to run you might not ever get it. I will say I don't run as near as much as some people that are "really serious" about running but I think I can hold my own.
I am going to do my best to explain why I Run. I started running because I no longer want to look like this and I knew running was a major workout:

( The sad thing about this outfit is I thought I looked good that day- I loved that shirt and the capri's.)

I started running using the Coach to 5k Program ( you can Google it - is it pretty common). When I ran my first 5k I had no idea what PR stood for (personal record for you non runners), how to put my bib on, what to wear, when to line up, how to pace myself.  I knew nothing other than I didn't want to embarrass myself that day-and to not finish last.  I will never forget the feeling finishing that 5k.  I felt like I had accomplished something major in my life- the high was indescribable.  I remember calling my sister and being so proud of myself for running the whole 3 miles.  You would have thought I just got done running 50 miles from the big production I was making out it.  I have no idea why I decided to run a half marathon that next spring but I did and it scared the crap out of me the first time I did it.  I thought I was going to die, I thought who would ever run this far, and that they moved the 11 mile marker back like 3 miles because I swore that was not right ( I still think that to this day ). One race just turns into another for me.  I feel the need to train for something and the constant need to set a goal.

Jump forward to 2010- this year I have trained for 3 half marathons, ran over 100 miles in the month of November, I strive to beat my PR every time I run a half marathon, I have a Garmin GPS watch to track all my numbers and I never run without it, I read runnersworld.com every day, have learned the purpose of ice baths (brr), and a foam roller.  I run through rain, snow, and wind.  I run in the morning before most people think of getting out of bed, I run for my sanity, I run because it comes in barely behind my family as my number #1 priority.  I might put my family time first but I guarantee you if I can find time in the day to slip out for a run I will even if that means getting up at 4:45.  I run because I am constantly in search of that next PR and the high that comes with finishing every race.  I also run so that I can generally eat whatever I want- that is a nice added bonus :)
So there is my lengthy explanation about why I ran for those of you who think I am crazy for doing what I do.  I also don't think you want to know the non running Carrie - just ask Mike what I am like to be around when I can't get a run in; it is not pleasant.  Running makes me a better spouse, a better mother, and a better person to be around in general.  Hey, maybe after reading this some of you might decide to lace up your shoes and join me.  I could always use someone to talk to when I am out and about.  I look kind of weird talking to myself.