Celebrating National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!

A little background on my running story:

Back in 2007, the year I graduated from college, I felt like I needed a new goal in my life. My full-time job wasn’t very fulfilling and I was used to having a lot on my plate in college thanks to internships (remember when I drove the Shamumobile!?), classes, meetings and events related to the clubs I was involved in on campus.

I felt like I needed a new challenge in my life, so I registered for a 5K, wondering whether or not I’d be able to run the whole thing. When I crossed the finish line that day, I couldn’t get over how much I loved the experience. Running 3.1 miles surrounded by people who shared a similar goal was a lot of fun.

After searching for more races when I arrived home, I stumbled upon a half marathon at the end of December and knew that was the goal I had been looking for ever since I graduated. I immediately registered, thoroughly intimidated at the thought of running 13.1 miles, but determined to train properly and run the whole thing. I followed Hal Higdon’s novice training plan and earned my medal. It was the best feeling!

I think it’s so easy to see someone running outside or on a treadmill at the gym and think they’ve been doing it their whole life. That they were born a runner. Running may come naturally to some, but it has always been hard for me. If you have the desire to run a race but you’ve never run before, know that you can do it (assuming you have no serious injuries). Find a quality training plan (I love Hal Higdon’s novice plans for all distances), set a realistic goal and do it! There’s no better feeling than crossing the finish line at a race you never thought you would have the ability to run. Believe me, I’ve been there! If you’re just starting out, definitely check out the Couch to 5K program. And if you have no desire to run, have fun with the kind of exercise you do enjoy and disregard this little running pep talk! I got carried away in the National Running Day magic!

Some past running-related blog posts:

• How To Find Races
• So You Want to Run a Half Marathon
• Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill
• Running With Your Dog
• My Half Marathon Reflections
• Race Recaps

And running playlists to keep you going:

ZOOMA Half Marathon Playlist

Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Playlist

Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Playlist

Workout

I worked a short shift from 5 – 9 a.m. today and trained one client before it was time for me to tackle my own workout for the day.

My workout began with a 20-minute run. How appropriate! I followed Monday’s 20-minute treadmill interval workout and once I completed just over 2 miles, I hopped off and walked into the gym for a boot camp class.

Since I enjoyed the class so much last Wednesday, I was really looking forward to it again today. It was challenging and fast-paced. Loved it!

Lunch

Once I was done at the gym, I came home and immediately made myself a protein smoothie.

Looks gross, tastes great!

Into the blender went:

• Frozen strawberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp. dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp. peanut butter
• Fresh spinach

It’s officially smoothie season in Florida!

Question of the Afternoon

• If you’re a runner, when did you first get into running? What is your all-time favorite race?
• If you’re not a runner, is there a race you’d like to run in the future?

Running a marathon is on my fitness bucket list. I’d love to do one at some point. Some point waaay in the future.