Running as therapy

Exercise-induced happiness fights anger, sadness, and anxiety. Just read the numerous studies out there that have shown that exercise stimulates the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and beta-endorphin. It's easy to see how the body takes care of itself through exercise. I knew these facts before I became a runner. What I didn't realize was that in this state, it is more likely that the person running will disclose and deal with his/her thoughts and feelings that might not otherwise be dealt with.

I'm not bringing this up simply because some article says it, I've experienced this phenomenon for myself. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was out for a run and lost it--completely fell apart and cried like a baby the whole walk home. Having just lost my father-in-law and cousin that week, I needed a good run to clear my head. It started out happy and strong. At mile 2 I ran past a pregnant woman who was out for a jog herself. The weight of my loss last year combined with the recent deaths came crashing down on me. When I got to mile 4 I could no longer repress those feelings, so I stopped running and dealt with the grief. (My sincerest apologies to the gentleman walking his dog who had to observe my meltdown.)

If you've never given running a chance, I highly recommend it for both your physical health and mental health. Take a friend with you if you feel like venting out loud--you'll be surprised at the bond you'll form with each other.

dailymile

**Disclaimer: I am not being paid a single penny for this post. However, if dailymile decides that I am spectacular and they want to buy me a car or a house or something, I will kindly accept it. Mostly I just wanted to share my thoughts on their website with you.**


In April, a friend of mine talked me into logging my running via a social training log called dailymile. At first I resisted because, frankly, who needs to remember another password? But when I went to their website, I saw that I could log in with facebook. And it would automatically post my updates to facebook if I wanted it to.

The thing that sucked me in was the community. You quickly find others in your area who are working on similar fitness goals, and they really encourage you in your training. Think of it as a virtual pat on the back.

I also have to confess that the nerd in me loves seeing my stats. For instance, I ran/walked 42 miles in the month of July. The farthest run was 6.03 miles. The fastest pace was 9 min 16 secs. Since April I've logged 113 miles, which is the equivalent of burning off about 90 donuts!!!

Now the only thing that dailymile is missing is a kickbutt iPhone app. Maybe we could all sign a petition...Anyway, my point is that I really love dailymile. So much that I put a widget on this blog. The end.

5k FTW!

Yesterday I ran the Williamson County 5k. Since it was the inaugural race for the Williamson County Fair, only 65 participants competed and I managed to place 2nd in the Female 20-29 Division. It was really nice to win something. My 2 year old kept saying "A trophy Mom! You have a trophy!"

Despite the crazy heat from the previous week, it was actually a very cool morning with a light breeze. Absolutely PERFECT running weather. A sweet friend and motivator from church (see Kerry below) came with a coworker to walk the race. These positively adorable gals have convinced me to run the Apple Festival 5k next month.


There were other wonderful surprises at this event too. My Uncle Jerry came to run the 5k. It was his very first race. I am so proud of him and will try to convince him to run another soon. :-)

At each mile of the race there were water stations manned by volunteers from the Third Baptist Church of Marion. I refused the water at Mile 1, planning to get some water at Mile 2. Imagine my surprise at Mile 2 when I hear a familiar, "Heyyyyyyy!" and I look up to see my cousin Brett and his beautiful wife Amy holding out a cup for me.

(This is my Uncle Jerry on the left, and my cousin-in-law Amy on the right.)

It was a great day. My husband and I celebrated our 6th anniversary, had a beautiful morning at the race, and ordered matching iPhone 4's in the afternoon. How much more romantic can you get? ;-)

Training, training, training.

According to the Cannonball Run website:

"The Greensboro Cannonball Run will be a 13.1 mile course with the Start/Finish located at Greensboro Country Park. The event will include something for everyone!"

Isn't that annoyingly chipper? Or is it just me, since I'm facing the daunting task of running 13.1 miles? Ok, just checking. (Did I mention that I registered for this half marathon? Well, I registered for this half marathon. Now you know.)

Training is going pretty well...except for the whole blisters on my feet thing. Yes, cotton socks ARE satanic and, yes, I've finally dished out the cash for some good running socks. And the getting up early thing hasn't been a cakewalk. I'm officially done with Physical Therapy appointments, but continuing the exercises on my own. My body feels so much stronger now!

In addition, I joined the River to River Running Club. This morning I ran with a very nice couple who are both members of the club. Next week I'm planning to run with some ladies on my usual route. It's so encouraging to have others around you who are just as insane as you are. Really, it makes me feel much better about my commitment to torture my lungs. :-)

Just in case you are wondering, the picture above is actually last year's Cannonball Run. You'll have to wait until at least October 16th to see this year's race, with me somewhere near the back of the photo. You're welcome.

The Jogging Mommy

Hey all! I promise that I am returning from my blogging hiatus very soon...but before I do, check out a cute story I found by another Mommy blogger. Enjoy!

But what if you get there and you can?

Admittedly, I don't follow the tv show "The Biggest Loser" but thoroughly enjoy watching the season finale episodes. While watching the opening to this season's finale, there was a small clip that caught my attention. A mother daughter team is sitting together talking on camera and the very obese daughter says "But what if I get there and I can't do it, Mama?" to which her mother replies "But what if you get there and you can?"

This is a powerful example for so many of us to change our way of thinking. My self-destructive habit is to be like the daughter. I often feel or tell myself that I can't run. Training for a 5k pushed me way out of my comfort zone and now training for a half marathon feels impossible. I keep thinking "What if I can't? What if I try and fail?" To get past this to victory I often have to rely on the encouragement and will power of others who speak to me (through words or actions) "What if you can?"

A simple thank you isn't adequate enough for everyone who is helping me in this journey. And it can't be stated enough, that whatever challenges you are facing, you can do it too. Go for it!

National Running Day

Happy National Running Day everyone! I must confess that I did not know such a holiday even existed until this morning. Disappointingly, I ran yesterday so today is my rest day. To celebrate this day there are a few things I am doing today.

1) Printing out, filling out, then mailing my application to join the River to River Runners group. Hopefully I'll connect with other runners so we can motivate each other.

2) Making a running plan that will take effect the very minute the physical therapist clears me to start training for a half marathon.

3) Sharing with you my first running experience that I had after moving to Carterville.
I put James in the jogging stroller and convinced myself that it was time to get back in the running groove. Feeling less-than-confident, I pushed the stroller down Greenbriar Rd simply because it has a decent sidewalk and it leads to the park. It was St. Patricks day, and unbeknownst to me, a man in his 70's wearing a green "I'm Irish" t-shirt was sitting on his front porch. As I jog past him he yells encouragement to me, "Go mama go!!!" A huge smile spread across my face and I craned my neck to find the person who was rooting for me. I yell "Thanks!" and he yells back "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" as I continue on my journey to the park. My eyes welled up just a bit and I will always fondly remember that kindness from a stranger, the right words at the right time that lifted my spirits.

Now go out and celebrate today with a run or a walk!