Running gives freedom. When you run you can determine your own tempo. You can choose your own course and think whatever you want. Nobody tells you what to do.
-Nina Kuscik, marathoner
This is so incredibly true. When I first started running, I did it as a step up from walking. Now I do it to be by myself, clear my head, blow off steam, let the day go, etc. I go at my pace that is comfortable to me. I may try to keep up with others or run faster on any given day, but it's because I choose to, not because someone else is forcing me. I run for me and my health. It's very cathartic for me and it is the very first thing I want to do when I get upset. I want to put on my gear, tie up my laces, and hit the open road.
I run races for the fun of things and to try to improve my personal records. I don't try to compete with anyone else. Sure, it would be nice to place in my age group here and there, but that's not what's important to me. What's important to me in a race, is setting a goal (ie. personal record, cross the finish line, have fun) and fulfilling that goal. I have a slew of races throughout the rest of the year (thank you Atlanta Track Club and Active.com Advantage for all of the free entries) and I will use those to set goals, to train for my upcoming half marathon (Silver Comet Half- if you want a good first half marathon or a flat course, this one is supposed to be GREAT), and to grow as a runner.
Let's fast forward a few weeks. I started this post a few weeks ago and didn't finish. As an update, I DID finally place in my age group!!! I ran the RunningNerd ATL 20K (yes, that's 12.4 miles) on September 2 and even though there were only 9 of us in my age group, I placed 3rd with a time of about an hour and 48 minutes. I don't remember the exact time though.
I'd like to place in a bigger race one day, but as mentioned above, that's not what's important to me about running. I just want to improve my personal times and keep pushing forward. Sometimes pushing through the pain is hard. Countless long runs have given me sores and blisters on my feet, even had a toenail come off once (think Peachtree Road Race '12) but I kept pushing. I love setting my own path and determining the distance. There's no one out there to tell me I can't do it; it's all up to me. My training goals have kept me going and I will push this 27 year old body as far as it will let me for as long as it will let me (within reason obviously). Running is what I do when I want to escape. I never ever thought I would become a runner and I cherish the day I ran that first half mile home under the twinkling stars of twilight.
Until the next I lace up (maybe tonight but probably tomorrow), happy reading!
xoxo,
Britt!
Let's fast forward a few weeks. I started this post a few weeks ago and didn't finish. As an update, I DID finally place in my age group!!! I ran the RunningNerd ATL 20K (yes, that's 12.4 miles) on September 2 and even though there were only 9 of us in my age group, I placed 3rd with a time of about an hour and 48 minutes. I don't remember the exact time though.
 |
| ATL 20K Finisher's Pic |
I'd like to place in a bigger race one day, but as mentioned above, that's not what's important to me about running. I just want to improve my personal times and keep pushing forward. Sometimes pushing through the pain is hard. Countless long runs have given me sores and blisters on my feet, even had a toenail come off once (think Peachtree Road Race '12) but I kept pushing. I love setting my own path and determining the distance. There's no one out there to tell me I can't do it; it's all up to me. My training goals have kept me going and I will push this 27 year old body as far as it will let me for as long as it will let me (within reason obviously). Running is what I do when I want to escape. I never ever thought I would become a runner and I cherish the day I ran that first half mile home under the twinkling stars of twilight.
Until the next I lace up (maybe tonight but probably tomorrow), happy reading!
xoxo,
Britt!
