Run

Reasons I run and things I’ve learned while running/training

I will get up freakishly early for only four things: 1) a long run with my running buddy  2) race day  3) Army  4) to catch a flight

I love to run

I don’t like to stop running during a route but especially during a race

My phrases at stoplights are “Go!” and “We can make it!”

Cat-calls and car honks are juvenile.  Stop it.

Time to think and pray

Stress relief

Torch those calories

The wind is a friend bringing coolness or a pick-me-up from behind

Suck it up

New running shoes are spectacular

I need turns, none of this 40-mile straight-shot stuff

Easy 3

If the 20-miler goes well, I’m in for a hellava ride come race day

Crossing the finish line will never get old

Trust your training

Gu suddenly tastes amazing

Don’t skip the long run

A great running buddy is very rare; Thank God I found mine

If someone passes you looking like a gazelle, they are definitely on mile 2

Just finish

I need a sign above my head flashing how many miles I’ve already run

Eating fruit during a race is awesome

True friends run with you when you think you can’t go any farther

Hitting “the wall” is basically inevitable; I’ve only not hit it once

Long runs forge friendships

Hearing “I would run…” or “Run for me!” is funny yet sad

You can run a marathon; you have to decide if you want to put in the time and effort or you could pray to God that your athleticism doesn’t fail you

There are four types of fellow runners I pass by:  1) don’t bother me, I’m in the zone  2) don’t bother me, I hurtin’  3) don’t even bother, I’m not going to pay attention to you  4)  Oh, you said hello and I will say hello back

I run whenever -- sunshine, rain, snow, ice, storms, tornadoes

4-mile loops are great

Say “I ran ___ miles” not “I just ran ___ miles” because there’s a big difference to people

After 3 to 4 miles, I’m good to go

For the most part, run it out

Listen to your body

Smile, wave, and say hello to people when you pass by -- it sometimes confuses them

Rest is actually very important

Half marathons are more enjoyable

Casualties like losing a toenail, chafing, or blisters are things you’ve signing up for

Injuries are the bane of my existence

The wind, as resistance, kills

Engage your core

You can walk out your front door and go

Night runs

Sometimes it’s best to not look at your watch

Chocolate milk after a run is bliss

Idiots will throw things at you

You meet some cool people in races

You see some crazies on race day

You overhear funny stuff during races

Running with people comes and goes but my running buddy is a constant

It’s okay to stop

Do not do something out of the ordinary like Zumba on the week of the race

Hydrate

Thank the people who cheer on race days; you need them

Shanghai your friends into coming to cheer you on

My foam roller has become a new best friend

I spit a lot

I think it would be incredible to qualify for Boston

Smile and enjoy the scenery and good weather

I will laugh at you without guilt if you’re running outside at the hottest time of day

I seriously dislike treadmills

Cold/Cool weather is the best

Time to think

Me time

Being healthy

Breathe in with your nose and out with your mouth

My shirt becomes a giant snot rag; I am not ashamed

Do not touch me after a race or super long run; I am disgusting

Being active

Running before a storm is a fav

Good conversations

Memories

Running because others can’t; I am fortunate and grateful

Perseverance

Pooping before a race is a good sign

The finisher medals keep getting bigger

Not giving you a finishers shirt should be a crime

Diligence

Time-management

Being outside

Hearing people say, “Why are you running so fast?  No one is chasing you!” or the like is funny

The signs people make for races are quite humorous sometimes

Never do I ever want to hear “you’re almost done” or a phrase to that effect when I’m running a marathon of 26.2 miles and I’m on any mile but 26.1

You need support

Alimentos es muy importante

I need someone to talk with me to take my mind off what hurts

More people should cheer between miles 20 and 26

Each race and run is different

It is a passion to enjoy and cultivate and to share and encourage others in

I was told that you either love or hate marathons.  I love them.  I caught the bug a few years ago, and I don’t know when it will leave.  I built my way up to them, so I haven’t always run or run long distance and have completed 5 so far.  At the end of almost every one, I think that it’s possible the last.  They may become fewer and farther between until their non-existent, mainly due to the time it takes to train, but for now I’ll keep going.  Even if marathon running ends, I will not stop running for all the reasons and lessons learned listed above and more.