I rock at randomness

Too bad randomness doesn't have any usefulness that I know of; I could rock it (whatever "it" may be). 

• Note to self: even though you are attracted to a good deal, do not buy any more 99-cent Kindle books. It is super frustrating to have the main character’s name change from “Sidney” to “Sydney” repeatedly. 
• I recently started a boot camp, and I was so nervous before I started. Of course, as soon as I got there and started doing it, I fell in love. Although I do fear sneezes now … holy pain in the abs! 
• I also recently became addicted to grapefruit sparkling water (or pamplesmousse as La Croix calls it). I absolutely adore bubbles, and I usually drink it in the form of Diet Dr. Pepper. I realize drinking large quantities of Diet Dr. Pepper probably isn’t the best thing, so I’m so happy to find an acceptable substitute. Not that I’ll ever give up Diet Dr. Pepper for good. I’ll love you always and forever, Diet Dr. Pepper. 

I like your bubbles, La Croix. (source)

 

• Another thing I love: Kansas State University. I've loved it as long as I can remember because I’ve loved purple as long as I can remember. I also have a long-term love affair with Charlie Sheen. He doesn’t know it, but I have loved him for 18 years. So, imagine my happiness when I saw this on Anger Management.
  
  

In Kansas State purple, complete with the mascot name on the jersey.

• Although it’s a fairly new love affair, my heart is full for running. Yesterday was National Running Day, and it always makes me think about how running has improved my life. Thanks to running, I’m healthier, fueling my competitive drive, seeing new places and meeting wonderful new faces. Running peeps are some pretty awesome peeps, and I’m so happy to call many my friends.
  
  

 

• I’m heading to Savannah, Georgia, this weekend for the first time. What do I need to see and do?

Ever get suckered into buying a cheap Kindle book? If no, don’t. Do you like sparkling water? What’s your favorite flavor? Do you have a love affair with a drink, color, university, actor or running?

Why do I run?

After any craptacular run (like last night), I wonder why I run. I'm mad and irritated that I didn't run well ... at all. But, you know what? Even in a mad, irritated and disappointed state, I can come up with a long list of reasons why I run.

I run for a challenge. Running doesn’t come easy to me. I love the challenge of running farther and getting faster (someday …).

I run for competition. Being as slow as I am, I’m obviously not competing with anyone for the top spot. In fact, I’m not competing with anyone except myself. And, that’s enough. I still have the drive to do better each time.

Competed against myself and knocked
15 minutes off my half marathon time!

I run for my health. Running is good for you. It’s good for your bones, heart, lungs, muscles, joints and mind. Those are good enough reasons for me.

I run for exercise. We all need exercise, and this is my favorite form.

I run for enjoyment. I love the feeling of running and the sense of accomplishment when I’m done.

I run for excitement. It’s exciting to run races, run new distances and run new places.

My first and only 10K

I run for happiness. It makes me happy. That’s it.

I run for blowing off steam. If I have a frustrating day, running is the best way I know to get rid of the frustration and relax.

I run for alone time. I like time to myself. Running is great for thinking, planning and plotting.

I run for friend time. It’s a great way to spend time with friends with a similar interest.

I run for outside time. I love being outside. And, I’d just prefer to never run on a treadmill (although it does happen occasionally, unfortunately).

I run for self-esteem. When you’re feeling happy and accomplished, this follows.

I run for a runner’s high. The feeling of elation after running a farther distance, a faster speed or just finishing is amazing. No matter how bad the run was, I’m always glad I did it. The after feeling makes it worth it.

I run because I love it. I think this is kinda obvious because of all of the previous reasons (and the fact that I have a running blog), but I love it. I get so much joy, satisfaction and challenge out of running that I never see myself giving it up.

Why do you run?

I love running; I hate running

Tempo runs aren’t my thing. I’m terrible at picking a sustainable pace that is faster than my usual comfortable training pace. What is this pace? I have no idea. I think this is why tempo runs aren’t my thing (On a side note, whenever I hear tempo, I think of music. This makes me think of band. I played the trumpet and wore a terrible outfit with a funny hat).

Not my finest fashion moment.

But Thursday, after months of training, I finally rocked a tempo run. I picked a faster pace, and I ran that faster pace for 45 minutes (for a 60-minute total run). My average pace, including the warm up and cool down, was 11:04. For me, this is downright speedy. And, I felt awesome.

After this rockin’ tempo run, I was ready for my 9-mile long run on Sunday to be a breeze. I may have been ready for it, but there was no breeze. I felt some kind of strange calf pain for the first half of the run. Then, my left foot went numb. Strange.

During this time, my thoughts were:

“Why does my calf hurt? Running sucks.”

“My foot is numb now. Awesome. Running sucks.”

“I’m never running another half marathon. Running sucks.”

You may notice a theme here.

But, I just kept running (which is what I’m sure you’re supposed to do if you think you’re injured) and eventually it went away.

I stopped once to retie my shoe. I tried to put it off as long as possible because I hate stopping. I’m always afraid I won’t start again or I will want to keep stopping. But after retying, I restarted and didn’t stop until I hit the 9-mile mark.

From about the 5-mile point on, my thoughts were:

“This is awesome. Running rocks!”

“I love running, and it loves me. Running rocks!”

“I can’t wait for my next half marathon. Running rocks.”

Wide range of emotion, folks.