#Wellness Wednesday: National Running Day

Happy Wellness Wednesday! Since today is  National Running Day, I've decided to share my 5W's and 1H about my running journey:

Who: Well me of course! As for running groups, I am a proud member of Black Girl RUN!, W.E. Run!, Baltimore Road Runners, and I'm also Half Fanatic #7854.


What I like/dislike about running: What I enjoy most about running is the endorphin release I get from it. Trust there are plenty of days where I don't feel like it, but I get out there anyway. I also like being around like-minded people, making new friends, and pushing my body to limits that my mind didn't think I could pass.

What I dislike about running is a tough one! I guess I dislike running when I lose my "mojo." This has happened two or three times, and I think it correlates to overtraining. After my first half marathon and after my half-fanactic status (3 races in less than 40 days) I disliked running. Nothing a few days of rest and spending time with the family can't cure.

When do I run: I'm an earlier riser so I prefer to run first thing in the morning. That always is not the case. Although yesterday I had about 30-40 minutes while my husband was in between jobs so I ran my neighborhood for the first time since we moved here in November. Aside from that, I try to run two short runs a week (normally mid-day after dropping off the kids or at work) and one longer weekend run (normally either saturday or sundays sometimes both if I'm half marathon training).

Where do I run: I run wherever the winds blows me! In my neighborhood, at a local park/ lake, in the city, and sometimes out of town if I'm racing. Oh and let me not forget the dreaded track and treadmill runs; both of which I ran quite frequently this winter.

Why do I run: I run for a number of reasons: my sanity, to de-stress, to be a better wife & mother, for weight loss/ maintenance, preventative diseases, because it feels good, to get my sexy back….the list goes on!


How do I run: I run like a turtle stampeding through peanut butter, but I run! How I run varies. Some runs are better than others. Some days my focus is time, other days my focus is distance but I run. Somedays I run intervals (Jeff Galloway method), somedays I run until I can't run anymore.

When I first started running I was averaging 16+ min/miles and could barely run 30 seconds with the C25k app. Now I'm averaging 12-13 min/miles.

Here's a few quick facts about me & running:

• First Run: August or September 2012
• First Race: October 2012 Junior League of Baltimore Commit to Fit 5k
• First Running Shoes: Just some cute Nike's my mom brought from Kohl's
• Favorite Race Distance: 10k
• First Half-Marathon: Zooma Annapolis 2013
• Favorite Running Shoes: Asicis Gel Tri-Noosa
• Must Have Run Items: Lipgloss and my Nike featherweight cap

My advice to beginners or those thinking about running:

Like the Nike slogan "JUST DO IT!" Seriously though! Give it a shot, you'll be surprised how it will change your life. Give it 30 days. If you enjoy it get fitted for shoes, buy a good sports bra, continue to lace up!