Run for it!

I'm training to run a half marathon. Yes, I know that's 13.1 miles and I know that I'm crazy. People ask me why I run. It's because of days like this. Here's the story:

My race is in November so I've had to run a lot during the hot summer months. Some days it's a chore. We've had days this summer when I thought seriously about frying an egg on the sidewalk. When I start to think of how hard is is to run some days, I tell myself the following three things to get my house in order:

1. You woke up this morning. You get another chance!
2. Yep. All limbs in working order and and you're breathing. Good news. Now get those running shorts on (and put a top on while you're at it).
   
3. You are capable of thought and logic. That's right, you're smarter than your cat (sometimes) and on most days you have a clue. So get yourself organized and go for it.
   

Sidebar: I was told recently that humility is not one of my strengths.....hum.....thanks for that.

Back to the story: Exercise is a privilege so get out there and enjoy.

Today was my day to go to a local park and log a longer distance (about 8 miles today). The park is a linear park with fewer hills than my neighborhood routes. I couldn't have asked for a better day. I hopped in my car and drove the short distance to the park. I know I could have reduced my carbon footprint by walking but there are no sidewalks and I didn't want to be run over by soccer moms in SUVS headed home to blog. ;-) One of the great things about this park is the scenery. It's not just the different kinds of native plants (Texas, of course), the meadow primed for wildflowers, longhorn cattle chowing down and pooping, cute little squirrels and lizards, but it's all kinds of people in all walks of life. Today, the place was packed. I got the last parking spot. As a fitness professional, I'm proud. What a problem to have!

Anyway, the people: cute little kids with mom and/or dad, older folks walking fast, older folks walking slow, speedy middle-age bicyclists, moms running with strollers, moms running from their kids, kids chasing squirrels in a circle around a tree, and cute pets pooping on the sidewalk. BTW, that smell almost led to puking on mile #8.

So I had entertainment today. It makes the time go by much faster and I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was one of those few days where the air is clear and the humidity is low and the temperature was in the lower 70's. We don't get that much around here. My endorphins were truly at a high. That's the thrill of running. I will also admit that it lets me have a few little drinkies periodically and allows for my sweet tooth and the corresponding addiction to baking.