Running is my yoga.
Hello friends, family, and any other poor soul who wanders over to this slightly self-indulgent blog. I've decided to claim my own little place on the internet to tell you (and the world) all about my adventures in running, specifically, and perhaps a bit more about my life in general...we'll see how this blog evolves. I spent all morning attempting to conceptualize a super clever and super marketable idea for this "space," but, alas, have failed to do so (yet), and besides all the really good ideas were taken: Running With Heels, Mommy Running (NOT that this concept would be applicable to me, anyways), Eco Running, and my personal favorite: Will Run For Beer (seriously-- this is a HILARIOUS blog penned by a very accomplished runner who just happens to like beer. A lot.). So, until lightning strikes and I miraculously come up with a blog that goes viral and makes me a ton of money, allowing me to quit all the other nonsense jobs I perform, this will have to do.
So, back to the "me and running" thang. I love running. It is my yoga, Xanax, main exercise regimen, and (aside from my lovely husband) my one constant in this crazy world. I discovered the magical benefits of running rather late in the game; I was on a seven day Alaskan cruise with my parents- my college graduation gift- and had fallen out of shape from my formerly fit ballerina self. With a lot of days onboard, and no pool to lay by, slinging back Pina Coladas (helllooo, it was an ALASKAN cruise), I decided to (sigh) make use of the (sigh) running track. Now up until this point, I hated running. I mean, I absolutely despised it. It was hard, tedious, and made you very sweaty. And besides that, I was not naturally GOOD at it, which was perhaps the biggest of the aforementioned buzzkills. I like to succeed in things, and get frustrated and a bit pouty when I don't do so naturally. But, I did want to drop a few pounds, and besides, the views of the Alaskan coast from the track were S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G. Sure, I suppose I could've just walked laps, but I don't like feeling like a weenie. (Also, I had to Google the correct spelling of that word). So, with great trepidation, I. Just. Started. (This would later become a huge theme in my life--one that I love, and that all started with that first run...we'll get there at some point during this blog). Maybe it was the scenery, or all the extra caloric intake I'd been doing on that damn boat, or the desire NOT to sit in our tiny cabin with my parents, but for whatever reason, I was shocked at how many laps I was able to complete. And, it felt good amazing. It wasn't easy, but for the first time in my life, I had been so focused on external forces, instead of telling myself how miserable running was, as I had so many times before. I ran everyday for the remainder of the trip, and kept up the routine when I returned back to NYC, delighting in exploring parts of Central Park and the rivers that I had never seen before. Oh, and I quickly dropped those ten pounds without really even trying, and discovered muscles in my legs I never knew I had before-- despite having been a dancer since the age of ten. (Sweet!)
So. That's how this love affair began. That was six years ago, and I've been an avid runner ever since. Sure- sometimes I'll take a couple of weeks off when life (or baklava) get in the way, but I more or less am always running. Two years ago, I did my first full marathon, and I'm currently training for my second. I also did two halfs in the interim. The first kind've wore me out for a while, and I was initially anxious to not be on so regimented a schedule, but I've recently realized that I really LOVE and need to always have a set running plan. I am now training for my second full, which is the Amica Marathon in Newport, RI on October 17th. Both David (husband) and my mom will be racing, too! Amica is supposed to be one of the most gorgeous marathons in the country which is why I chose it. I. Can't. Wait.
And there you have it. The basics and background. I hope you follow along on this journey with me, and if you don't, well- a curse upon your house!! Kiddddding. Thanks for making it this far, and I'll check ya later!