run, baby, run.

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I've always had a love/hate relationship with running. When I was younger, it was mostly the hate part. I didn't have the right mental attitude and running has so much to do with your mindset. I also wasn't running the right way. It sounds weird, but once I did figure out how to run "the right way" at least for me, it has definitely worked wonders. I also felt like I wasn't flailing around and out of breath after 10 minutes.

Last year, I ran my first 5K for a great cause, Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. At my old job, we shared office space was them, so my job had a team, and it was great motivation for me to get into shape. So I did, and I ran the whole 5K (which isn't a lot to some, I know this), but I felt really proud of myself. But as usual, once the race was over, I fell off the bandwagon and stopped running again altogether, save for some sporadic spurts of motivation.

This time around, the 5K was much more unexpected. I signed up for the Hoboken Resilience Run about 2 weeks before, and had been running sporadically up until that point. However, my boyfriend and main motivator, pushed me to the point where the week leading up to the race, we ran 5 days in a row, and 4 of those days were before work. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am lazy, and I like my sleep, so this alone, was a huge accomplishment for me. It's even gotten me to the point where I want to run. I've learned to sink into my core, and not put all the stress of running on my shins, I've learned it's okay to go my own pace, know when to slow down and when to speed up. Needless to say, my second 5K was another success and since I ran again the day after, I think running is definitely something I love now and I'll definitely be doing it more often.

the power of positive thinking

I did it! I did it! Successfully ran my first 5k that is. To some, running 3.1 miles may seem like a walk in the park, but for me, someone who struggles with running & a usually poor mental attitude about it - this was a very, very big deal.

Prior to the race starting I was a little nervous - I had signed myself up as a timed runner, even though this wasn't that big of a deal (not a marathon or anything) I was surrounded by people who looked like seasoned runners. As I was trying to not let this get to my head, we were off! The first mile was actually the toughest for me - I just kept chanting in my head "you can do this, you can do this." Also, my music was a huge source of inspiration and gave me surges of motivation when I needed it the most.

I had slowed my pace (was still running though!) and was feeling pretty tired, but I willed my body to keep pushing through and that's when I saw the 2 mile marker - a smile creeped across my face and I knew I could do this. I picked up my pace a little and once I was nearing the end it was so motivating to see all the supporters cheering us on, yelling out encouraging words - it was a powerful moment.

Once I crossed the finish line, the sense of pride and confidence I had in myself was unlike anything I have ever felt for myself before. And it was me, only me who did this. I was so thankful for my strong legs, heart & lungs to get me through this - it sounds so cheesy and cliche but I felt so connected with myself. Needless to say, this 5k was definitely the push I needed - I have the motivation to keep running, do more 5k's and maybe even build myself up to longer runs (10k anyone?).

I don't even know if I should say it, but I think this 5k turned my love/hate relationship with running to just a love one (and you thought you were done with the cheesiness). :)

Me (#986) with some co-workers after the run!

run, run, run.

Anyone who knows me, knows that after awhile, I look like Homer when attempting to run for longer than a mile. My whole life, I have had a tumultuous love-hate relationship with running, going through phases where I'm really into it & motivated while through other phases I despise it, quit and find other ways to exercise. However, recently I have hit a kind of embarrassing slump in my exercise routine and needed a way to find some motivation and to find it quick. Enter the Race for Hope 5K in May and there was my motivation. At my office, we also share our space with Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure,  who helps spearhead/organize this race. I was bold and when I registered for the race, signed up as a timed runner. Timed runner. Am I insane? Probably. But this was exactly the "kick in the pants" motivation that I needed to get in gear and hopefully not only get me started in exercising again but to continue on & keep it up. Wish me luck!