Politics and Running

February 25, 2016February 25, 2016 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #democrat, #dontquit, #election, #president, #quitters, #republican, #running, Politics

Hopefully the title didn’t scare you away, for this edition of Thinking Out Loud! This isn’t a blog about political parties, or an opinion piece trying to sway you one way or the other, no need to worry about disagreeing on policy. Rather I thought of this blog as I have watched Presidential candidates ‘suspend’ their campaigns.

It has happened on both sides, democrat and republican, once a candidate realizes they do not have a chance at winning they throw in the towel. After spending millions of dollars and lots of time prepping, they decide to call it quits. The saying ‘when the going gets tough, they tough get going’. Apparently that doesn’t apply when you are running for the most powerful office in the World. Perhaps those that drop out aren’t that tough and we should be happy they do not stay in the race. Some run for office knowing they are going to drop out, they do it to get name recognition to run again in the future.

By this point I am sure you are saying to yourself, this is a running blog, how does this relate to running? Imagine if we applied the same thought processes to running. I would venture to say most of us have to pay for our race entries and then spend lots of hours and miles training. On race day (most recreational runners) don’t plan on winning the race. With that presidential campaign mindset we should probably quit running after a quarter mile and ‘suspend’ our participation in the race. Yeah, that sounds weird, it’s called quitting, whether you are running a race or for President it is quitting. (If you get injured or something happens where you can’t finish I’m not calling you a quitter)

My question then, are runners tougher than the men and women who want to be President of the free world? My unscientific opinion is…yes! Runners endure hours on the road/trail in preparation for a race, knowing in most cases we aren’t going to win. We are training to do our best to set a personal record, we have goals in mind. Even when we don’t meet those we keep on going until we cross the finish line. We don’t quit when the going gets tough, many runners I know will run through all sorts of adversity, injuries, illness, and of course the dreaded ‘wall’. Shouldn’t we ask the same of our Presidential candidates, go to the finish line, let all of the voters in each state decide when it is time for your to exit.

When casting your vote for President this election, maybe we should be looking at candidates who have a running background who know how to get through the tough times and come out on the other side a better person.
Perhaps we need a runners guide to Presidential candidates?
What are your thoughts on the correlation between running races and running for President?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

Get comfortable, being uncomfortable Part II

February 11, 2016February 11, 2016 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud

Last week, for thinking out loud, I talked about being uncomfortable while running and the more I thought about it that wasn’t really fair. I should offer some solutions to ease uncomfortable issues while/before running so you can get as comfortable as possible. Here are some things I think are important make those uncomfortable distance runs a bit more comfortable.

Clothing and Shoes Make sure you buy clothing and shoes that fit properly. Clothes shouldn’t restrict your movement and need to be sweat wicking, even in cold weather. Of course we still sweat. If you have never had your stride evaluated before getting shoes do it! It is usually free and well worth it, the proper fitting shoes keeps everything in line and you avoid pain after the run. Clothing and shoes are two areas you shouldn’t skimp on!
Socks Yes, I know socks are a part of clothing! Make sure for every run you wear clean socks, let’s be honest for a second, we have all worn the same running clothes for consecutive runs. It’s okay, we’re runners which means we do a lot of laundry so we ‘cheat’ sometimes. Clean socks mean dry feet, dry feet means a more comfortable run and fewer blisters!
Just get better socks than these!
Form I’m not going to spend a lot of time on form, if you have read my Running 3:16 blog you know I am a big believer in everyone running the way that they feel comfortable. Find what works for you, but most importantly make sure your stride is efficient that is key to distance running. It took me almost a year to ‘perfect’ my form and how I run. Watch other runners, read articles, google, and youtube and use tips that work for you!
Breathing In through the nose, out through the mouth. This technique keeps you from drying out fast. I’ve also worked to inhaled on alternate foot strikes, it takes some practice but before you know it you will be doing it without even thinking
Anti-Chaffing It happens to everyone and in the most tender places. Make sure you use glide! Use it under your arms, in between your legs, bottom of your feet, and your chest! Guys I recommend (for anything over 10 miles) some band aides to cover the really sensitive parts of your chest (if you get my drift).

There are 5 easy things you can do to make that long uncomfortable run more comfortable! (I’m thinking there will be a Part III in the future)

What did I leave out? What do you do to make your runs more comfortable?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

Get comfortable, being uncomfortable Part I

February 4, 2016February 4, 2016 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud

TOL:

Get comfortable, being uncomfortable, those were my exact thoughts as I eased into my run last night. The same thoughts I had 4 years ago when I started training for my first marathon.

Maybe I should back up a little first. I haven’t blogged in a while, close to 3 months. I have been busy working on some other things that have required my attention. I am a Senior Advisor to Better Baltimore County and I have been working on the web development, media, and video production for that site. It has taken up quite a lot of my time, if you have a chance check it out. We will be featuring lots of great things going on in Baltimore County.

Plus I haven’t been running much. To catch you up a bit since my last blog (Thanksgiving), which was also my last Thinking Out Loud post, I’ve only been running once or twice a week. My body really needed the rest, plus it has gotten cold. I know last year I ran everyday no matter the weather, but I’m glad I don’t have to this year, especially since we received 30 inches of snow last week!

Now back to my point, get comfortable being uncomfortable, yesterday I didn’t feel like running. It was raining, cold, snow still on the ground, and I didn’t have anyone to run with but the 2016 race season is just around the corner and I need to get my training started. I haven’t picked out a marathon yet, but I’m already signed up for 2 half marathons and some shorter distance races. The first one is a 5k in Boston, I’m doing the B.A.A. distance medley. My friend, Cat, is running the Boston Marathon and I’ll be cheering her on, she ran a BQ but the cutoff dropped so much this year she wasn’t selected, so she is running as a charity runner. If you would like to support an awesome runner and a great cause please do so here!

As I ran through the puddles and tried to avoid slipping I reminded myself distance running is all about being uncomfortable and getting comfortable with that. Each person has something that makes them uncomfortable, but in the end the perseverance of pushing through it makes the pain and discomfort seem not to matter as much. Being uncomfortable running could really be a metaphor for life, life is a series of uncomfortable situations (in one way or another) that we get through on a daily basis, but we probably don’t breath as hard 😉

As I ended the race season last year, I wouldn’t get uncomfortable till well after 15 miles, on Monday night I was uncomfortable in the first half mile, could have been the wet shoes, patches of ices, or light rain failing. Regardless I knew I had to push through it and I could not delay the beginning of my training any longer. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable can get you through a lot, but the only way to get comfortable being uncomfortable is to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Hope that makes sense!

I also hope to start blogging more frequently again as I begin my training season! Next week I plan to elaborate on things that make me uncomfortable running and how to make them more comfortable!

What makes you uncomfortable?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

CH3CH2OH Thinking Out Load

November 5, 2015November 5, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #whatiwanttowriteabout

Perhaps that is a bit of an unorthodox title to this week’s Thinking Out Loud. I can’t blame you for being confused. Most of the time I write quite a bit on a certain topic. Tonight I have decided to change things up a bit. Often times I struggle from Monday to Wednesday thinking about what I am going to write about for TOL. This week, as Thursday approached, nothing came to mind; I could have written about my upcoming marathon, this weekend, but I felt like I have stressed the importance of that enough. So I was at a loss as Thursday approached. On Wednesday, I watched the Country Music Awards and was inspired by them and some other life changing events that occurred of the week. (yes I am a country music fan)

As I collected my thoughts I knew I had more to say than I could fit in one edition of Thinking Out Loud, so I thought it would be a good idea to lay out some of my thoughts in an outline and discuss them over the next 5 weeks. After all I have noticed most bloggers who write on Thursdays create a list, so I thought I would create a list to follow as a guide to my blog on Thursdays over the next five weeks.

I hope you enjoy my Thinking Out Loud series in 5 weeks! It may not make sense now, but in the end I hope it does and it may not always be related to running, but it is always meant to get you Thinking Out Loud!

The five topics I will be covering are (not necessarily in this order):

Tennessee Whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon
365 Days and 10 years later
You are who you believe you are
4 Minutes (When you couldn’t wait)
A Letter to:

Bonus Points if you know what the title means 😉

-Veggie Fueled Runner

365 Days Later

October 29, 2015October 28, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #centralpark, #marathontraining, #nyc, #rest, #restday, #run, #runfriends, #running, #runstreak, #tiredlegs, #training, marathon

I wanted to end my running streak where it began, Central Park in NYC. Last year on October 25th my friend, Lizzie, and I went to NYC and ran in Central Park while we were there she didn’t know at the time but I was starting a run streak. Heck at that point I wasn’t sure I was going to; 365 days seemed like such a long time. The next morning at breakfast I told Lizzie about my idea of a run streak and that I was becoming a vegetarian. I’m not really sure what she thought, but I do remember her telling me that is was great that I was becoming a vegetarian but I needed to eat healthy as well. Advice I followed over the last year.

On Friday I woke up early before work and ran, I wouldn’t have time later. Lizzie and I were taking the train to NYC and had dinner reservations at 2200 hrs. The train ride to NYC was pretty quick and painless, last year we took the bus and that was rather interesting. Once we arrived we walked to our hotel, changed, and walked to dinner. We had made reservation 3 months ago and had been looking forward to dinner for quite some time. If you ever find yourself in NYC and want an absolutely amazing meal make reservations at Per Se! Trust me it is worth it! We actually had to take one of the dessert courses with us because we were so full. I can even put into words how amazing the food was!

Saturday morning Lizzie went to meet one of her friends and I decided to go for a run in Central Park. Our hotel was only 2 blocks away. I wanted to try and get a longer run in since I had been taking it easy most of the week. On Day 364 I managed to logged 12 miles; I looped Central Park and then did an out and back path. There were so many people in the Park, bikers, runners, walkers, horse carriages, there was even a race going on. I really enjoyed the run even though it was a bit chilly. After the run we met a friend of mine for lunch, rested up a bit, had a dinner at supposedly the best falafel cart in NYC according to Yelp! We aren’t so sure about that but it got the job done. After dinner we made our way to Times Square to see An American in Paris and enjoy wine from a sippy cup! Definitely a highlight! The show was fantastic. Again I would recommend seeing it if you have not and are in NYC.

Sunday had arrived, this was day 365. There were plenty of times I thought it wouldn’t get here but it had. It was gloomy out and a light rain was falling in the city, but it was time to run and weather couldn’t stop us. We left the hotel and started to walk towards Central Park, Lizzie said to me ‘Are we going to walk or run?’ With that we starting running towards the Park. We ran out and back and stopped to take a selfie, just as we had done 365 days ago.

It felt good to complete the streak. I’ve never done anything for 365 days straight before, at least nothing that required me to go out of my way to do it. In total I estimate during that time I ran approximately 1355 miles, with lots of them coming during marathon training. I’m glad I completed the streak, but as Lizzie pointed out to me a year is an arbitrary number, so very true. Why not make it two years? I’m not, but what made me choose a year? I suppose I thought it would be a good measure of time and give me something to do everyday. Some people have said it was inspiring, I didn’t do it to inspire anyone but I’m glad I did. I do hope that I have motivated someone, somewhere to run, or embrace a healthier lifestyle. In the last few weeks of the streak I began looking forward to stopping and resting my legs. I thought about some things when it comes to a streak and keeping it going. One person who inspired me and has a streak she doesn’t keep track of (at least I don’t think she does, anymore) is my Mom. Twenty years ago she gave up smoking, I still remember the day she quit. We were at the park fishing and it started raining, my Mom, Dad, and I started running for the car. Before we made it we stopped at a pavilion to catch our breath and that is when my Mom quit smoking. She took out her cigarettes and threw them in the trashcan. She was pretty winded and finally realized smoking was destroying her lungs and her health. She hasn’t smoked since. I’m really glad she quit that day. I know my Mom is going to read this so ‘Keep up the streak Mom, you’ve got 19 years on me!’

Looking back on the streak it was challenging at times, but helped me stay on track and maintain a balance in my life. I am sure I will write more about what the streak has meant to me in the future, when I’m ready to share some things. In the meantime I am looking forward to letting my legs rest. If you are wondering did I stop, no, I ran on Day 366. It is Tuesday evening about 2145 hrs; as I begin to write my blog for Thinking Out Loud it feels odd that I haven’t ran today. As I showered tonight I actually thought about running after getting out of the shower, and I’m thinking about running now, but it is late and I am much to tired. Just a few days ago that wouldn’t have stopped me, but today is finally a rest day!

2014, yikes! — 2014, yikes I had gained way to much weight!

I’m not going to stop running or training, I decided to try and break 4 hours in the marathon again! I’m running the Outer Banks Marathon on November 8th. Between now and then I will be training, but with a few more rest days.

Stay tuned!

Have you added a race to your season?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

Day #…

October 22, 2015October 22, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud

…361.

After the marathon I was exhausted, but already started thinking about the next marathon. After finishing a marathon I’ve never started thinking about which one I wanted to run next, almost immediately! Perhaps it was because I was so close to my goal and I knew what I did wrong in the race to keep me from reaching it. (Read about it here!)

I left the marathon went home and watched the recap on television and hobbled around most of the day. Hurting more than my legs were my arm pits, they were rubbed raw by the arm warmers I was wearing. That night we had a post-marathon party at my house and some of my run friends were able to make it. Sarah and I could both celebrate that our race season was over and we finished with PR’s!

When I woke up the next morning I was starving, but to my surprise able to walk without much pain, just some general soreness. I’m not sure if this is because I stood out in cold for so long after the race that it helped with the swelling or my training paid off; perhaps a combination of both!

About mid-day I decided to attempt to keep my run streak alive! I ran a mile and felt pretty good!

I’ve ran everyday since the marathon and Wednesday was day #361 of the run streak. Four days to go until 1 year. I will have a lot more to say about my run streak once it is over. I never thought I would make it this far into the streak when I started, I wasn’t even sure I could run 3 days in a row.

This weekend a friend and I are going to New York City for the weekend, that is where I began my streak and I thought it would be a good place to finish it. Sunday in Central Park a year of running will come to an end, but it has been a great year that has really helped me focus on not only running but other things as well. I look forward to sharing some of those stories in future Thinking Out Loud updates!

On a completely separate note a few weeks ago I was selected as a Shower Pill Ambassador!

If you haven’t had tried these out before they are great for post-run when you don’t have an option to take a shower. They even work great if you just want a mid-day wake up and refresh. They are athletic wipes you can use to combat, sweat, stink, and the salt build up if you have been going really hard!

Use my code for a discount!

What is your must have gear for a race? How was your race season?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

4 Months in under…

October 15, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #run, #running, #training, marathon, november project, prepared, ready, time

I now look forward to Thursdays and Thinking Out Loud, even if I don’t get to post every Thursday!

For those of you who are regular readers of the blog you may have noticed I haven’t posted any training updates for the Baltimore Marathon. Not to worry, I completed Week 16 and 17 of the training plan, the run streak is alive, and I am ‘enjoying’ taper week. The Baltimore Marathon is Saturday.

I’ve been running for 354 days straight and training for the marathon for the last 4 months according to the Hal Higdon Training plan. That training culminates on Saturday. The last few months I’ve had many nights were I’ve lost some sleep thinking about the marathon and if I will be able to complete it in…under 4 hours.

Final 8 Mile Run, with a fast 5k to finish!

I feel prepared! I’ve never trained harder for a marathon! Now it is time to hydrate, carbo-load, and run!

Trying to keep my feet rested while standing at work!

I will have much more to say about the marathon on Saturday, so check back! Not a very exciting blog post this week.

4 Months, in under 4 hours

Is your race season over, how was it?

-Veggie Fueled Runner

Running 3:16

October 8, 2015October 7, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #getoutandrun, #run, #run3:16, #runcommunity, #running, #running3:16, #thinkingoutloud

I’ve actually been meaning to write this Thinking Out Loud post for a few weeks but haven’t had the time. Perhaps a better way to put it is I haven’t made the time. Work has been really busy, meaning lots of long days! The past two weeks it has been hard to keep up with my mileage but I have kept my running streak alive! Less than 3 weeks to go before I reach 1 year!

Back to the topic, first paragraph and I was already distracted. Looking at the title you might think this is the definitive guide to running, given the 3:16 notation, if you are looking for that I am sorry to disappoint it is not that.

A few weeks ago during one of my runs I saw someone wearing a t-shirt that had ‘Austin 3:16’ printed on it. That made me think about the Keith Urban song ‘John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16’ (did you just sing that in your head? I did every time I proof read this). That made me think about the Bible verse ‘John 3:16’.

I know that is a long path to follow but stay with with me, ‘3:16’ has become a symbol/notation for the definitive way of doing something. Of course the Christian church was first, don’t worry this isn’t a religious lecture either. 3:16 became mainstream years ago and has been attached to a lot of things (see examples above) Steve Austin used it for his character in the WWF, yes I remember wrestling when it was still the WWF, and Keith Urban has used it for a great song in my opinion, and it has been attached to so many other catch-phrases.

As I passed the guy wearing the ‘Austin 3:16’ shirt, ‘Running 3:16’ popped into my head. I asked myself is there a definitive way to run? The answer is no. Every runner has there own stride, pace, arm swing, habits, favorite gear, running route, foot strike, etc. You don’t have to look a certain way to be a runner, you do not need lots of equipment to be a runner, if you consider yourself a runner you are a runner! That is what I love about the sport of running almost everyone can do it! (If you have never ran before please consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program) That just felt like a good place to put a legal disclaimer.

Many times when I am out running I observed other runners and take notice of their clothing, stride, arm swing, and wonder how in the heck are they running like that, then I think if that works for them who am I to judge their run-style. In races I’ve seen runners who have some sort of spinal disability running hunched over and they are moving at a pretty good pace. You can be short, tall, heavy-set, skinny, able bodied, have a disability and you can still run, as long as you have the fortitude to take that first step and keep going! Our sport does not discriminate and that is another reason why I love running!

Often times when I speak with people they say, ‘I don’t know how you do it, I can’t even run a mile.’ My response is always it starts with that first step. I imagine some people think I am being cliche but I’m not; you never know where that first step and the one after will lead you. It has lead me to a great running community, that is strong, welcoming, and ready for more runners!

Winning comes in many forms for runners. You may never win a marathon, or a 5k, but every race you run or for that matter every step you take you have lapped those waiting to take that first step. Running for a large majority of the running community is an individual sport, we have personal records (PRs). We compete against ourselves, because we want to be better, we want to put our best self forward. That is Running 3:16! You can create your own guide to Running 3:16, and the best part is that it is definitively you but we all share in that experience when we run!

I am Running 3:16, you are Running 3:16, and every runner you pass or passes you is Running 3:16.

We each have our own way of getting to the finish line, we do what works best for us, we take pride in our accomplishments and our individuality while taking joy in being part of the running community and the accomplishments of those runners around us.

Tell me your Running 3:16 story!

-Veggie Fueled Runner

4 Random Thoughts (Because 4 is also kinda sorta random)

September 17, 2015September 17, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #cancersucks, #donate, #lululemon, #random, #redcross, #run, #running, #seawheeze, #seawheeze2016

So for those who normally read my post for Thinking Out Loud know that I usually pick one topic and share my thoughts with you. This week I’m changing it up! I’ve been in a good mood all day and sometimes that gets me thinking about lots of different things. Here it goes…

1. Lulu Lemon SeaWheeze 2016 Half Marathon

Many of you know I am a lululemon fanatic, it is all I wear (literally). On Tuesday I saw a Facebook post that lululemon is hosting a half marathon in Vancouver, BC so I clicked the link and started to read about it. It has actually been going on for a while, how did I not know about this before? All the info I could find said the race which is allowing 10,017 registrants next year sells out very fast. I set a reminder for 5 mins before registration opened on Wednesday. I figured it I got in great, if not no big deal. Well I got it and I’m super excited about it!!! The rumor is that the race sold out in 4 mins! Wow did I get lucky. I was actually finishing a college fair for work and ran outside to get better reception on my cell phone, so I could register. I can’t wait to run this race! Did anyone else get in? I’m looking forward to meeting lots of great people!

2. Running People

If you haven’t read my blog about the running community yet, I think it is pretty great and you should check it out! This week I was reminded several times of how much runners have in common and just enjoy talking about running! I went to an event on Saturday evening and almost as soon as I walked in a friend commented on my running and a person across the table chimed in she was a runner, we spent the next 45 mins talking about running. On Wednesday I saw some colleagues I haven ‘t seen since spring and I mentioned I was running between the college fair sessions. Next thing you know our conversation turned to running and one is running his first marathon in November and the other just PR’d in the 5k. In between talking to students there wasn’t a dull moment sharing running stories and tips back and forth!

3. Give (Donate)

About 2 weeks ago the Red Cross called and asked me to donate platelets and almost right away asked when I could come in. I’ve never done that before, I’ve only donated whole blood. So I had lots of questions about how it would affect my running. They assured me it would be a quick recovery, so I agreed. The donation (which I did last Wednesday) was really easy, the blood is taken from one arm, platelets are separated, and the blood goes back into the other arm. The said I shouldn’t do anything strenuous for 12 hours after, but I could run in 2 hours at an easy pace. I ran 60 mins later and felt just fine. If you have the ability to donate platelets and the time (takes about 2.5 hrs) I would encourage you to do it! The platelets are used to help people who have cancer, you are helping save a life. If you can’t donate platelets donate blood! If you can’t do either, donate something to someone or somewhere, it will probably make you feel good!

4. Royal Farms Western Fries

Turns out Royal Farms Western Fries actually suck! I use to think they were great, though I know they aren’t healthy for you. I had a long day at work today, from 0900-2000 hrs. After work I didn’t feel like making anything or stopping somewhere so I figured I would get some fries at the Royal Farms near me. I haven’t had Royal Farms Western Fries in over a year, since I have changed my eating habits. I just wanted something quick. I had a few and realized my taste buds were lying to me before, they are so greasy and disgusting and lack any real flavor. I’m glad I changed my eating habits and it’s okay to splurge, but I won’t be splurging on Royal Farms Western Fries again!

Don't judge me, I still ate some I was hungry! — Don’t judge me, I still ate some I was hungry!

That was really random! Chime in with your own random thoughts!

-Veggie Fueled Runner

Running Community

August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 veggiefueledrunner Thinking Out Loud #bostonstrong, #nomembership, #run, #runchat, #runcommunity, #runhappy, #running, #training, marathon

My thoughts may be a bit scattered this week for Thinking Out Loud, but hopefully they come together in a way you can understand!

I’ve had a really good running week so far, not in the actual running sense, rather in the running community! The running community is unique, there are no membership cost, no official sign ups, if you want to be a part of it you can be.

I once saw on a meme “If you care if someone calls you a runner or a jogger, you are a runner!” It made me laugh but it is that simple! All you need to do is take that first step and keep on going, if you run 1 minute, 1 mile, or 100 miles you are a runner.

Sometimes I do get irritated with the running community (see Pet Peeves #1). This week though I have been reminded repeatedly why (most) runners are great people and fun to talk to!

On Monday, I had a friend I had not heard from in 10 years send me a message on FB to ask me about running his first marathon. I think he has been reading my blog or saw my post about training. By no means am I an expert but it made me feel really good that he would ask me for advice, I referred him to a few websites and gave him some tips about running his first marathon. Later in the day I called Boston Street Running to ask if they had a weekly run group, I’m looking for one after last week 😦 They currently do not but I had a really great conversation with Miguel from the store and I’m looking forward to stopping in and meeting him. We actually talked about my blog, he put a link up to the odd mileage races on the store’s website. That reminds me if you are looking for a race this weekend the first ever Baltimore 6-miler is Sunday. Looks like a great course along the water!

Tuesday I ran with some friends, I ran a bit longer, but if gave me time to think about why I started running and all the great experiences I have had with the running community. You never know where running with take you! It has taken me to the Bahamas, Philidelphia, Providence, Niagara Falls, DC, and a few other places. When you are going to a desitnation for running you meet great people who share your passion.

People always say to me, ‘you must really love running’ I joke back saying ‘on some level I must, just not consciously’. I do enjoy the health benefits of running and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with minimal equipment, and it is all about the effort you want to put in.

Today (Wednesday) I went to a new run group at the MAC but it was cancelled. I decided to run in Harbor East anyway. When I walked out of the MAC one of the Harbor security personnel commented on my shoes and we had a great conversation about running and how to get started. I do love talking to people and hopefully motivating them to start running, you never know where it will take you! Once I started running I ran into my friend who was running and we ran together for 5 miles. I enjoy running with other people even if we aren’t having a constant conversation, most of the time I enjoy the company. After running I stopped in Lululemon (of course I bought a shirt) and had a great conversation with some of the staff who I consider friends! They asked about how my training has been going and told me about some new yoga classes for athletes I should check out.

The running community is full of all sorts of people with different personalities, backgrounds, goals, and great stories! If you are on the fence about lacing up your running shoes or are worried you aren’t going to be fast enough I would encourage you to throw those cares away, get out, and log some miles alone or with someone!

You don’t have to be fast, you just have to put one foot in front of the other!

-Veggie Fueled Runner

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