Global Running Day: A look into my miles

Today is Global Running Day, an occasion to celebrate all the joys of running and I pledged to run 4 miles in celebration! You can pledge your miles over here. 
Brooks Running also organizes a fun campaign for Global Running Day – download a bib, find a run in your area and post a pic with the hashtag #runready.

Now that I finally dare to call myself a runner, I don’t want this day – which I just learned about this morning – slip through the proverbial fingers without mentioning it here on my blog.  

Running has always been a part of my exercise routine, but I usually didn’t pay attention to distance and pace or set any goals, and therefore, I always suffered from the internal doubt that I was not a “real” runner. BUT, guess what?  It doesn’t matter how many miles you run or how fast you are, if you lace up your shoes and get out, if you put one foot in front of the other, you are a runner.

I’ve started reading a lot more running-related blogs and today is a good opportunity to link up with Kristen at Jonesin’ for a Run and take a closer look at my running life. Running has become such an integral – physical, but also mental – part of my life in the last 2 years and I would have never imagined for it to be so much fun.

Why do you run?

I run to keep in shape and for the challenge. I like a good challenge.  I’ve been an athlete all my life, but I used to be more of a team sports person and I never ran just for the sake of running. 
I’ve been running on and off for the last few years, always as part of my workout routine, but it was never about pace, speed, or distance. That changed last year when I made the conscious attempt to make running a regular, multiple-times-per-week routine.
I am at a point now where my body craves a run (what? unheard of!) and where I mentally crave a run, too. They don’t say for nothing that running has mind-clearing properties.

How do you plan to celebrate Global Running Day?

I’m celebrating with an easy 4-mile HM-training run (in 90+ºF heat!) tonight.

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

I’ve run 228 miles (367 km) this year – 88 miles (142 km) this month alone.  I don’t have a specific mileage goal other than I want to run more than last year (which was a total of 425 miles). 

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

I’ll be running my (first!) Half Marathon in July, and I am looking to add a few more races to my schedule this year.

Before I leave for a run I must have:

I always make sure I stretch before my runs (even though it’s not the most fun part of the workout) and that I have an extra glass of water before I head out. I used to be very bad at staying hydrated, but running has helped me stay on top of my water intake!

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

I track my runs using the Runtastic app. I am paying for the pro version, so I have access to training plans and other perks. I am secretly dying to get a Garmin Forerunner 235 though. It’s on my wish list. 

Who is your favorite running partner?

I generally run alone (probably about 95% of the time) with music or podcasts for entertainment, but if I could, I’d run with my friend Susi (who first got me to sign up for my first race last year). Too bad she lives about 70 miles away. 

What races have you run so far this year?

I’ve only run one race this year so far; the Davis Pride Run for Equality (10k), which was a small race, but just perfect to get some more race experience under my belt. I am looking forward to add a few more. 

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

Run at your own pace. Be persistent. Lots of people complain that running is “no fun” or “so hard” when they first start running and I get it.  The first few runs won’t feel the greatest, but it’s important to get into a regular routine and not just run once every blue moon. The fun of running comes with routine and regularity. If you constantly push your limit, every run will feel like a battle. Listen to your body. 
You will not love every single run and not every single run will feel great, but the more you do it, the more you’ll get into a mindset where your body and mind start craving regular runs and that feeling alone is so worth it.  

Secondly, have fun with it. The great thing about running is that you can do it wherever, whenever. You just need to bring your running shoes and off you go. Running is great if you’re in a new place and you want to explore the area.  It’s fantastic to “zone out” while listening to music or a podcast, or great as a group activity. I regret going on this run, says nobody ever!

Describe your relationship with running in one word: committed.

Are you a runner? Do you celebrate Global Running Day? Link up here and post your selfie with the tag #runready.

I hope you got a chance to get your run on today!