Running for a reason



Why do you run? A simple question with many different answers. For me it is many things: stress relief, to stay healthy, to be outside, to socialize, to prove my strength to myself and accomplish things I never thought possible. These are the things we need to to remember when the alarm goes off at 4:30 am and we second guess our decision to get out and run 1/2 mile repeats while much of the world is still sleeping.

I started running to say I could finish a marathon and raise money for Stroke Research, that led to 10 more years of marathons and eventually coaching and raising even more money for Cancer research, nearly $10,000 between the two organizations.

This week I am donating my miles to A Girl Runner's Memorial Run to remember the 7th anniversary of hurricane Katrina. Since that time I've heard first hand experience from friends who worked rescue and medical in the aftermath as well as attended graduate school with multiple trips to Alabama in an area effected by Katrina. No matter what you run, donate your miles to let her know you remember those effected.

Why do you run? It is so important to remind ourselves of why we started in the first place.

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 29, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    Wow - and you kept running marathons?

    I am running to say I have done a marathon too - I'm raising money for eating disorders through the Butterfly Foundation. But now I love running. or its own sake.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 29, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    Great post! I am running to prove to myself that I can and my kids. I don't plan on stopping either! I don't know about a full marathon though, that seems out of my reach right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:11 AM

      Showing our kids what we as moms can do is huge and shows them such good role models :)

      Delete
  3. DebbieAugust 29, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I started running because...it's hard to say. I did it to get out of the gym and aerobics classes. Then I did my first race, a 10k, and I was pretty good at it, so I kept training to get better. For my first marathon, I also raised money (for Leukemia Society) and I've also run for Fred's Team (for children's' cancer research-got to go to Paris for that one). Now that I'm older and slower, I run because I love how it makes me feel, how I can just go outside and run without thinking too much about it. I guess I run because I can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:13 AM

      Paris, what a fun destination! So true, running makes me feel wonderful :)

      Delete
  4. Mommy Run FastAugust 29, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    I think I was surprised by running- started out as a fun activity with friends, and I got hooked! Now my reasons also include many of the things you mentioned... to stay sane, to get a burst of energy, to feel balanced, to do something that's just for me, for health, etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:14 AM

      I love how running becomes a fun activity and so needed in our busy lives!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A few Races...

Image
Stillwater half was my final pre-marathon race. The weather was a mess, hot humid and gross! I ran with the 1:40 pacer to keep a nice pace and actually held myself back the first haf but yikes then we turned to the road and no shade and it all faded! I struggled to keep the "easy" pace as did everyone around me. I was happy to finish just 45 secs behind the pacer 1:40:45 and not too far off my goal of 1:38. That heat was brutal... Photo credit Stillwater Gazette Grandmas Marathon  For those who don't follow me on IG  @marathonmom28  here is the short version... I started great, on pace to PR then I became hypothermic (yes in June) and once the rain started it was painful (thank you Raynaud's). I finally walked off the course between mile 19-20 where Matt met me with dry clothes and a warm car. Grandmas this is strike 3, I think I am done!  I spent the car ride home thinking of next races and wondering if I could jump back in, (dumb I know). As we drove...
Read more

GoMacro Thrive Review and Giveaway!

Image
All runners know that post marathon week(s) are filled with the fight to keep eating healthy yet indulge a little. I try to carry healthy snacks wherever I go to avoid the munchies. Needing gluten free makes finding healthy foods quick even tougher. I have my go to foods but love finding new options with such variety. I think my only complaint is the carb to protein ratio which for each bar is 3 or 4:1. I prefer a snack more along the 2:1 carb to protein ratio. To help this I add a few extra nuts to the bars when I have them for a snack, problem solved! Like all GoMacro products, Thrive are USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Gluten-Free certified, 100% Vegan, and soy-free. Thrive is currently available to purchase online and will become available to Whole Foods this month! GoMacro is offering 30% off to all my readers with code Thrive30 for online purchases Here The Thrive Bars come in 6 flavors: Caramel Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Blueberry ...
Read more

Friday Thoughts: PB Cake & a Giveaway

Image
This post is going to match my mind lately as it races from thing to thing… I’m sitting here post-holiday craziness, on the verge of vacation and ready to go! Bell Plantation Peanut Butter Single Serve Cake (Gluten Free) 2 tbsp PB2 1 tsbp water 1 tbsp Almond milk 2 tbsp applesauce ½ tsp baking powder 2 tbsp coconut flour 1 tbsp raisins or choc chips Mix all together and microwave bowl and cook for 2 minutes. And guess what I got so excited after I mixed it up, I never even took a picture of my yummy creation! Any fun snacks you’ve been eating lately? So what else is going through my mind today…This weather sucks and I continue to stalk the forecast for Dopey! Guess what we get on Monday, -50 wind chills!! I thought last weekend was bad, yikes! I can’t wait to be in sun and warmth, I see people complaining about running in upper 70s but I figure I’m not racing so I plan to have fun, enjoy the weather and be happy being warm! Now on top of this we are ...
Read more