Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday's Motivation

 

Why do you lace up?

 

I began lacing up to get fit. I made a bet with myself that I could run to the end of the road, I did. Then I ran around the corner. And then to the next driveway. One day at a time, one step at a time. I went from casual runner to taking it and myself a little more seriously because a day without lacing up sucks. I mean really sucks. I lace up because

I love the solitude when I run, I definitely like running solo





I love to have the time to think

I love being healthy

I can plot out a scene in the novel I'm writing

I can improve my focus

I like to compete with myself, "yes, I can make it to the next light"

I enjoy the conversations I have with myself

I can work through a problem, a feeling, an issue

I rehearse a conversation I need to have

I love the healthy glow my skin has after a run

I love the shape my legs have become

etc etc etc

 

Now why do you lace up?

Which article should go viral?

I've watched with interest the reaction the running world has had to this article published in the opinion section of the Wall Street Journal.  I think every running blog, every Facebook page devoted to running, and every running magazine has responded to the guys opinion. People are calling him hateful and angry, they are assuming he is lonely and without friends. Some posts are downright humorous but for the most part, they are people who have gotten their panties in a twist over one person's opinion of runners and running. I think it was written tongue in cheek and while it poked fun  at runners (and yes, I am a runner), I didn't get offended nor did I find the article hateful. I even chuckled at some of his words.

I like to see the stickers on cars, I proudly wear my event shirts, I give thumbs up to other runners, I refuse to wear non-matching running gear, and I love hearing about the hard earned accomplishments of others. Yes, you hear me gush over "my daughter flying to Paris ALONE to run the Marathon de France". I encourage, support and cheer lead for newbies and oldies, and yes, I cried over the bombing at the Boston Marathon. I am proud to be a citizen of the world of running and understand that not every alien understands my world. I am proud to train, I love the sweat, the tears, the triumphs. I post my runs on Facebook and I share my accomplishments and failures with friends and family. It holds me accountable to the one person I run for, me.

So my friends, if you are upset over this guys 'Opinion', then do not provide him airtime. If you can not see the humor or you can not see yourself in his words, don't make his article go viral. Instead, please write, scream, post, share, and publish THIS article. This one shares my vision of what runners are and what we do.

It's Christmas Time, What will your Runner find under the tree?

It's that time of year again. Requests go out to spouses, children, friends, and family for "idea's for Christmas".  We also do Christmas stockings so ideas for those are a must too. I don't like to only give needed stuff, I like the fun, the creative, the off the wall giggle factor in gifts. If you're like me and my husband, when we see something we like or want, we buy it. Nice for us, terrible for those who seek to gift us with something we would love! Every running website (and every running magazine) lists their gift lists at this time of year but I'm going to give some other options.

A Garmin would make it to my top ten Christmas presents. While I have the Forerunner 10, a multisport like Forerunner310XT would be sweet! Yum! But again, know your runner and their preferences!

Would I want running gear for Christmas? Absolutely, but I'm picky. So make sure you know who you are buying for. And never ever buy cotton. Ouch. I have my favorite socks and they are always a good bet, I would love to find some in my stocking!

Compression Socks

Running Socks

Just Fun Socks

 

Who else wouldn't love to see a sampling of gels, protein bars, and drink packets under the tree? Or the first issue of your runners new magazine subscription!? There are inspiration gifts to be found too. I wear a beautiful bracelet from InspireByTrina . She offers items such as this beauty!

 

 



Training journals are important for all levels of runners and with the Believe I Am Journal from Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan’s company, Believe I Am, journaling has never been so interactive and useful.





There are always fuel belts, water bottles, massage gadgets, foam rollers, be creative! There are protein powders, iTunes gift cards, ear buds, and shoes laces.

 

The Gifted Runner offers some hip and funny gifts; several made me chuckle out loud! Of course,  Café Press offers some creative gifts!

 

WeLoveRunners has some nice things too. In fact, I think I'm going to order this shirt for my grand daughter!

 

I also found several places that sell coasters made with your race bibs, a creative idea. Sure beats stuffing them in drawers or in a scrapbook.

 

Some cool medal holders can be found on Etsy, like this one

 

and then there are decals, and license plate holders, and lots of fun stuff!

 

 

 

What an Inspiration

 

I love how this lady lived and how this lady died, so much dignity. I think I will find a cool picture of her, frame it, and keep it on my desk so she can continue to inspire me.

 

Rest in Peace, Joy Johnson. May your running shoes match your halo and wings!