Giddie Up!

After running anywhere from 3 to 6 miles every morning last week, I felt great. Unfortunately, I did not run on Saturday and Sunday, choosing to be lazy instead. I guess I did not realize how much running effects my physical and emotional well-being. Running clears my mind- when I do not run, it is as if this strange fog descends over my mind; I cannot think quite as clearly, things just feel off. I have also noticed that I feel more energetic during the days that I am able to run in the mornings. This, I know, is a well-known positive side effect of exercise. And, of course, I do love those endorphins!

I started this week off this morning with a nice 5-miler on the W&OD trail. My body felt good, which helped me maintain about an 8:15 mi/min, however, my mind felt tired and foggy. I am looking forward to maintaining my morning routine throughout this week and, hopefully, into the weekend.

Ideally, I would like to do a long run on either Saturday or Sunday. I seem to have trouble getting out to run on the weekends because my schedule is not the same. I hope this changes when Mandy and I start running together in Georgetown again. Motivation levels are much higher for me when I have a committment to meet with someone else :-).

Starting the Week...

After taking yesterday off to recover from my 13-miler, I ventured out for my run at sunrise this morning. One of the things I love the most about the DC-metro area is that the people love to get outside and exercise. Every morning, when I run on the W&OD trail, there are always scores of people biking, running, walking, rollerblading, you name it. It never matters how slow I am going or how great I feel during my run; I will always get that same "Good Morning" nod from the many men and women who cross my path.

I ran a slow 5 miles today (45:50). My legs are still feeling sore, as they felt all of last week leading up to the race. I am hoping that this achiness will subside as this becomes my permanent routine. Unfortunately, the sun is rising later and later. When I step out of my car to run, it is still dark outside. Soon, I'm going to need some extra motivation to get going when the moon is still shining and the snooze button is calling my name.

Until tomorrow...

The Time is Now

I should have started this blog a long time ago. I have been running for as long as I can remember, and I have finally gotten the balls up to start documenting my experiences as a runner.

This past weekend, I completed my very first half marathon. Now, I have run and won many races of varying lengths throughout my life. But, I have never felt the pure sense of sheer accomplishment at finishing a race than I did crossing the finish line at Virginia Beach a mere 2 days ago.

My blog will put my motivation to the test. From now on, I am going to post here about my running trials and tribulations as I dream to one day complete a full marathon.

Here we go....