Sunday, October 2, 2011

"From that day on I was going somewhere...I was running" - Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump wasn't always a runner - that guy used to have braces on his legs. His momma called them "his magic shoes." One day, a miracle happened under some old oak trees in Greenbow, Alabama: Forrest Gump learned to run.

Okay, so we all know Forrest Gump wasn't real - but there's something about that whole "miraculous running" thing that I'm going to say I sort of relate to right now. This week, I found out that I actually kind of enjoy running. SHOCKING.
It happened when the music gods got together and said "let's make this girl have fun." I'm walking around my block and I hear the first few measures of "PYT" from the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Well, that most definitely got me going. Something about it just made me want to run! The full version of PYT is pretty long, so I didn't run the whole time, but I'll say I did run a good bit.
Next "I was made for lovin you" by KISS came on. Holy crap, you guys. I had a boyfriend back in the day who LOVED Kiss...this made me laugh uncontrollably for a bit and really made me want to run more.
Next? "Dirty Pop" from my high school sweethearts, 'NSync. It was like someone out there was thinking about me and wanted me to have a freaking blast while I was running.

I'm a night runner right now. I can't decide if that's a good thing or not. I've been coming home, eating dinner, doing a few things around the house and then going out to run, walk and jog. Basically, I've been walking to warm up, then I'll start running until I can't run anymore and then I'll walk again. Eventually the "running" turns in to more of a jog. After about 30 minutes to an hour, I'll come inside, shower and crawl into bed.

It's kind of creepy being out there so late at night though. Brian doesn't see an issue with me running in our neighborhood, but I definitely get creeped out when I see someone outside of their house or in a slow moving car. I've flirted with the idea of running in the mornings, but honestly, it's just so damn hard to get out of bed. I've never been a morning person - I can't imagine that now is the time to start. Or is it?

Workout and running people...do you prefer to work out in the morning or night? Is there a reason one is better than the other?

I'm pretty terrified of this half marathon in January. I'm not kidding myself into thinking that I'll be running the whole thing. I'm actually rather sure I won't be running much of it at all. I'm scared of how much and how far 13.1 miles actually is. I'm scared I'll be the last one to cross the finish line (if I cross it at all) and I'm scared that I'll be the fat girl and everyone will be like "um...what's she doing here??" If anyone moos at me I might have to cutabitch. Just sayin'.

I'm thinking about signing up for a 5K that normally happens in October...that way I'll actually have one event under my belt, even if I can't run it completely. We shall see!

RUN, BRITTANY, RUN!!!!

3 comments:

  1. I highly recommend the 5k in October. I looked it up, there is also one on Nov. 19, in Jackson.

    I like working out in the morning. I just feel it gives a nice start to my day. I feel if I wait, I am never motivated. I do know people that would rather run later though. So I'm glad you found something that works for you.

    Whatever you do, DO NOT drive 13.1 miles to try to see how long it is. You will end up scaring yourself even more. Trust me here.

    You won't be the last one to cross. I swear. I will have to cross the same finish line you do, and I will be crossing it hours later. Runners are very welcoming and encouraging people. They will all be cheering you on. I give you permission to cutabitch if needed. =P

    KEEP IT UP!!! NICE JOB!

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  2. Congrats! I am definitely a night exerciser - I think all those years of after-school sports just make that feel more natural. I have to do it right after work and before dinner though, or else it doesn't happen (or I feel pukey from a full tummy while running).

    You will not be the last in the half marathon. Honestly, I was almost last in mine (they publish the results in the paper), and I am freakishly slow, BUT I also know that plenty of people didn't finish. Those people were much last-er than I was.

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  3. Congratulations on the run Britt! I love those kinds of runs, I'm sure Chrissy knows what I'm talking about when you just have an AMAZING run, it's wonderful. [PS FI's mom is an avid (incredible) runner and she listens to her iPod, and sometimes if one song gets her in a really good rhythm, she puts it on repeat, it's great what music can do to pump you up!]

    Night running is interesting. For some peculiar reason, my night runs are faster than my morning/afternoon runs. Some races (Twilight races) are done purposefully at night because it's said people run faster. You also feel fast at night when makes everything so much better.

    I run at all times of the day. I have practice generally at 3:30 in the afternoon (this would be impossible in the summer because it's too hot/humid, and I'd imagine it'd be even worse for you, I'm up in MA) but I do the runs I can't make practice in the morning, and races are usually in the morning. Running in the morning is incredible. You are then done for the whole day, and feel refreshed and just plain good about yourself. I like it because then it isn't hanging over my head the rest of the day.

    I do love me a good night run though.

    Also, I would definitely do the 5k in October, it will give you some racing experience so you'll know more what to expect for when your half comes around.


    Someone has to finish last. It's inevitable. I guarantee so many people will be walking the whole thing so as long as you run at least a tiny portion, you won't be last.

    A little bit of (unsolicited, my apologies) personal insight: I am a track runner for college. In HS my goal was ALWAYS not to be last. I was pretty bad at the time. I worked hard and improved, then went to college and improved a ton. That being said, not being last is no longer my concern, because let's say I qualify for a really high stakes me, or even Nationals, and I come in last. Should I be upset? I qualified, I (probably) ran a great time, even a pr? Hell, someone HAS to come last in the Olympics! But they made it there and that's incredible. The fact that you are DOING this Britt is an accomplishment in itself. Be proud of yourself and focus on doing YOUR best, rather than focusing on something else.

    [Sorry for this long post]
    Good luck and glad to see everything is coming together for you!!!

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