Happy Global Running Day!
June 1 marks this momentous occasion, and I am linking up with Jonesin For A Run to answer some questions about the role running plays in my life.
Feel free to answer some of these questions in the comment section or in your own post (and link back to me and Jonesin’ For A Run so we can see!)
Why do you run?
I run for my health and the challenge of the sport. I love pushing myself to see what I can accomplish and what goals I can achieve.
How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day?
I am hopeful to go for a run with some members of my local Moms Run This Town chapter. I don’t get to see them often, so it would be nice to celebrate this event with them.
How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?
Unfortunately, due to injury, my mileage is a lot lower than I would like. Currently, I am sitting at 190.4 miles. I haven’t set any kind of goal for the year, simply because I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to get back to full training. Hopefully, I can safely hit 500 miles, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?
After my injury, I am trying to be very patient and cautious and selective about races. The operative phrase is “trying to be.” I love racing, and it’s been very hard to hold myself back from signing up for everything.
At the moment, I am looking at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Remix Challenge (Half Marathon one day and a 5K on the other), and of course, the Space Coast Half Marathon. I imagine I will add in some other races as I get stronger and more confident, but these are the current heavy hitters.
Before I leave for a run I must have:
My Garmin, my music and my shoes.
Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?
Absolutely! I use my Garmin Forerunner 220 on each run (and ride), and then I upload the data to Strava. I love the way the site keeps track of my routes, splits and miles, and I can even upload swims, yoga, rides and other forms of workouts to keep everything logged in one place.
Who is your favorite running partner?
I am incredibly lucky to have so many great running buddies. I love running with people who are positive and encouraging, who challenge me to push harder and who support me when I fall (literally).
What races have you run so far this year?
Again, it’s been a bit of a light year so far. Since the start of the year, I’ve had
- 13.1 at Princess Place & 5K
- Best Damn Race Jacksonville
- Wolfson Children’s Challenge Ultra Relay
- Enchanted 10K
- Princess Half Marathon
- Gate River Run 15K
- St. Patty’s Day 5K
- Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K
- Beson4 Corporate Run 5K
- Florida Striders’ Memorial Day 5K
There are quite a few I would have liked to include in this list, but it wasn’t meant to be.
If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?
We all start somewhere, and our journeys all take different paths. Running is personal. It’s not about being better than those around you, but being better than yourself. Run for yourself and everything else will fall into place.
Describe your relationship with running in one word:
Evolving.
Every day is different. My goals are always changing. I love that there is no end game in sight. When I achieve one goal, I can shift to work on something else. As I grow and develop, so do the things I want to get from my running. It keeps everything new and fresh.
So there you have it! A little glimpse into my miles and why I run.
Tell us about you!
TriGirl says
Oh, it’s so hard to be patient when injured! Enjoy Running Day and good luck on the rest of your races this year!
TriGirl recently posted…Happy National Running Day!
runswithpugs says
So incredibly hard. I’m trying to take everything in stride, but it has been a serious test of my patience.
runswithpugs recently posted…happy global running day
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
You’ve done a lot of races this year for a “light” year of racing! I’m really impressed.
My running is evolving too. I’m not planning on a high mileage year and it feels really weird not to be training for a fall marathon. Kind of nice in a way, tho…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Empowered By The Miles: Global Running Day 2016
Mary Beth Jackson says
That is a lot of races Jenn for a light year of running! Keep up that patient level you are doing great! The best thing about running is there is room and a place for us all! 🙂
runswithpugs says
I feel like there are so many I didn’t do, that I raced in years past! It’s probably all in my head!
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
Evolving – that’s such a great word to describe how running changes over the years.
I know every year has been different for me.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Happy Global Running Day!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I think running goals are always evolving. Depending where we are in our life, our injuries, our mood, it’s good to let them evolve.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Tips to Enjoy Long-Distance Running
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
You’ve run quite a few races already this year, and we aren’t even halfway through the year. Even though you’re injured, you’ve accomplished quite a lot already this year.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…June 2016 Monthly Goals
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I will be running with my favorite MRTT friends tonight too. That’s a lot of races for a light year. Happy running day!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Celebrating Global Running Day
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Really nice! I couldn’t help but chuckle that you thought all those races made for a light year. I sort of feel like I’ve been evolving with my running journey too. I’m really looking forward to continuing to challenge myself. It never gets boring!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Global Running Day 2016
Carmy says
That’s a whole lotta races!
Carmy recently posted…4 Ways Runners Can Give Back
Coco says
“evolving” is a great word! You’ve done a lot of races for someone being sidelined! I’ve done three 10 milers.
Coco recently posted…I Can Do Hard Things
Kimberly Hatting says
Evolving is a perfect word…not only for running in general, but also for training. I just finished my highest mileage month (I think) in the past 12 months….and my right heel is acting wonky….I doubt it’s a coincidence. I’m not a high-mileage person, and trying to do the high mileage (even in a conservative way) kind of spanked me LOL Thankfully, it’s nothing serious (yet), so I’m hoping I can rehab it back with some cutting back. #fingerscrossed
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Global Running Day-A Look into my Miles
Toni says
Thanks for sharing, think every runners relationship with running is evolving! I know mine is. I laughed at your light year because I have missed every race this year b one due to an injury!
Toni recently posted…I Am Back! Plus Happy Global Running Day
MCM Mama Runs says
While I would never wish an injury on anyone, you’ve made good use of your injured reserve time to strengthen your body. Great job! And glad you are getting back into the running swing of things.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Lifetime Half #58, State #30: New England Series – Connecticut
Abby @BackatSquareZero says
I hope you come back from your injury as soon as possible, and I love the Savannah Half, such a fun city.
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