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tuesdays on the run: stuff i love about running

February 14, 2017      10 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day!

For the past few years, my traditional February 14th gift has been an entry to the Space Coast Half Marathon. 2017’s event will be the fifth and final year of the Big Bang Series (I get the Atlantis AND the Intergalactic Finisher medals!), so Mr PugRunner will be thrilled to know it’s time to look for a new race to gift šŸ™‚

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I’ll be joining up withĀ My No-Guilt Life,Ā Marcia’s Healthy SliceĀ andĀ MCM Mama RunsĀ for “Tuesdays on The Run”!

Tuesdays on the Run

Today’s topic is in honor of Valentine’s Day:

So, this running thing. It’s hard, and it hurts. It demands dedication and sweat, and has been known to cause heartbreak.

What’s to love?

I’m going to tell you.

The endorphins.

There is a feeling after you run: the highĀ of all those neurotransmitters firing like crazy, filling you with a general, indescribable … bliss? Ā There’s really nothing like it, and it’s a rewarding way to end a run session, no question. No matter how awful the miles seemedĀ at the time, I am 99.99% sure no one has ever actually regretted a run, and I chalk that up to the great way you feel after a workout.

Screen Shot 2017-02-14 at 12.02.48 PM

The realizationĀ you can do something you never thought you could.

I was pretty sure I would never run farther than a mile. Even when I registered for my first half marathon, I was pretty positive there was no way I could finish. I struggled hard during the marathon distance, but I crossed that finish line on my feet. Who knew??? While I don’t know that another marathon is in the cards for me, I love the idea of a 30K, and maybe some more Ragnar events. Because now I know I can.

The adventure.

Running has opened so many doors for me.Ā I’ve met incredible people, gone to beautiful places, and tried some really cool things. Had I not started running, I feel like I would have missed out on so much.

The confidence.

Running has given me an incredible gift: confidence. First, it was the confidence to wear shorts in public. Then it was the confidence to run in the daylight. And it’s evolved from there, growing into the confidence to do hard things. Things like SUP. And rock climbing. And even aerial work.

A few years ago, these aren’t things I would have even attempted. Now, I’m eager to see how I can challenge myself next!

The community.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. I have made the most amazing friends through running. People who are supportive and encouraging. People who get up at the crack of dawn to help you through rough miles, andĀ cheer for you at the finish line. People who talk you through your anxieties and offer advice. People who believe in you and want you to succeed.

I have so honored to have madeĀ friends in other cities, states and even countries. The connections are truly incredible. I never knew anything like this running community existed and it’s something to which I always want to be a contributing member.

What’s some stuff you love about running?

What’s your favorite Valentine’s gift?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    February 15, 2017 at 1:57 am

    You nailed it–everything I love about running, right here.

    My favorite VD gift? My hubs cooking an amazing dinner. Which he did tonight…
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Running, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Share 9 Ways that You May Not Have ConsideredMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 15, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      That sounds wonderful! We had a more simple night (heart-shaped take-and-bake pizza), but we will go out for a nice meal soon.

      Reply
  2. Teresa says

    February 15, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    Yep…there is no better “high” than that feeling you get as soon as you complete a run …especially a hard run! Non-runners will never get it. Heck, I didn’t get it either …until I ran my first mile without stopping many years ago. Then I was hooked! šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2017 at 12:36 am

      Absolutely agree! The runner’s high is real!

      Reply
  3. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    February 15, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    Yes to all of this! And what an awesome VD gift. I keep telling my husband massage certificates would be awesome . . . he did do it once, which is how I found the place I go to.
    Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…All the miles . . .My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2017 at 12:37 am

      I’ve reached a point where I’d rather have practical or “experience” gifts than actual tangible presents. It is probably a little more challenging for those getting me the gifts, but I appreciate them so much more.

      Reply
  4. Stacie Seidman says

    February 16, 2017 at 5:33 am

    All of these things! Except I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the runners high. That said, there is no feeling in the world like crossing the finish line at your first half marathon. (Maybe your first marathon? I dunno, no interest in finding out there!)
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…What’s Up WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2017 at 12:38 am

      Honestly, I wasn’t that impressed with myself at the finish of my marathon. I felt much better after Ragnar than after 26.2. I have no idea why.

      Reply
  5. Abby @BackatSquareZero says

    February 22, 2017 at 12:07 am

    Yes, that is exactly what I love about running, and what a fabulous Valentine’s gift

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2017 at 12:38 am

      Totally agree!

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
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