tuesdays on the run: stuff i love about running

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 🙂

I’ll be joining up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice and MCM Mama Runs for “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 high of all those neurotransmitters firing like crazy, filling you with a general, indescribable … bliss?  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 seemed 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.

The realization 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. 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, and 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 made 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?