What are you running from?

Today I sat around with my best friend discussing running, as per usual.  Most of the time we get together, we just marvel on how far we've come in the past few years and how different things are.  More than that, though, how happy we are with the changes. Seems like the more I run, the more running seems to dominate my conversations, especially with anyone who's willing to listen to me talk about it.  (There are a select few, and to those people, I am eternally grateful... read: two best friends who mean the world)  Hell, if one person reads my blog and decides "hey, maybe I'll start running"... that would make my week.  And if everyone thinks I'm crazy? So be it.

Back before I became a running "convert," so to speak, I used to think aloud every time I saw someone running outside.  "What are you running from?!"  To be fair, often I used to yell it at them out of car windows.  But the phrase was constantly in my head, and sure, it was funny and always sort of a joke to me; but I guess it goes both ways.  And I figured out that everyone, regardless of their age, habits, job, etc. is running for a reason.  One of two reasons, actually. 

Everyone who runs can answer one of these two questions:

What are you running from?
or
What are you running toward?

I find myself leaning more toward the second one, because it sounds better, but when it comes down to it they are both the same anyway.  I run because I'm running toward a goal, a goal of proving to myself that I am capable of taking control of my life and actually achieving something great, instead of being comfortable with mediocrity.   Running toward the inexplicable "glory" of finishing a marathon.  To me, there is no bigger athletic event that seems quite as daunting.  Sure, I am awful at soccer and would probably fall flat on my face were I to attempt it- but for me, it's the marathon.  What are those crazy people thinking... running 26 miles.  The first guy to attempt that DIED.  Shouldnt that be a sign?  But no, I decide to do it. So in the course of running toward self improvement, I am running from the aforementioned mediocrity. 

 Everyone's got a reason.  Often it's stress relief, the need to get out of the house, not having the money to afford a gym membership, or the desire to "get in shape."  But I think no one really realizes that that goal isnt something that's achievable, and then put aside.  Most "life goals" are things that people can do, and then reflect on and think "wow, I did that..."  Not so with the whole physical fitness thing.  That's something that you can achieve, and just as quickly lose if it isnt maintained.  So it has to become a lifestyle change, not just an immediate behavioral one. 

And so I realize that in setting the goal of running a marathon; my personal goals (and the answer to the good old question... what are you running from/toward?) have changed.  At first I figured, yeah, sure, I'll try to run a marathon... maybe I'll drop ten pounds in the process...bonus!  So when I began running, to be honest, I never thought I'd actually get there, but I secretly hoped that I might slim down a bit.  But then something clicked, something changed, when I figured out that it was getting easier, that I was getting stronger, and faster, and leaner. The whole weight and body image thing stopped being a part of it, sure I like that my clothes fit better and that I get to wear a smaller size, but there's an immediate sense of pride in finishing a 7 mile run.  It may hurt like hell to get there (and dont let anyone tell you differently), but I think it's all worth it when I can look back on my day and realize that I truly have achieved something.  So that's what keeps me going toward the whole marathon thing.  I know it's gonna be hard, especially going into the dead ass winter months where even getting out of bed makes you freeze right to the core, and when work starts to get stressful, or my personal life becomes complicated; but I do know one thing, that running is keeping me remarkably balanced now, and hopefully it will continue to do so.  And as the daily mileage creeps up into the double digits, it will only get harder; but hey, i sort of have a thing for challenges.

And all this in just a few short months.  Imagine what a few years can do... and luckily, I've got the time.

The child is grown, but the dream is still alive and kicking.

Today I thought a lot about change.  It's true that every living person changes every day.  The part that get to people, however, is that usually the change is so subtle, so refined, that they don't even notice it until it's already in full swing.  Then when you finally realize that a change has occurred, it veritably slaps you right in the face and makes you stop and think about it, even at the most inconvenient times.  So, today was the day that it finally dawned on me the complete lifestyle change that I've undergone in the past few months.

I guess I'll start by clarifying that I am not crazy, and I do recognize that while I am still in a similar career path (restaurant management, albeit a far higher class of it), and have kept the same circle of friends, it's the variables that have changed.  Today at work I had a few of the employees approach me and ask me a variety of questions about nutrition, health, and fitness.  Now I truly cannot imagine that six months ago, working the job I was hating, anyone would have asked my advice on anything.  And I certainly don't showboat my newfound love for running and organic food around my workplace, it's not my place. So I was incredibly flattered and more importantly eager to share what I've learned with them.  I mean, I've still got a long way to go before I'd become any kind of expert, but shit, I guess I'm getting better.  I guess I'm just a sucker for life improvement; and I'm very eager to continue reading and studying the subject since it's made me so much more satisfied with my day-to-day life.

Regarding the running, I can feel it getting easier.  I love it.  I cant get over how easy it is to train your body to do things, in the course of two months I've gone from an exhausted 2 miler to throwing on my running shoes and cranking out an easy 5 miles before heading to the gym to weight train.  I can honestly say that I love it.  Love it.  I finally understand what all those crazy people in magazines were talking about with their constant talk about the "runners high" and all that.  I get it. 

I've modified my marathon goal a bit, and certainly I will be pleased with whatever happens, so long as I finish the race.  The Turkey Trot really made me realize though that qualifying for the Boston Marathon is a real possibility for me.  With a steady six months of training, It doesnt sound like an impossible task.  So I plan, then, on running the Pittsburgh Marathon in mid-May (a Boston qualifier) to see how I do.  So if I achieve the time goal, and qualify at that race... the Buffalo Marathon two weeks later will be a chance to beat my time, or just gain the experience.  If I dont qualify in Pittsburgh, I will have two weeks to assess what I need to change in my run in order to qualify.  I think it's genius (read: sort of insane to run 2 marathons in 2 weeks... but I do so love a challenge).

I can say nothing other than that I am in the right place at the right time, this time, for once. 

Thanksgiving Day

Well, I am happy to report that I finished my first foot race in 10 years, an 8k (5 miles) in 44:26.  Not exactly the best time possible, but coming in under a 9 minute mile for the entire race is certainly something I'm proud of!

Can't wait to keep racing.

Now, its time to eat some turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving, all! :)

The start gun just fired.

I cannot ensure that this will be thrilling, or even supremely interesting; but I can promise that it will be honest. 

Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Liz, 24 year old college graduate living in a normal city, USA.  I work as a manager for a reputable restaurant corporation.  I have moved around a lot, growing up in the Southwestern United States, and have lived in a few cities on the East Coast.  Now settled, I am, what my best friend likes to call it... "in transition."  No longer interested in staying up until 4am and drinking beer, or spending days sitting on the couch eating Doritos and watching Family Guy.  I certainly pass no judgement on those people, and nor to I judge myself for at one point being one of those people.  I merely state that I have grown tired of that scene, and seem to be evolving into an adult.

Scary words.  Adult.

So here I am.  My Dad taught me to run at a young age, buying me the right shoes, and teaching me about breathing and impact and everything else I didnt really care to pay attention to when I was 13.  So I went out and joined the cross-country team, ran hard for a year, and got injured.  I swore I was just "not built to be a runner."  Anyone in my family knows that we Polish ladies aren't exactly petite.  So there I was.  Highschool ended, college began, and dining hall food and the college lifestyle aren't kind to anyone.  It's easy to get caught up in the world you live in and forget that you only live once, and it's all too easy to waste time.  A lot of time.

So now, ten years after my first stint as a cross-country runner; three years after graduating college and swearing that, now that I "had the time," I was going to start running again.  It took a push from my best friends to make me really start.  It's been three months that I've been running.  When I first went out, I got about a mile out and was sweating, out of breath, and exhausted.  On top of that, some extraordinarily attractive gentleman ran by me right as I stopped to walk at the 1 mile marker.  Not where I wanted to be.  In life, or on that particular running trail.  I can proudly say that this morning I woke up and ran 4.5 miles, relatively easily and that I am running an 8k race tomorrow morning, the first race I've participated in since Freshman year of high school. 

I am also training for a marathon.  A marathon which, when it was 8 months away seemed like I had a lot of time to prepare for; and now that it is a mere 5 months away seems like it's coming upon me like a freight train full of physical stamina that I don't yet possess.  But, with the help of a best friend who will be right by my side, I am determined 100 percent to confront that freight train head on. 

So there you have it.  A blog to document my personal physical and psychological journey towards becoming "a runner."  I'm sure there will also be snippets of commentary on my generation, music, movies, life, work, love, and cheesecake.