National Running Day aka Badass Mother Runner Day!

This is me after running my first official training run for the Marine Corps Marathon. It has been awhile since I’ve run, I think the last time was in April when I did the Zooma Women’s Half-Marathon. I had to take a break because of sickness, I guess my body was fully recovered before I did the race so I was forced to slow down. I did other things (occasionally) like Zumba and yoga but the past five weeks or so I’ve been taking it relatively easy. When I woke this morning and realized it is National Running Day I decided it was time to get serious about my training again.

I didn’t run my fastest four miles although I did go out fast and ran my first mile in 8:15 – who knew I had that in me? But it was too fast, my heartrate was 180 and it doesn’t need to be that high! I quickly slowed down as I progressed uphill and took it easy with several walk breaks. The breaks provided me with pure comedy.

Exhibit A:

Apparently from behind I look like a biker chic! As I approached a stop light, a man got out of his truck (it was towing a really pretty gold motorcycle) walked across the street to me and passed me this flyer. I felt compelled to take it because he’d made such an effort. I also felt compelled to run because if I had been running I don’t think this guy would have chased me! LOL

About a mile down the street as I started running my final mile (all uphill, a VERY BIG HILL, I could actually call it a mountain) a police car slowed down next to me. The officer’s voice came over the loud speaker and said “GO GIRL!” I have to say I shook my head in disbelief and with a smile plastered on my face I killed the hill!

So, on this National Running Day when asked when I run, my answer is:

If you have been thinking of running, used to run or just want to support your running friends, get out there on the pavement! Run, walk, just move something on this National Running Day. You will feel better, I promise!