Reading, Running and Oreos

Those 3 words sum up my obsessions right now!

Sing it with me.... "One of these things is not like the others!"

I. Don't. Care.  The chocolate creme Oreos are just too good to resist.

Anyway, this is really a post just about running.  I have been running off and on for about 15 years now (man that makes me sound old!).  I have just never really excelled at it though.  I'd suffer through my 20 minutes and be done.  I like that you can get amazing benefits from running in the shortest amount of time.  That's why I always did it.  In high school, I focused more on ballet and tennis.  I ran quite a bit in college and the year following.  I got in REALLY good shape for my Nepal trek.  I ran almost every day in the MTC, but never ran while in Korea.  Plenty of walking there!  Since my mission, I've never really gotten back into running.  I'd always find an excuse, and honestly, pregnancy and nursing are pretty good excuses!!

Well, last week, Staci finally convinced me to go with her for a little jog.  I was reluctant, but I hauled myself out of bed and met her at 7:00 am.

It was slow.  It was hard to breath.  My legs felt dead.  We walked a lot.

But for the first time ever, something inside me clicked.

"So....wanna go again tomorrow?"  I asked Staci.

I don't know what happened, but I'm hooked.  I love how I feel.  I love feeling my body hurt and then recover. I feel renewed and empowered.  I just want to run and run.

I've only gone a handful of times, but I can already push myself to almost 2 miles without stopping (including hills!!).  The amazing thing about consistent running is that you will see results very quickly.  I look forward to my runs now, and I'm a little bummed out on my rest days.  I sleep better.  I'm eating better.  I feel happier and more motivated to improve other areas of my life.

In the past, I've never wanted to really push myself and run further or faster.  But now I do.  And I will!  Just watch me!  :)  The farthest I have EVER run at one time is 4 miles.  And I did that ONCE, and it was about 11 years ago!  So here are my new goals:

1. Run 5 miles without stopping.
2. Run a 5K in under 30 minutes.

Staci has been an amazing motivator and inspiration for me.  She's been great at helping me find that balance between taking this "running thing" slow and safely, but also pushing myself WAY more than I ever would if I were running alone.  She brings out the potential in me, as cheesy as that sounds!  When I want to stop, she makes me run to the next tree or stop sign, and I do it!

I am invincible.  I am unstoppable.  I am strong.
(ok, not really so much, but saying those things outloud every day makes you feel like things are true!)

AND.....finally, buying really cute running clothes off the clearance racks at Target and Salt Lake Running Co. was a really fun reward for my new-found love!