Run, Courtney, Run!

I have set up a mileage tracker on the top right of my blog. What this all about? I am training for a 1/2 marathon this May. The tracker is my log of total miles I have run so far this year. I run 3-4 times a week. My training doesn't require keeping this tally. Mainly, it is a statistic that I am curious about. Let's see how the number grows.

I ran the same race last May and plan to better my time this year. I have been running for about 2 years. In my younger days, I would have never imagined me being a runner or any other athlete for that matter. I started when my youngest was in preschool and I finally had some kid-free time. A great friend invited me to join her in a running class at the Y (thanks Kelly!). After my body adjusted to really exercising for the first time in much more than one decade (!), I was hooked. Aside from the physical benefits, here is the short list of why I love to run:

• Running boosts my mood
• Even a hard run is better than no run at all
• I love what my body can do
  
• It IS social - I have great, FUN friends who I run with
• Setting and achieving personal goals, on a run-by-run basis and grander scales
  
• Running is simple - Have good shoes? Let's go.
• I actually look forward to "gu-ing" at miles 4 & 8 (you can google "gu energy gel")
  
• Running outside whenever I can

I actually could go on, but that wouldn't be a short list. But you get the idea. Kinda like Forrest Gump, but a little bubblier.

So watch the mileage tracker and see how high it rises.