Running Love ...

I had a 5 hour plus drive to make yesterday and it gave me lots of time to think about running as my hamstrings were screaming at me the whole way! I had to make 3 stops along the way and each stop was needed to give my legs a stretch. I thought about why I run. My thoughts first started off a little something like this "why do I do this to myself? I am in so much discomfort right now, is it really worth it?" to which I responded to myself (don't worry, I wasn't talking out loud) " because I love it!"

Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon 2013

There are a bazillion reasons I love it. I won't and don't need to bore you will all the reasons so I will just talk about a few for this version of Running Love.

Need I say more!

Those are a couple of the vain reasons I run.

The most near and dear reason, to me, that I run for, is for the mental health benefits it grants me.

What is good for the body is good for the mind.

Mental illness has affected my family and is something I take very seriously at taking care of.

Running reduces stress by boosting levels of serotonin in your brain and creating a more positive mood.

Running fights depression with the brain’s release of beta endorphins. These are neurotransmitters made in the pituitary gland that can reduce pain, boost the immune system, and bring a greater sense of well being. These “miracle” compounds have eighty times as much pain-easing effect as morphine. (See runaddicts.net for more)

It's funny how having some discomfort is what brought me back to reminding myself why I run and agreeing that it is still worth it to me! We all have our own reasons and all are great reasons. Whatever they are, don't forget them and keep going!

Finish line at Niagara Fall's Women's Half Marathon

I am so thankful that I have found something in life that I enjoy doing and that I also have friends that enjoy it.

For the next couple evenings this is what I will be doing.

Why do you run?

See above

Do you use any compression gear?

Pro Compression socks.

Been thinking about some Compression pants or capris for my stubborn hamstrings.

Any suggestions?