What makes me love running?

 What is it that makes me want to get off the couch and pound the pavement? I am not even quite sure myself - but I know the fact that I feel completely free and without burden is some of it. It is like time suspends itself and there isn't a care in the world - just me, my ipod and the run. :)

I went on an AWESOME run yesterday. I may have even mentioned it in yesterday's blog. I do have a picture to share though, just to give you all an idea of how amazing the run REALLY was.

The best part is that it is actually part of the road my parents live on! This is the back side of North Ave. off of Padenarum. From my parents house to Padenarum is 1.3 miles - I turned right on P and went until I got to 1.5. I must have run on a further side of the road on the way home or my GPS didn't update quick enough to show me I went too far, but I ended up at 3.11 when I finished. :)

It was about 7pm, 60 degrees and it smelled like clean air and spring. It was so enjoyable. I just enjoyed the run and thought. I think that's another thing that makes a run enjoyable - the alone time to think.

I also love how "stretched" my legs feel after a run. Yes, they are sore and I still stink at running, but I just almost crave the "recovery" feeling in my legs.

I stopped doing the scheduled half marathon training  for now because I have no particular half planned and I didn't want to overdo it, but maybe I'll look for a half to run in the fall - that would be a great excuse to do longer runs and such. I am still running the 3 miles on the planned days (although this week is a bit off because I worked so much.) but I am not going more than that at this point, nor am I doing the speed training. I need both of those things.

On a different note - I worked another 12 hours today. Thats 52 hours for the week. The paycheck will be nice, but my knees, ankles and feet freaking hate me. I am in SO much pain. I even soaked in epsom salts two days in a row! Oh well, the soreness will pass by tomorrow and I'll do my lifting and running :) Gotta keep going. :)Although, I would really appreciate it if JT were here so I could get a hand, foot and leg massage! :)

I have a few friends who have been asking about running programs, so I wanted to share the "Couch to 5K" training program for new runners. I have heard many good things about this particular program, but I have never personally done it.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Also, please feel free to ask questions if you have any - I'll do my best to research answers! :)

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