Happy Running Day!

So today is National Running Day. Which has nothing at all to do with interior decorating, but much to do with this interior decorator. So I'm taking this National Running Day to tell you all a little bit about my secret addiction other hobby.

I love running. It's crazy and stupid, believe me, I realize that. No one in their right mind actually likes running. Are any of us runners really in our right minds though? Cue quote from Tim Burton's Alice and Wonderland (Because how could I write a blog post without a reference to a kid's movie?)

And ain't that the truth? Runners really are the best kind of people. Kidding! (Butnotreally) Not that I'll seem any less bonkers, but I thought I could take the chance to justify my running habit. In no particular order...

Why I Run:

Competition:
I'm overly competitive, and I may never beat anyone in anything, but I will beat myself over and over again. I love the feeling of setting a goal and blowing it away, or accomplishing something I never thought I could do. Remember Presidential Fitness from grade school? I was always the chubby kid that finished last in my class. I ran a mile in 12 minutes, 30 seconds. Now I'm averaging a 9 minute 30 second pace on a 3 mile run! I win!

Maybe it's something to do with my fun new shoes?

Charity: There's this great organization called World Vision that does so much for communities all over the world. I sponsor a young girl from Rwanda. $35 a month provides clothing, food, books, and training for her and her family. I wish I could tell you more about them (World Vision that is), but they seriously just do so much. You can visit their website for more info. Well, they fund-raise through half and full marathons around the country (world?). This year, I'm training to run my 2nd half marathon to raise money for World Vision. The money is used to build wells to provide clean water to people in Africa. Team World Vision's slogan is "I run because I care." Too true.

After finishing lasts year's (my first) Chicago Half Marathon. 

Clarity:
The 30 to 60 minutes a day (okay, so most days) I spend running is my chance to zone out and let my stresses go. If I have a particularly rough day, I will often run until I feel better. Even if I don't actively spend time mentally solving my problems or praying, the endorphins themselves cure me of my cares.

Calories:
Running is a great workout! And I'd be lying if I said that a small part of the my reason for running wasn't to lose weight. I'm always trying to lose weight - anyone else?? I don't over exercise, and a try to eat to fuel my body. After a few good months of training, the pounds come off, my butt gets a little smaller (and firmer, and higher if you wanted to know), and the stomach gets a little flatter. Clothing options are way more fun and as shallow as it sounds, I'm always a little happier when I fit into my "skinny" jeans.

Not quite as "mad" as you thought huh? Are you completely motivated to run yet?? Well just in case you are, here are a few hints and tips to get you started:

• Start small and slow: You're not trying to win a marathon here, go run a mile, run it slow, and enjoy it!
• Get good shoes: They don't need to be hundred dollar Mizuno's, but they do need to be in good shape and fit well.
• Run outside: The elliptical or treadmill may seem easier, but running outside in the sunshine will feel so much less like work
• Do it with a friend: Find a buddy to chat with or a local running group to hold you accountable. The more the merrier!

Even Husband is getting into it!

Us with our running group - whom I've blurred out because it was easier than asking permission from 20-some people to post this...

Any runners out there? How are you celebrating National Runner's Day? (I heard you could get $20 off of Rock 'N' Roll Marathons today only!) Anyone feeling inspired to give it a go?