How T-Pain Made Me a Better Runner

Yes, it's yet another running post. (Sorry to all my non-running readers!)

Last night I had two miles to run on my 10k training schedule. I had a dermatologist appointment (more on that later) first thing in the morning. Literally, first thing, I’m talking 7am, so I couldn’t do my running in the morning like usual. I also had an errand to run once I got off work at 6:30, so by the time I got home, it was dark. I could’ve easily changed out of my work clothes and laid on the couch. That’s what I really, really wanted to do. Instead I downed my first ever Gu for a little pick me up, ensuring that I’d run. I know things like that are for longer runs but I wanted to try it anyway. I tried Strawberry Banana and HATED IT. Not sure if it was the texture or the flavor. Any of you use Gu’s? Better flavor suggestions?

I didn’t start till nearly 7:15 so it was pretty dark. Luckily, our neighborhood is well lit. I have a bad habit of not stretching well enough when I’m in a hurry to start and that’s what happened last night. I did stretch, but not for long enough. My shins started burning about a quarter a mile in. I told myself not to stop, and I didn’t. About 1.5 miles in I wanted to stop and stretch but then “All the Above” came on my ipod. I don’t know what it is about this song but it instantly makes me feel 10 feet tall. I love the lyrics:

Tell me what do you see
When you looking at me
On a mission to be
What I'm destined to be
I done been through the pain and the sorrow
The struggle is nothing but love (nothing but love)
I'm a soldier, a rider, a ghetto survivor
And all the above

Really what do you see
When you looking at me?
See me come up from nothing,
To me living my dreams
I done been to the bottom,
I done suffered a lot,
I deserve to be rich,
Headed straight to the top
Look how I ride for the block,
Look how I rep for the hood,
I get nothing but love now
When I come through the hood

How the hell could you stop me?
Why in the world would you try?
I go hard forever,
That's just how I'm designed,
That's just how I was built
See the look in my eyes?
You take all of this from me,
And I'm still gon' survive
You get truth from me,
But these rappers gon' lie
I'm a part of these streets
Till the day that I die
I wave hi to the haters,
Mad that I finally done made it
Take a look and you can tell
That I'm destined for greatnessI can so relate to this song, minus the whole “ghetto survivor” thing…how bout suburbs survivor? No? Okay..I realized a few runs ago how perfect the sport was for me. I love my alone time, surely due to being an only child, so the time to myself to think is right up my alley. I also realized that running is something I can do for me, much like getting a pedicure or going on a shopping trip. Such a great form of therapy.  

Anyway, I felt like I was flying throughout this song. I literally remember laughing because I couldn’t believe my legs were moving that fast. I felt like Fred Flinstone driving his little stone age-mobile. I was on cloud nine after I was done, whether it was 2 miles or 20.

 

 

While I was running, I thought about all those pep talks from Leigh Ann and pats on the back from Holly and Melanie. I also thought about the email I received from Megan, in response to my list of running questions. Thanks girl! I had been contemplating if I could be ready to run a half in February, and I wanted honesty from someone who had done it. She was honest, and she made me realize I could do it too. Why not? Her email was just the push I needed. She seriously is one of my top running motivations and I will for sure keep her in my thoughts during this training process.

So on February 24^th, 2013, I will be a half marathon runner and what seems to be one of the most fun halfs there ever was, the Rock N Roll half, in New Orleans. I am super excited with only a tiny dash of scared. I am hoping to meet some of you fabulous ladies there, too! Who’s in?

Check back on the blog tomorrow for a fitness/health food/running Goodie bag swap! :)