I run for...productivity.

Do I lose weight from one run? No. Is that my goal? No. Do I drop a pants size from one run? No. Is that my goal? No. When I talk about running and training, I think a lot of people think of the physical challenges and balk at it. Yes, it's difficult. Yes, running is a lot about physicality. Do I become stronger with each run? Yes, I believe so. Do I add miles to my bank for endurance? Yes. But obviously I run for more reasons that just the physical ones. I've cataloged a lot of those reasons on this blog, some vague and some very specific, such as weather, my sanity, the feeling, freedom, hope, etc. But today's blog post is about the lesser considered benefits of running. I've entitled the blog post productivity because of all the things I am able to accomplish when running.

I've now been on this running journey for almost 7 years and I get a lot of feedback from people about "time" I spend on running, the implied "time" I could be spending time with my family or cleaning house or working or [insert something more acceptable than running here]. My argument is always going to be that running allows me the extra "time" to devote to those things because I am operating at my best because...I'm a runner. I'm healthier, less stressed, happier, and more confident, to name a few. If I didn't run, I'm certain that many areas of my life would be neglected. This brings me to productivity. As a way to illustrate this, I'm going to list all of the things I was able to accomplish on my 9 mile run this morning.

1. I listened to 2 podcasts - one about current events/news and one about self-improvement/leadership
2. I came up with a new book idea and even "wrote" the first line.
3. I came up for the idea for this blog post
4. I ran through the cemetery and visited my uncle Marty. I drew inspiration from a conversation I had with him right before my first marathon.
5. I processed through the events of the last week and thought ahead to next week's agenda.
6. I "wrote" an important email in my head.
7. I created my to-do list for the day.
8. I got some much needed sunshine and time in nature.
9. As an introvert, I got some much needed time to myself to recharge.
10. I listened to my 50 mile playlist, creating a mental connection from today's run to what will eventually be race day.
11. I encountered 8 different people out running or biking in my community and I was able to connect with them by smiling and saying good morning.

Sure, some of these things could have also happened had I not ran but it would have been less likely. For one, I got up at 5:45 am and had all of this accomplished by 8:30 am. If I didn't get up to run, I would have slept at least another 2 hours. I also would have likely spent my time with a mind numbing activity like watching TV or surfing the internet. You see, running is my brain fuel, making all the above possible during the course of a 9 mile run. Running is good for the brain! This is scientifically proven. Many studies have shown that running (and physical exercise in general) increases the generation of neurons and blood vessels which aid in learning and memory. Running also benefits your sleep - you fall asleep quicker and sleep longer, and running boosts the immune system making you more resilient to common illnesses. Ain't nobody got time for that!! I don't know about you but when I have trouble sleeping and I'm sick, my productivity goes way down. Just more proof that running is good for productivity.

This blog is for all of you out there. If "time" is a frequent excuse for why you don't or can't run, please consider what I've told you. I used to be there too. When I first started 7 years ago, my commitment to running was 1x a week for 1 hour or less. That's all I felt like I had "time" for. When I'm in the peak of my training, I'm running 5 to 6 days a weeks for hours at a time. Running is a much better use of my time than anything else I could be doing. I've also learned that you make time for what matters. Running is a top priority in my life for all the reasons why I run. It could be that way for you too. Get started and reap the benefits of having a more productive lifestyle.

I run for...imperfection.

In today's world of social media, everyone's trying to put their best face forward. I am guilty as much as anybody of only posting the pretty things, the happy moments, the big events, etc. As much as I cite the challenges I've overcome or the long journey I've taken through running, I can see where it may look as if all my runs are "good" and "fun". IT. IS. NOT. EASY. I repeat...IT. IS. NOT. EASY. Today's run was a reflection of that and I think it's just as important to talk about the bad, sucky, and ugly runs too.

To start off with, I was scheduled to run my 12 mile training run yesterday so I spent all day yesterday feeling guilty for putting it off. That made today's run start off on a sour note. Getting ready I anticipated that it was going to be pretty cold so I prepared as such with my hat and gloves and layers. Once I started running I realized it was deceptively warm outside. The sun was hot and I was sweaty within my first mile. At mile 2 I ditched my gloves. Even more irritating was the fact that my pants didn't fit right. I could not run more than a minute without my pants falling down. I was constantly pulling them up and readjusting my gear and it was incredibly distracting! I tried to focus on the running and settle into a good pace but it just never happened. About mile 4 I really contemplated turning around and calling it quits. I needed some major inspiration to keep myself going. I got on my phone to find a running meditation I had downloaded a couple weeks ago....and my phone died. No joke. Shortly after that I turned a corner running west and faced a gnarly headwind. I wished I had my gloves because now I was freezing. No music, no meditation, no inspiration, no warmth, pants falling down....I wanted to quit so bad. I knew that to get through this I was just going to have to dig deep and rely on my experience and the goals that lie ahead. I kept telling myself that I'm an ultrarunner and I've been through much worse than this. But when I say this was a constant battle, I mean it. With every uplifting, positive thought I tried to have, I could only think about the pain, the discomfort, and suckiness of it all. Even with all the negativity, moving forward was still progress so I soldiered on. About mile 5 or 6, I came to my favorite hill. I thought "I'm already suffering, I might as well suffer some more." So I did hill repeats right there in the middle of my run. I had no idea how far I had run or if I'd meet my 12 mile distance (because my phone had died) but it didn't really matter anymore. Just getting through this run was my only goal. And wouldn't you know if, after those hill repeats, things started to perk up. My pants were still annoying but I found my thoughts focused on my upcoming marathon and future 50 miler. About mile 9 my phone had warmed up enough (after keeping it in my bra), that it turned back on. About mile 10 I came back around to where I had ditched my gloves and my hands warmed up. And after I got home and logged my route, I realized I had indeed ran 12.08 miles.

As weird as it may sound that I run for imperfection, I really do. Just like in life, the struggles make you appreciate the good moments that much more. When I'm having an awful run like I did today, I embrace the suck. I think about why it sucks and I use it as an opportunity to learn something, to better myself. Once again IT. IS. NOT. EASY. My greatest achievements have all come from a fair amount of suffering or struggle. (minus my first Chicago Marathon which was pretty damn perfect)

Marathon 1 - Just hoping that my left knee would hold it together, only to have my right knee blow out at mile 17.
Marathon 2 - Passing out at mile 19, spending 45 minutes at the medical tent thinking I would have to DNF.
Marathon 4 - Wanting so badly to push and go faster, but having my body rebel against me with leg cramps out of this world.
Table Rock 35K - Trying for my first 50K, thinking what in the world have I gotten myself into, and turning around at mile 10 to finish only 35K.
Table Rock 50K - 30 minutes from the summit, thinking I would never make it by the cutoff time.

I could focus on all the bad moments of my past races but I would feel incredibly defeated. Instead I look at those moments and I accept them for what they are. From each I have learned so much - a new running form, the effect of being undertrained, the importance of electrolytes, proper nutrition and hydration, the importance of hill work and elevation training, knowing your race route and cutoff times. Through all of the learning experiences, I've grown into the runner I am today. I am able to persevere through the ugliest of training runs, put it behind me, and continue with relentless forward progress. I don't know how my next long run will go nor do I know how my marathon will turn out or if I will accomplish my ultimate goal of completing my first 50 miler. However, I know for certain it will be an adventure and a challenge worth fighting for.

I run for...a happy new year!

This view at the top of Table Rock cannot be beat!

New year, new blog post!! I have lots to catch up on. My last blog post chronicled my experience at the Table Rock Ultra 50K. It's 4 months later and I feel like I'm still reveling in the awesomeness of that day. I think it's a positive sign that it's stuck with me this long. I am definitely using it as fuel for my 2018 goals. More on those later.

Such a happy day! Completing my first 50K!

After the Table Rock Ultra 50K, I had the super strong desire to get to that next step. Because I finished relatively unscathed, I wanted to capitalize on all my training to spring board into my first 50 mile race. There just so happened to be one right in my back yard...the Tunnel Hill 50/100 on November 11, 2017. So I had 5 weeks to get in some extra back to back runs if I really wanted to go for it. I gave myself a one week break and I completed 26 miles (7 & 19 miles respectively) the very next weekend. It seemed like it was going to be possible but then I changed my mind. The crazy part is that I changed my mind because I felt like it would be too easy. Lol. I've come to the conclusion that I crave elevation change in a race. In my opinion it keeps it interesting and it is definitely more challenging.

Once I opted out of doing the 50 miler, I began focusing my energy on completing our local Trick or Trot 5K sponsored by the agency for which I work. I do this race every year as a final cap on my racing season so it's more for fun than anything else, just an opportunity where I can dress up in costume and hang out with family, clients and coworkers. To my surprise this year, I won first in my age group and for best costume! That was an added bonus to an already amazing year for my "Year of the Comeback".

First in my age group and for best costume!

I took somewhat of a "break" over the holiday season but researching the whole time as to what was coming next and keeping my mileage up in case of a spontaneous decision to run a race. Sometime in December I finally decided what I wanted to do. Without further ado here are my goals for 2018:

1. Running streak of at least 100 days

2. Spring Marathon

3. First 50 mile race

Current status:

1. I started my running streak on New Year's Eve with a 7.6 mile run. I have run every day for the last 28 days and still going strong. Total running streak mileage equals 82.4 miles. I've learned so far that there is time in every day for at least one mile if not three or four. It's not that much time out of my day! So my goal is 100 days but I highly anticipate that it will go beyond that. After 100 days, I just can't imagine myself being like "Okay, that was cool. Now I'm done. No run tomorrow." I also recently saw on one of my ultra running Facebook groups that one of my idols (Catra Corbett) has been doing a running streak for over 5 years!! Say what?! This amazing woman had to drop from a 100 mile race because she had the flu but still managed to shuffle for a couple miles to keep her running streak alive. I strive to have that kind of determination. I guess in 5 years we'll see. Lol. :)

2. My decision to do a Spring marathon was kind of just because it made the most sense. For the last 2 years my mom and I have done the 10K on the weekend of the Illinois Marathon in Champaign, IL. Last year we both had a great race. For one, we didn't lose each other like we did the year before. Secondly, we both got PRs! Last year my mom went on to complete her first half marathon and has discovered that just crossing that off a bucket list is not that easy. Lol. So this year for the Illinois Marathon weekend she is going to do the half marathon. I looked at my training schedule and my mileage and I'm practically already trained for the half marathon so I thought I might as well do the full! April 28, 2018 is the date. We are 12 weeks away and training is going exactly to plan. I'm excited to potentially get a PR for the first time at the marathon distance.

3. This is the big one. There are literally hundreds of different 50 mile races I could choose from. I spent hours upon hours researching, planning, crossing off, prioritizing, wondering, dreaming, etc. about which race to choose. And wouldn't you know it that the race I've chosen is not for the faint of heart. It's a challenge for sure! I have finally settled on The Hitchcock Experience 50 mile race on December 8, 2018 in Honey Creek, IA. The race consists of a 12.5 mile loop (4x) with an overall elevation gain of 9856 ft (that's almost double what I did last year in the TRU 50K). The challenge of it is a big reason why I chose this race. Another is the location...I've never done a race in Iowa and I'm trying to expand on the number of states where I've done races. I ultimately would like to do a race in every state. (currently: IL, MO, OH, NC, GA). This race also has a 100 mile race along side it. In my research, I have found that cutoff times for the 50 mile race were more generous when a 100 mile race was going on at the same time. That will be of huge benefit to me, especially in a race that has so much elevation gain! Even though training won't officially start until August, you better believe that everything that I do this year is in preparation for this race. I want to achieve this goal SO bad I can't stand it. Because the truth is....I really want to be doing the 100 miler but I am trying to have patience and go through the proper steps first. Finishing this 50 miler will mean I'm finally ready to make the leap to the 100 miler - a dream that seems elusive now. One day....

There you have it! My goals for 2018. The beginning of a new year also means that I do a lot of reflecting on my running journey as a whole. It helps keep things in perspective for me and I get a lot of inspiration from how far I've come. Here are some of the more interesting things that I've found:

Since November 5, 2011 when I started my running journey, my total mileage equals 3,759.

My initial commitment to myself was to run at least once a week. In the entire 6 years and 2 months since I started, I've ran 282 weeks out of 320.

I ran the most miles in 2014 - 804 miles.

The most amount of miles in a month - August 2016 @ 106.28 miles.
The least amount of miles in a month - February 2017 @ 3.43 miles (chronic sinus infections)
Number of miles in my first month (Nov 2011) - 6 miles
Number of miles in the last month (Jan 2018) - 82 miles (with 4 days to go)
Number of 20+ mile runs - 17 (10 in the last 2 years)

While my running journey is mine, I also seek to inspire others. I'm here to tell you that once you ignite the spark inside of yourself, you'll never know what you can accomplish. I share a lot of my past and my stats because in the beginning I was where so many of you are now. It's not easy but it starts with the simplest of steps/goals. If all you can commit to is once a week (that where I started), then do it! I promise you that after you conquer that, you will be on to the next thing and then before you know it, you'll be running marathons or even ultras. :)