habits.

I know every runner has habits before big races ... the more and more I run the more and more I notice them.  I really began to notice it this past weekend in Nashville when I was searching for alfredo and bagels and would not substitute for anything else and also when it was 5:00 pm and I was pinning my race number on my shirt, yet I had not really unpacked yet.  I know it is more of a comfort level thing since you're not supposed to try anything new, but isn't that about food and clothes and shoes .... not music.

• every night before the race I have to lay out my clothes. shoes. socks. shorts. shirt [with my # pinned on]. hair tie. everything.  I actually sleep with my sports bra on.
• when I carb load i tend to eat the same thing: chicken alfredo, but i tend to not eat all the chicken
• I eat half a bagel the morning of the race. but only half. and i wash it down with water.
• I have the same 4 songs start me off for every race 1) "my time" - jeremiah 2) "we belong to the music" - timbaland ft. miley cyrus 3) "who's got your money" -tina dollar and 4) "Rock & Roll" - eric hutchinson  ... i tend to follow it up with a slower song that allows me to walk if need be.
• I actually pack up my belt pack thing 2-3 days prior to the race, loading it with both GU Chomps and Clif Shotblocks ... making sure I leave room for my blackberry.
• During the race I don't like to rely on the Clif Shotblocks or anything until at least mile 6 ... and then 12 ... 6 mile increments.

what are your habits?! Are they as nit-picky as mine or am I just crazy?!

why do i run?

one of my favorite blogger’s allie posted on the reasons why she runs (you can find her blog and her entry here).  and with that and even though i do not hit the pavement or treadmill nearly as much as i want and need to, i have decided to piggy back her idea and explain why i run.

we all know i started running about this time last year (holy moly, my runniversy is coming up in may!!) and i did so because i got involved with a little organization called team in training.  i got involved because my friend from middle school and high school was diagnosed with CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) which is a non-curable, but manageable form of leukemia.  i wanted to do something to show i cared and wanted to help her and find a cure. so. i ran. and i walked. and i ran some more. and i loved it.

so a year later (almost) i am still running and in bullet form, these are my reasons.

• i have a stressful job and sometimes i just need to exhale
• sometimes i need to have a hour alone to myself
• so i can eat cupcakes and lots of them
• the running clothes – so funky and fun
• it gives me a reason to discover more great music
• the running community is just inspiring
• it is an excuse to take a hour away from the office to enjoy the weather
• there is nothing like crossing the finish line of a marathon – total sense of accomplishment – even more than graduating college
• finishing ANY race is a feat and makes you thankful and grateful for your abilities
• i have a legitimate excuse to go get a massage
• knowing that you have burned 1000 calories before most people are awake is a pretty awesome feeling
• it reminds me to shave my legs more than 2 times per week
• you cannot rely on anyone else to make you do well – how you do is all a direct result of how you prepared
• the free tech tees at the end of races. oh and the medals
• i can eat brownies and cookies without feeling too guilty
• i know that if i am ever being chased i can make it pretty far and hopefully escape
• Most importantly, it’s all about the mental toughness
• last but certainly not least – because i want to and because i can

think about it … why do you run?!