I Ran and a Question

I had a great run today. The temp was colder than I would like, 37 degrees compared to 71 just 3 days ago. For some reason I always seem to run a bit faster in the cooler temps.  I don't know if it's in my head or what, here are my splits for todays run:

5.5 miles- 43:37 mins

mile 1- 8:29
mile 2- 8:27
mile 3- 8:35
mile 4- 9:01(not sure what happened here);)
mile 5- 8:48
mile .5- cooldown

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Christina over at Lazy Bones Running asked a great question on her post today:  

"How or when did you know you caught the running bug?"

I knew I had caught the running bug when I decided to dish out an obscene amount of money for proper running shoes and didn't feel guilty about it...at all.  I had just finished my first 5k race in 2008. The thrill of crossing the finish line and being able to run a 5k without walking made me so proud of myself. I'm a naturally competitive person, so I couldn't wait until the next race to beat my time. I had run in an old pair of New Balance that were about 4 yrs old and had never given thought to proper running footwear or attire before this race.  Buying those new running shoes to me, meant I was going to be running...a lot. I enjoyed it enough that I was going to start investing not only my time, but my money into it.

Flashback photos: A few pics from my first race ever!

 

This was 10mins before the race. My friend Gina(who I made run with me) told me to show her my game face!

 

And here is me falling...I am NOT very graceful!

So thankful for friends who support me! Gina lives in Chicago(my hometown) and has run this race with me two years in a row...Gina loathes running. Now that is a true friend!

I love to look back and see how far I have come.  I have truly fallen in love with running!

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I think we all hear negative comments from people who think running is crazy.  Everyone wants to share their horror stories about how they "used" to run but they blew out both knees or hurt their back or lost an eye....for some reason(probably their own insecurities) some people just don't like when you get fit. Maybe it intimidates them or convicts them in their own lifestyle.  Whatever the case is, I'm learning to tune that negativity out and turn it around.  It no longer bothers me, it makes me feel good.  It makes me feel like a runner.  They obviously see something in me that they want but don't know how to get it......this always gives me an opportunity to draw them in or at least to share the joys of running.
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Tomorrow is Show N' Tell Wednesday and I have some great things to share with you!

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Grace and peace,