Why I Run...

If you've met me within the past year and half, you know that running is a major part of my life. Since I was a wee tyke I embraced competition and sports.  In college, though, sports become a job rather than a pass time so I left the sports world behind and (eventually) chose another passion.  One that is far less team orientated and more individual.  My running started off as both an effort to lose weight and to connect with my residents, all of whom thought I was crazy and annoying.  Over the past year and a half I have gotten several comments about my running - both positive and negative.  Ironically, I would not classify  myself as a dedicated runner, as I know several people who run 6-7 days a week.  I get in maybe 2-3 solids runs each week.  My motivations have since changed, as I'm no longer wishing to impress my freshman residents. 

Here is a list of why I run:

Upcoming STL Rock 'n Roll Half

To be completely honest, one of the major reasons I have been so diligent about my running as of late is because October 19th is creeping closer every single day.  On that day I'll be expected to run 13.1 miles...and I paid a LOT of money to voluntarily run, so I run.

I have an amazing "Coach"

My coach (aka running buddy aka Jen) happens to be one of those residents I was hoping to impress when I began running.  I guess it worked because we've been running together since (excluding summer and holiday breaks).  She's much faster than myself, but never once has she made me feel like I'm slowing her down or a burden.  She's up for a quiet run when we need it or a (as we like to call it) "rant run" when it's necessary.  She pushes me and keeps me focused.  I am so incredibly thankful for Jen, as both a friend and a coach!

For my sanity!

I think and think and think... I worry WAY too much.  Although running is not the first thing I go to for comfort, it is easily the most physically noticeable change in my mental state.  My 78 year old neighbor said to me recently that one of the reasons he loved to run was because of "the loneliness it brought."  Solo runs with or without music provide time for me to just be.  I have no responsibilities to anyone or anything when my feet are pounding against the pavement.  As an extrovert with severe introvert tendencies, running serves as a really useful tool to get some "me time" without giving up time I want to dedicate to going out with my friends.

To stay fit

Staying fit does not equate weight loss every time.  For instance, my mother - who is a teeny tiny lady - isn't all that fit.  I would actually argue that running, although it has certainly helped tone my body, doesn't actually make me feel thin.  Those hills that I force myself to run have made my legs solid and keep my butt up.  It's helped my breathing, too!  When I go a couple days without a good, solid run I feel sluggish, lazy, and blehhh.  Even with just a two mile run I can feel the endorphins kick in with that extra boost of energy!  It is one of the best feelings in the world, but not quite better than......

The flying feeling

The big hill - you can run up it for the ultimate burning sensation in your upper thighs OR you can run down it.  The Jackson Park hill is one that I ALWAYS opt for the latter option.  It's just enough of a downhill grade that my legs start to move more quickly than I can control and it almost seems like I'm leaving the ground.  I shake my arms out, raise them above my head, and flap them up and down like a bird.  It's incredible and makes the previous 6 or 7 miles totally worth it.

I Run 4 Family & Rachel

I am a team member of the I Run 4 Family.  It is an organization that matches runners with buddies who are not able to run themselves.  Last spring, through this organization, I was matched with one incredibly lady.  Rachel is such an inspiration, and over the past couple months she helped push me through the hills, the extra miles, and the days where the couch looks much better than my tennis shoes.  I wouldn't be the runner I am today without her and the community I have found with the IR4 group. 

If you're a first time runner or an experienced one and interested in joining, I encourage you to visit their page for more information: http://www.whoirun4.com 

Well, there it is folks!  That is why it seems like "I'm always working out."  I love it and at this point need it.  I'm too poor for therapy, but this is therapeutic.  So run, don't run - do what you love!  If it's sitting on the couch, sit on the couch; if it's yoga, be a yogi!  If you are a crossfit fanatic, go crazy, my friend.  Find your niche and do it!

Until next time, friends!

-RC :)

Just a bit of humor (that rings all too true...)

 

Why I Kinda Like Being Checked Out...

My previous post on the words CHECK OUT concerned itself with both body image and the bombardment of sex whilst perusing the check out lane at the grocery store.  This post takes on a different perspective of those words. 
 
Today, I'm talking cat-calls.
 
What is a cat-call? (skip to 1:00 if you are in a rush!)

Alright, so this comedian makes light of her experiences so here is a Wiki definition:
"make a whistle, shout, or comment of a sexual nature to a person passing by"
 
Reactions to cat calling and whistling range from outrange to encouragement - no wonder men can't figure out if women like to be hackled on the street.*  The feminist in me recognizes that I shouldn't want to be treated as if I'm a dog that can be beckoned by a simple, "Girl, you lookin' goooood in those pants."  Outwardly, I do tend to either ignore such remarks or respond with a polite thank you and move on.  My inward reactions are a totally different story.  Like the title of this post suggests, sometimes... I kinda like the quick and affirming check out.  "Yes, I do look good today - you're right to have noticed!"  It is not that I enjoy the degrading feeling, the feeling that this person hollering at me feels as though they have a right to speak to me in such a way... They don't even know me, which means their comment is strictly based upon my looks!  What I do like is the confidence boost.  I wish I could say that my identity is so strongly rooted in the Lord that I know and feel my beauty at all times, but I can't.  I know, from being both an older sister and mentor, I could say you don't need another person to tell you how beautiful you truly are.  And I hope you believe me when I say that you don't need them to, but I would be lying if I said I don't (on occasion) want them to compliment me.  As a single gal, it is refreshing to be appreciated and adored at times.** Compliments out of obligation from family and friends never seem to hold as much weight as a compliment from a complete stranger.  The cat call isn't always a compliment, though.  If you are a cat caller (which I sometimes am..), sometimes the cat call is unwelcomed and belittling.  Typically, those situations are the ones I find become more along the lines of verbal sexual harassment.  But, when it seems like the whistle is a friendly one, I don't mind taking the compliment for what it is: someone recognizing my looks.  I am in no way suggesting or stating that looks should be of  high importance, but I know there are definitely days that I get dressed up on purpose and it's nice to be recognized for that effort. 
 
For women (or men) who detest the cat call: I want to ask you some questions - are you encouraging it?  Do you say anything to those who give you a holler?  What are the reasons you do not like the call? 
 
However you feel about cat calls, love 'em or hate 'em... I don't think they are going anywhere - especially in our urban settings.  It's also not something that we just have "get used to" if they do make you feel uncomfortable.  If the cat calls are something that bother you and the situation seems safe and appropriate, say something.  Step out of your comfort zone and explain why what was said offended you.  You may change that person's perspective.  Or they may just be a not nice person.  But it's also not always a bad thing to walk onward and enjoy the feeling of being noticed.
 
Until next time, friends.
 
RC :)

*Typical situation, but it most certainly could be rearranged to several different settings
** I will say, I imagine those in committed relationships will probably respond quite differently.  I myself am not currently in any such relationship.

Bekah - you posted this the other day and it made me LAUGH! Thought I would share this funny video about What Men Are Really Saying when they Catcall!