Trade-off

It was only a matter of time before I compared running to economics. After all, I am an economics major.

Today I decided to go for a longer run. I ran along 1st Ave (in order to avoid South Temple and all the parade stuff/people who already were set up to watch it). I turned to go towards the Capital and ran to a point, then walked up hill for a short while until I got to what I call the "Horse Shoe" (I believe it's actually called Bonneville Rd. or something like that). I ran all of that and it comes out on 11th Ave, which I ran on until I reached Virginia Street. I decided to walked down Virginia instead of run it because of my knee. Then I turned onto South Temple and started running again. Instead of going straight home I decided to turn on 10th East and run for a little longer. I was running alongside some of the runners for the Deseret News Run this morning while on South Temple. It made me sad that I missed the deadline to sign up for it (and that's another reason I really wanted to go on a long run, to make up for it). I ran until I reached 3rd South, and then turned to get on 9th East and go back home. I ended up mapping my run and the total mileage was about 7.39 miles. Not too bad, but take out some of that for walking.

Now to the tradeoff. As I have said over and over again, there is something wrong with my right knee. But it's getting much much better and that makes me smile. What I have noticed with my running though is that I can either have stomach pain, or a hurt knee (sometimes I get a little bit of both, but not too often). Today my stomach didn't hurt at all, but my knee didn't feel all that great. If I had the choice, I think I would choose the knee pain. Although the knee pain lasts longer and the stomach pain only lasts for a few minutes, the knee pain seems to be more bearable. I rather not have either of them, but at least I am still able to run.

Oddly enough I am sort of grateful for the pain. It sort of pushes me to be healthier and run more. My knee has gotten better as I have been more determined to run. So really it's just another challenge, and I love challenges. The stomach pain is a little different, so I think that's mainly a change of diet. So, that pushes me to eat healthier and cut out the crap that I shouldn't eat.

So even though I feel this pain.....I can see that it's actually helping me in the long run. I guess that's how a lot of things are in life. Pain is good for you. Embrace it and run with it. :)

Runaway Girl

New Week.....New Run

My friend advised me to run along 9th East, and today I decided to try that out. I also wanted to run to Liberty Park, so it worked out pretty well. I started a little later than I wanted, but at least I got out there. Traffic lights were a little annoying, but I was able to take short breaks and stretch or breathe a little bit. I dealt with it.

I got back from my run tired and sweaty. I decided that I wanted to know the distance I actually ran so I googled "track running mileage map". I stumbled upon Mapmyrun.com. I decided to create an account and start mapping my runs so I can figure out how far I am actually going. It's cool because you can put in a lot of details and map exactly where you ran, not just an estimation. I could get used to this site.

Today's run (according to how I mapped it) was about 5.08 miles. WHA?! I was surprised. I mean, I knew I ran pretty far, but five miles? That's a big deal for me considering I have just started a consistent running routine again, and considering my knee problems. But I feel like I am taking care of myself for the most part. And my knee only slightly hurt today, but again it's very bearable.

Today was a real turning point for me. I can definitely do this. And so can you.

Runaway Girl

Running to Temple Square

Another hard night calls for another run. This morning I didn't wake up that early, and I wasn't actually thinking about a run. But I looked outside and the sun wasn't beating down, so I thought.....the weather might be good for a run! Then I was determined. This is what I needed.

I was contemplating which route to take today and decided to take my usual one. Then I considered turning and going to Liberty Park, but continued forward on the usual. I also contemplated if I wanted to stop and walk around anywhere. I decided to just turn and go up a hill where I could turn around and come back, but I followed the feeling and the lights and turned to go to Temple Square. Great idea. The Salt Lake Temple is beautiful and peaceful. And temple square is a wonderful place. I had a good song on my i-pod (Hallelujah-Jeff Buckley), sat down, and just looked at the temple. There were a lot of people around too. But the peace is always there. Two sister missionaries stopped to talk to me, which was interesting, but nice. Then I got up and started back home.

My knee didn't really hurt. I am definitely moving forward. :)

This is what I needed though. Two absolutely wonderful things in my life: Running and the temple (although I didn't go inside). I can tell you that the Lord knows each and every one of us individually. He knows that I love running and He has given that opportunity back to me in the rough times.

Today I ran (away) and that's exactly what I will always do. :)

Runaway Girl

Approaching Life's Situations In A Healthier Way

Whenever I am having a hard time or have a lot on my mind I always think about how I really want to run. That's how I felt around 12:30AM. After finally going to bed, I woke up this morning around 7:30AM. I felt great and I was ready to run. I was determined. I got on my running clothes, took an Ibuprofen, stretched a little bit, got my i-pod ready, and went out the door.

It was a fantastic run. I ran down South Temple to Memory Grove where I stopped to drink some water and walk around (my stomach didn't feel all that great). I saw the coolest spiderweb too. Like a picture that you would automatically think of when you hear 'spiderweb'. I walked around and saw the meditation chapel, which I find to be very cool, so I walked up towards it and sat on a bench near it. I read a beautiful poem that was there. After a bit and looking around I noticed that I was sitting near the H's of last names of the people honored there. So I thought to look to see if there were any Hatch's. Yes. PFC Robert J. Hatch. I found that to be really cool. Maybe I am related to him somehow. I continued to walk and found a really cool five tiered fountain type thing. It was to honor someone's wife. How cute! And it was so beautiful. Probably my favorite part of the park now and I only discovered it today (I've been in that area SO many times).

I continued my run and wanted to make sure I stopped and walked around Temple Square. I love the Spirit there and when I looked up at the Temple I got a little teary eyed. I love Salt Lake City, and Temple Square is one of the greatest beauties there. Downtown can get busy and frustrating with all the people.....but once you are near the temple there truly is a peace. I love it.

And to top it all off, my knee didn't kill! I am back to getting on a healthy track. I can't help but thank God for all this. He's looking after me. I know that I am able to run more now because I need it. I had to runaway today. When something goes wrong in my life I don't really like to sit around and mope all the time. Occasionally I need to lay down on my floor and breathe, or sit on my wall and write in my journal. But most of the time, I just need to run. It's the healthier and happier way to deal with whatever comes my way.

And I am happy.

So when life gets frustrating or a situation doesn't turn out the way you would have wanted.....just go for a run or even a walk. It will clear your mind and help you live a healthier life.

Runaway Girl

Fourth of July

I ran a 5K. It was slow, but I ran it, finished it, and my knee didn't kill!!!!! I wasn't shooting for a great time, but I was shooting to finish the race and not have to walk.

CHECK.

So now, I am going to continue to stretch and strengthen my knee. :) I've conquered part of the battle, so now I just need to continue forward and finish.

I would really like to run a 10K on the 24th of July, but that's pretty intense. So I better start running all the time if I want to do that.

My knee did hurt a bit after the race (later in the day), but I am fine with that. If I continue caring for it, I should be fine. I am not the type of girl who gives up. I will conquer every little battle I can. This war with my knee will be won. More later.

Runaway Girl