Run Katie, Run

25 Days until I'm at the starting line of the Dublin Half Marathon and well, my training is...um how should I say it? Not quite on track? I actually moved my body 5 miles today. It wasn't a run. It wasn't a jog. It wasn't a walk. It was more of a "jowalk" that felt like a waddle. You know, one of those outings where you're fighting with your brain to "just keep running to that next tree" yet somehow your body pulls the emergency brake and you've stopped to a walk and not sure how it's happened? Yeah. One of those days.

After my 3rd or maybe 4th stop during the first 2 miles I figured it was time to start reminding myself just why I was out there in the heat, drenched in sweat, still shuffling my feet forward, talking to myself because that's what happens when I'm out there solo.

I run...

...for new shoes & clothes.
...to register for races that require travel.
...because it's better for me than a pint of ice cream after a crappy day.
...for the bling.
...because the sound of my footsteps with my heart racing is better than any beat found on    my iPod. (The only exception may be "Evacuate the Dance Floor" remixed.)
...to turn heads. As in the "who is that girl?" kind, but I'll take the "is she crazy?" ones as well.
...for the stress release.
...because I live above a pizza shop that's open 6 days a week, until late.
...to keep Stanley happy.
...for that fabulous shower afterwards.
...because sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day in a windowless building is depressing.
...to make my fat cells cry.
...for that sense of accomplishment when that last mile marker beeps on my watch.
...to feel the sunshine and breathe the fresh air.
...because one day I won't be able to.
...for me.