27 Things

I saw someone post a list of 27 things before their 27th birthday and thought I would do the same. Here are 27 random things about me.

1. I go by both my first and middle name
2. I have 4 tattoos (and counting?)
3. I currently have 2 rabbits
4. I have a lab mix who I rescued 1.5 years ago
5. I have run a marathon
6. I have run several half marathons
7. I went to Virginia Tech
8. I love even numbers
9. I like doing jigsaw puzzles - on my phone
10. I have 8 piercings - now 6!
11. My hair is naturally wavy
12. I have one younger brother
13. I sing
14. I don't like singing karaoke
15. I majored in English
16. I like writing & editing
17. I have a love - hate relationship with donuts
18. I journal
19. I prefer wedges to flats
20. I say my favorite color is purple but it's really more gray or turquoise
21. I constantly drop my phone
22. I love the number 22
23. I wear three rings every day but not much other jewelry
24. I love animals
25. I'm my toughest critic
26. I love fiercely
27. I love making lists

Morning Runs

I am trying something new during this year's training. I am trying to do my weekly runs in the morning before work.

It makes sense to do, right? It is in theory cooler in the morning. It starts my days off on a good foot. I have more energy, I am in a better mood. Its been really nice having it done in the morning and not having to do it after work. I kind of get it now.

It has only been four runs that I've done before work so far, but I am finding that it is slightly addicting. I was planning on doing my 5 miler today after work. I don't have any plans or anything. Instead I felt this pull to just do it in the morning.

So I ran a hard 5 miles this morning. It was hot. Like 99% humidity. I was not prepared for that. I ran 2.5 and then walked .25. It had to be done. It had to be done three times actually.

I could be really hard on myself. I could be upset that I didn't run the whole time. But screw that. I did it! I got up before work and ran 5 miles. I ran in the insane humidity and still managed to get in the full distance. I stuck with it even when I was dripping sweat and felt like quitting.

Running is hard. Running in the heat is hard. Running is worth it.

When the school year starts (September) I will have a class every Wednesday evening. I am going to have to run in the morning before work.  By then my Wednesday runs will be eight miles. Which actually doesn't seem that bad - it's only three more miles.

While now it is still hard to get up at 7 to get these runs in, I know that if I keep doing it I will be able to do it more easily. It will be natural and I'll be able to get up before 7 to get in the longer runs in the fall.

Ideally, I'd like to run every morning before work. Post marathon I want to keep this up. I need to do some cross training, weight training, etc, but no reason I can't run a quick 3-4 miles every day as well.