My Love/Hate Relationship with Running

I didn't just take a photo of this outfit because it was cute, or because I found the graphic to be powerful.
I thought it would be good to document my outfit for my last race of the year.
(Or so I say. You never know, I flip flop on these things.)

I chose to start running more frequently after being in the PNW for a few months.
As the winter rains were letting up, and the sun was coming out more, running outdoors was a great way for me to get out of the apartment.
One afternoon, I'm in Jamba Juice for a snack, and then I see an ad for a local race.
It was exactly 9 weeks out, and I was crazy & stupid enough to sign up.
I thought that signing up for this race would be a great way to keep me running.

Let me back up - 60% of the time I don't like running.
Sometimes it's more effort than I want to put forward.
Sometimes it's really easy to injure yourself.
Sometimes it just freaking sucks.

Well, what become "only one race in May" turned into "let me do a few races in the summer."
Which turned into "5 races from May through October."
(Ugh, how is October already...)
There was a 10k in May, a 5k in June (free one thanks to work, holla), a 5k in July, a 7k in August which I walked because it was 95 degrees at 6:30pm, and a 10k in August.
(There were supposed to be two races in September.
Yes I signed up.
No I did not go to them. Whoops.)

So why run, if I despise the activity 60% of the time?
Or if I'm regretting it before and during the actual race?
Let's take a look at the positive aspects...

Carbo-loading.
Helllloooo. This is an event where eating extra carbs is not only justified, it's required!

Having an actual event also helps keep you accountable for your training/workouts.
The packet pickup makes it even more official.
The energy surrounding the start line, minutes leading up to the race is addicting yet encouraging.
It's like, fuck yeah, we're all here to be fit and active!
And we'll even celebrate it after! With more carbs and even alcohol!

I've started looking at races as "morning turn ups."
You get your work out in, then jam out with your dranks to some music.
And, there's a good chance your race has taken you to a city & place you've never been before.

Running. Such a pain, yet I still do it.
And I type this as I ice my foot from today's race. Womp womp.
Now, to sign up for that November race, or not?



Side note: The Oatmeal does a great job of putting into comic form the love/hate relationship people have with running right here.