“There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year,

years in my life.  But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child,

an artist and a saint.  So, too, are you.  Find your own play, your own

self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant

to be.” - George Sheehan

Lately been I've been reflecting a lot on the years i've been running. Running now consistently for around eight or nine years! I can't believe it and I've ran seven and a half marathons during this time. Which running marathons was the main inspiration for me when I started running and it continues to be to this day. Why do I strive to run marathons every year? Well that is another discussion all together. Though as I reflect back on my running career I think about all the sports and activities running has lead me towards.

Before running I never actually dedicated myself to a sport or any kind of training. Now that I do I often wonder why I never tried any sports when I was younger or at least stuck with them. I never even ran in High school but here I am throughout my 20's and now almost 30 running like crazy!

Running has lead me to find other sports to participate in such as Ultimate Frisbee, Rollerblading, Racquet Ball, Flag Football and soon possibly even softball. So for me running goes beyond the health benefits, It truly inspires to me in my everyday life in my career and sporting hobbies. It opens doors for me. It frees the mind and builds your confidence.

Today is August 1st which marks "pre-marathon" season for me. My July running production was down so I hope to pick it back up in starting in August. Though I stay active and in shape all year it is good to ease off your longer runs for awhile. It does a couple things for me, It makes me anxious and hungry to get back out there and improve. It also helps rest my body from any nagging injuries so that when you do begin training you are fresh and injury free.

So 20-25 miles a week is my off season average but now that August is here and marathon season around the corner I look forward to increasing that!

Tomorrow is another day, and there will be another battle!

I'm mostly a solo runner honestly. With that I feel that a lot of my runs are times of reflection. A time where I can shut everything out and just enjoy my own world. I let the energy just take over me and before you know miles have gone by. From my perspective the world slows down around me. My thoughts slow down even though my body is racing.

I use this time and energy sometimes to deal with inner challenges and it is a way for me to release some negative energy. I find though that this feeling of utopia merely ends after your run, it is the challenge of carrying on this energy into your every day life. It can be done, I always say, "dig deep".