Running and all its glory

Running, the one activity just about everyone hates, and I can't get enough of it. People hate running because of the drills they did for sports in high school or because they are too out of shape to appreciate it. In reality it's more than just a workout.

I run for a lot of reasons. First off, yes, it's a great workout. Second, I don't rely on anyone. It's just me and the road/path. I push myself to the limit, listen to my choice of music, and get a tan. Find something wrong with that and I'll be impressed. Third, I get to take everything out on the road. The poor road has taken a pretty good beating from me over the last 10 years, but it's a hell of a lot better to deal with me than a semi. Running has helped me keep a clear head for years. The endorphins fight off any bad mood and make any good mood even better. I also use running as a time to figure out everything in my life. I like to prioritize and organize things while I run...that way I don't focus on the pain or how tired I get.

I'm training for my first marathon, and so far I'm in the base building stage. People have called me crazy and ridiculous for wanting to run one, and they're right. I'll be the first to admit it. However, standing in that mob of people waiting to cross the start and/or finish line with the same goal: "I will finish" is incredible. When I ran the St. Louis Go Half Marathon in April I had such a high before I even got to the start line! The 15 minute walk/jog to the start line was enough to keep me going through the first 10 miles. I was so excited to be running the race that when my muscles said 'stop' after 400m I kept going ad found a running buddy. I talked to this woman for 9.5 miles about everything from family to dogs passing away and training. She pushed me when I wanted to stop, and I pushed her as well. It was the strongest bond I've had with anyone in a long time. 

Nothing can beat the runner's high. I don't even know why people do drugs. Keep in mind you can't just jump into running and assume that you'll be running 5 miles right off the bat. If you give it 2 weeks of honest effort, you'll probably love it too. You'll be happier, feel better, and have more energy. I challenge you to give it a try. I'm not expecting everyone to run a marathon, but hey a 5k wouldn't hurt.

The Key

Communication is the key to everything. From friendships to work, every kind of relationship is based on it. Many relationships fail because communication is missing.

I've been fortunate to catch up with old friends and strengthen my relationship with close friends. One thing that was said in several of those conversations is how relationships, romantic or not, should be easy and should flow. Friendships come from having nothing or everything in common, and are based on communication. Communication doesn't have to be verbal. Sometimes just sitting and listening, or being the hug and a should to cry on are all you need. 

There is no need to over analyze a friendship. You shouldn't have to do a pros and cons list...chances are if you're making a pros and cons list about a relationship of some sort it's time to get out of it. You shouldn't be putting forth any negative energy or getting negative energy in return. That's not what relationships are about. You should love/care about the person no matter what.

Change...it's a good thing

Lately I've been dealing with a lot of change. For once, I can say that I like the change too. From moving to Phoenix from St. Louis then 8 weeks later quitting my job and moving home to Indy...all the way to my relationships.

In Phoenix I found someone very important to me. Sounds lame? Maybe, but who cares...he's important to me. No, we're not dating. He's just amazing. His name is Joe. Anyway, he taught me how important it is to focus on energy. After living in the midwest for the better part of 9 years I had no clue what Joe was talking about when he said he liked the energy out in Phoenix better. He said he was happier. Well, I started to realize how much happier I was, and how much more laid back I got to be. I even felt better. That's when he started pointing out how negative energy from other people really was affecting me and bringing me down. So, thus brought on change.

By focusing on the positive energy in my life I found a Sarah I hadn't seen in a few years. It was good to find that part of me again. Moral of the story, find what you love and do it. People walk in and out of our lives for a reason, and sometimes we have to cut them out for the sake of our own happiness. You only have one life, so life it for yourself. Not others.

"Think happy thoughts" - Peter Pan