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My Running Story

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I feel a little out of place writing a post titled “My Running Story” because I am so young to have a “story.” But, I do have seven years of  “structured” running under my belt.

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I unintentionally discovered running. I was starting high school and I needed a new after-school activity my mom forced me to sign up for an after school activity. Cross-country was a no-cut sport, meaning everyone made the team. I had just started running with my parents a few months earlier so it wasn’t an out-of-the-blue decision to join, but running was still new to me. Plus, I wasn’t so gung-ho about the six-days-a-week time commitment either.

As I was not only a freshman but also a new runner, I slowly built up my mileage. Most days I stayed around 3-4 miles, but I discovered that I really enjoyed running. It was a great stress relief after school and it kept me sane during a somewhat stressful time in my life. However, I did not enjoy running fast…which happens to be the point of cross-country. I actually dreaded meets. (I would be on the course running by my parents yelling, “I’m going to die. This sucks.” Just a bit dramatic. Apparently I made really ugly faces when I ran past them, too).

While I did run cross-country for three years, my best and happiest running memories occurred during the off-seasons. I ran my first half-marathon in 2010 as a sophomore in high-school. My mom and I ran the Princess Half Marathon at Disney World. I’ve never been so nervous for a race as I was for that half-marathon. I couldn’t eat dinner the night before because I was so queasy. However, it turned out to be an amazing race and I finished strong at 1:45, way surpassing my goal time.

That was the start of my racing “career” (not like I get paid for it…more like I shell out hundreds of dollars to race). Since then I have run four more half-marathons and one full marathon. I ran the Disney Marathon in January 2014 and it is my proudest accomplishment to date. (Note: I don’t run all my races at Disney. But I live an hour a way so it’s pretty convenient!).

After the 2014 Disney Marathon!

After the 2014 Disney Marathon!

Right now, I’m in the midst of my running hiatus, partly due to the Florida heat. But really, I ran a lot (for me) from October-March, had some minor injuries and needed to give my body a break. However, I will be cutting the hiatus short to start training for my second marathon in mid-July. I’m running the NYC Marathon this November! You better believe I screamed in the middle of my religion class when I got the acceptance email. So until training starts I’ll continue to run when I feel like it (without a schedule), usually 2-3x a week.

I love that I can set short-term and long-term running goals. I love that I don’t have to set running goals. I love listening to music when running. I love running technology free. I love running even when I hate it. It’s not always easy or fun, but it’s the post-run high that keeps me coming back.

 

How/when did you start running?

Anyone take a planned running hiatus?

Summer Lovin’

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I just finished my sophomore year of college and it’s a little surreal. Last week during my four-hour drive home, I started thinking about how summer, while still my favorite season (second only to autumn in New England), is a lot less exciting than it was in high school. Summers during college are supposed to be for internships, jobs and summer classes, right? What happened to lazy, unplanned weekdays and Netflix marathons?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m so fortunate and excited that I do have a job this summer (a pretty good one, too), but my heart breaks a little thinking of the freedom I used to have. Anyone else feel that way? But no more of the negatives. There are still so many things I’m looking forward to this summer.

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 1. Family time. I cannot wait to be with my family for more than a long weekend. Having family dinners, going on a vacation and just being together in our house. I’m truly happiest when I’m with them no matter what we are doing. Knowing that I don’t have to leave in 48 hours makes me feel so calm and relaxed.

2. Good, nourishing food. This coincides with #1, but having home cooked meals and a fridge full of food makes my heart and stomach so happy. Mom’s cooking >>>>>

3. A new challenge. While my internship (which I started this past Monday!) is in a field I’m familiar with and have experience in, it’s nonetheless a new journey for me. I’m the corporate workplace for the first time and there are so many “unknowns.” But I know leaving my comfort zone is good (or at least that’s what my mother drilled into my brain).

4. A (small) bucket list. While waiting in the doctor’s office last week I made a list of goals for summer. They include trying new recipes, mastering the handstand and starting a blog (check!), among others.

5. Trips to the beach. No explanation needed.

6. Visiting friends at college. Much to my disapproval, most of my best friends decided to stay at their respective schools to take summer classes. I’m hoping I can make the trek up to visit them for a long weekend.

7. Marathon training round 2. Come mid-July I’ll be braving the Florida heat to begin training for my second marathon, THE New York Marathon. I’m beyond excited to run the race in November, even if it means waking up at the crack of dawn to run before work.

8. Blogging. There is so much I need and want to learn! I’m excited to develop this little place on the internet and continue writing.

 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Breaking the Ice

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Hello!

I’m Emily, a college student, runner, fitness enthusiast and gluten-free eater. After some health struggles, which ultimately lead to a diagnosis of Celiac Disease, I’ve learned the importance of listening to and loving your body. I believe in rest, enjoying delicious food, and doing what makes you happy :)

After two years of reading (aka stalking) healthy living blogs I’ve decided to join the party.  Even though we’ve never actually met, so many bloggers feel like friends based on similar interests/experiences. I plan to use this blog as a creative outlet to document my experiences with fitness, living gluten-free and college (so far).

Why “healthy-ish”?

I live a pretty healthy life and tend to have a good balance of work and play naps. While I enjoy exercising and definitely try to get my 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, I’m not obsessive. There are plenty of days when napping > working out. However, I definitely can be a picky eater. I prefer whole foods to junk food and I tend to like simple dishes with herbs and spices than meals covered with dressings and sauces. But I don’t classify my diet (other than gluten-free, of course). As I’ve gotten older I’ve become more open to different foods, but I still have a way to go before my plain palate acquires the taste for certain things. Always a work in progress, right?

I’m still learning all the technical stuff, but I’m so excited to begin my blogging journey.