Week 2: Running Weaknesses

This week has been much better in terms of running conditions, the boiling temperatures have waned a bit allowing for a much more pleasant (and crowded) morning run.  It’s because of the more crowded trails that I realize now (or perhaps confirmed) that I recognize my weakness when it comes to running.

Before I go into details about my fun week 2, I want to give a special shout out to Kelly over at www.foodiefresh.com. As part of her awesome website, she has a great feature called “I am a runner” which she graciously allowed to me participate. You can find the feature here and get to know me a little better, along with the tons of other brilliant, amazing runners (P.S.- her recipies…kickass).

Every runner has a weakness, whether they want to admit it or not. Bad knee, weak ankles, inability to get up for the early AM runs… whatever it may be, the best way to get over that is to mentally prepare and strengthen that weakness. I discovered mine while running Wednesday and it is not your typical weakness. Sure I have a bad knee and sweat so much it is practically blinding, but these things pale in comparison to what I am about to tell you.

My parent's dog, Bailey-so cute I just want to squeeze him!

Puppies. My biggest running weakness is puppies. You can ask any person who has walked down the street with me, I simply cannot resist the adorable little fur balls. This desire to pet every puppy/dog that comes within reaching distance also applies to the trail. Perhaps it is because, while I view my trainings as serious, I don’t take myself seriously when I run. Like any other person going through the trials of training, I of course want to lower my mile splits and get a new PR but, at the same time, if I am not having fun while I run, what is the point? Running is my escape and I never feel more relax than when I am on the trail and legging out mile after mile. 10 minutes is the time I estimated I spent over the course of 5 miles playing with the plethora of puppies on the W O&D early Wednesday morning. I very easily could have fit another mile in during that time. Perhaps I should just be grateful that the Philly Marathon doesn’t allow dogs to run the race, or else I might be in serious danger of being picked up by the slow bus.