On Why I Run

post run stretches
post run euphoria
post run holy hell I just ran 10 miles, god i'm a f*ing rock star
pre run jitters
pre run superstitions (spaghetti dinners, chocolate milk, bagels, three shot blocks, lucky yellow socks, lucky underwear, right shoe first, double knots, believe me natalie at the starting line. always.)
pounding out my problems on the pavement
crushing pebbles, kicking stones, kicking up dust, the bridle path
slow deep breathes, breathing through a cramp
breaking my PR
nature
fresh air, early morning fresh air, being awake before anyone else in the city
learning to run and drink from a paper cup at the same time
learning that there's way more to running than just putting one foot in front of the other
excel sheets to track mileage, training programs, newsletters, running groups and partners, a running journal detaining mileage, food intake and body awareness
full dedication, expectation, motivation
the finish line
the journey
a new found hobby (or addiction) for life