OMG, how is it September??
No seriously, how on earth is it September??
I am a huge fan of summer, but have to say I’m ready for fall. Crisp weather, boots, colorful leaves, bouquets of sharpened pencils, pumpkin flavors, I love it all.
Fall also means the marathon is that much closer (65 days!) and September is going to be my hardest month in terms of mileage. If all goes as planned, I’ll hit around 220 miles total and get in two of three 20 milers. I guess there’s a reason why it’s often called the “Monster Month,” or the most important and difficult chunk of marathon training.
I like challenges, so I’m kind of excited for all the hard work ahead of me.
September will definitely show me what I’m made of running-wise, and it’s also a ridiculously busy month for work and I start classes next week. With all of these things going on at once I tend to be a bit of a stress case. I’m currently brainstorming ways avoid this and instead kick ass until October – stay tuned for updates (and please share any tips!).
This week’s running weather has been kind of fall-like too, with the past couple of days feeling delightfully cool. This morning I had a mid-week long-ish run on tap (9 miles) and met up with Ali for a good chunk it.
(photo stolen from Ali) Yay, sweaty running shots!
Breakfast while email checking/blog reading was the usual sprouted grain cinnamon raisin bread with peanut butter, cream cheese and berries
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, maybe you know I usually don’t need that much motivation getting out the door to get my run on. Even so, sometimes hitting the roads day after day can get a little monotonous, and it’s easy to take for granted the simple fact that I am able to run.
During the hurricanepocalypse this past weekend, I started reading a new book I had been wanting to read for a while.
The Long Run, by Matt Long
From the first page, this book has blown my mind. Like, tearing up on the subway and wanting to stay up all night to read it blowing my mind.
In short, it’s about an NYC firefighter, marathoner and Ironman named Matt Long who was hit by a bus while riding his bike up Third Avenue one morning and by all accounts, probably should have died.
But he didn’t. He fought for years to get back to having a normal life, and even though he could barely take two steps in front of him at one point, he dreamed of being able to run again.
I could go on about the book, but won’t spoil it because YOU NEED TO READ IT. Seriously, I will lend it to you.
I think we all need moments that remind us of how lucky we are to be able to run, walk, move, whatever. It’s so easy to forget until the second the ability is lost for whatever reason.
This is corny, but to me, running is truly a gift. And every time I find myself taking it for granted or needing some motivation (especially leading up to the big show), I’m going to think of Matt’s story.
Question: What motivates or inspires you to run? Or in life in general?
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