Kicking Assphalt

Seriously, this is dead on.....

About 5 years ago, I picked up the lovely hobby of running..... I am not sure why as I don't have a runner's body, I'm slow as sh*t and think back to when I wanted to strangle my high school sports coaches when I was force to do suicides or mile runs.  

But then at work one day after college - one of the ladies told me she runs 10k's.  I didn't particularly care for this evil woman (she always was one with her nose in the air) and my thoughts were, I am going to run a half marathon and "show her."  I ran across the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's training program and signed up right away.  I remember when I first ran four miles during training and I thought I was the QUEEN of the world. It was after this four mile run that I first experienced "runner's high."  Little did I know that I would have to push myself 9 more miles....... 

Baltimore Marathon Relay

Runner's high is a blessing AND a curse.  I ran my first half marathon in Annapolis, MD in 2009.  I hated it the entire time..... BUT - immediately after the race, I experienced the damned "runner's high."  I signed up for a second half marathon the next day.  Great -- putting myself through H-E- Double Hockey Sticks-- AGAIN!! 

I completed my second half marathon in the Napa Valley and it was then that I started to truly enjoy running.  Not only is a good stress relief, but started to realize that it wasn't about speed - it was more about feeling good with yourself and taking in the air around you when you run...  I also began to feel more confident when I ran.. I ended up running off all that beer I drank in college (okay, so maybe I'm still running that off) and toned up a bit.

Since then, I have run a ton of 10 milers and 5K's, marathon relays, et cetra... I guess I should thank that horrible office mate for helping me discover one of my passions... A lot of my friends think I'm crazy as they only run when something is chasing them.  

Zuber & Andrew Sisters after the race!

Yesterday I completed my 6th official half marathon.  It was a Personal Best for me (8:50 split) and yes, I freaking have runner's high again... So here I go again signing up for another race!!   I was very happy with my time, considering that less than two months ago I thought I was "dying" of Lyme Disease (more on that later).... 

People always ask me when I'm doing a marathon?  NEVER! I like my body too much to put it through another 13.1 miles after I complete the first 13.1... Okay - soooo, never say never.... 

Also - why the hell do they take pictures of you while your running?  Thanks for taking an action shot of me when I look my absolute worse!! JERKS!

Is this really happening?!

Oh My Lord... I'm writing my first blog post.  I used to laugh at people who babbled about their life story over the internet -- like WHO WOULD SPEND TIME READING THOSE "UNINTERESTING" BLOG POSTS!?!

Then I guiltily became one of those people who read them and found myself identifying with what many others posted about.  So for a while, I’ve been thinking about starting a blog, but put it off because I wasn’t sure even where to begin.  So I guess I will take a stab at it and hope that there are others out there that can identify with what I have to write about!

View from my deck!

So about me... I am a 27 y/o female living in the gorgeous Finger Lakes region in NY.  I am a born and raised farm girl and am damn proud of it… Though I no longer work or live on a farm, I truly believe that my childhood helped to instill the values that I live by to this day.  I currently work in the agriculture industry and get the opportunity to travel all throughout New York.  I consistently strive to achieve a good work/life balance, although sometimes work wins!  I love to hike, kayak, run, cycle, cook, watch sports, play with my niece and nephews, people watch and travel to new places.  I’m sure you will see some of this throughout all my blog posts!

As well, I always try to see the positive in every day.  Not every day is going to go the way I want it, but I certainly feel that it truly is a great day to be alive!