Happy National Running Day!

Happy National Running Day everyone!!! I hope all my running friends are celebrating today! As someone who has been involved with running since the third grade, I am so excited that National Running Day exists to celebrate both this amazing sport and community!

2013 WDW Half with the husband!

While running has significantly increased in popularity over the years, it can still often be "the forgotten sport." Ask any cross country or track runner and they will likely agree. Running isn't the glamorous, money making sport like football or basketball. Heck to outsiders watching people run or wondering why they would choose to do so might even come off as "boring" or "crazy." I remember in high school when my school's football team received a parade, yes a PARADE (small towns for the win lol), for winning the state championship. My cross country team also won the state championship and I'm not sure we even got a mention in the school morning announcements. Seriously. We did get recognized at a football game. Because of course lol! My track team also took home a state championship title and we were undefeated that season as well! Again, not much recognition came of it other than an article in the town newspaper. 

I get it. Running like I said isn't the money making sport or the one that brings the spectators. Running is sweaty, messy, repetitive and HARD. When I was younger and competitive I found the lack of recognition a bit grating, but now looking back I realize it makes it all the more special. As a runner, it's almost like we have our own little world. Runners no matter what level all share a connection. We GET each other! Like the saying goes "our sport is your sports punishment." Because running can often be ignored, save for every four years with the Summer Olympics, I think that's why those within the running community are so well-bonded and connected. This spans from the cross country and track runners, to the competitive road racers, and to those of us running for fitness and training to race for fun!

Runcations with my BRF's make running even more fun!

The running community is one I am proud to continue to be involved with. I am very happy that running has become more popular over the years. I also LOVE that more and more people are realizing that they, too, can become a runner. If you finish first or last, you are still a RUNNER. I have been to many races where the person who crosses the line in last place is just as celebrated as the winner. While this isn't always the case, it happens enough to make me proud to be part of this sport. I have participated in other sports, but none have offered the support like the running community does. I have friends I've never even met face to face because of the social media aspect of the running community! 

What are some of my favorite things now about running other than the supportive community? Here are five big ones:

1. It makes me feel good. Even the worst run is better than no run. I always feel better about myself after a run.

2. Running allows me to still enjoy treats like pizza. And ice cream. And popcorn. Well food in general, I guess!

3. Runcations! As I've come to this phase of my life as a runner, I've found that planning vacations around races "runcations" can be a great motivator to keep running. 

4. Run Disney! Did I mention runcations? Run Disney races are the best type of runcations! My Disney addiction and running go together like peanut butter and jelly! Running in my favorite place?! Yes please!

5. Running is the best stress reliever! When I am in my running zone I am able to blow off steam and let the annoyances of the day trickle away.

Run Disney makes running fun! It's not everyday we run as Darth Vader and Maleficent! 

National Running Day is a day when runners nation-wide declare their passion for running. Today's celebration is a wonderful way for seasoned runners to reaffirm their love of the sport, but it's also for beginners to take that first step out the door! If you have always wanted to try running, stop thinking "I can't" and get out there and do it! What perfect way to start your running journey than on National Running Day?! I encourage everyone to get their run on today!

After my first half marathon, 2011 Flying Pig Half! 

How did you or how do you plan to celebrate National Running Day? Why do you run? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @lilrunner. You can also find regular running updates on my Instagram @lilrunner1485.

And as always, the race bling from running (like my 2014 Glass Slipper Challenge medals here) isn't too shabby either! 

National Running Day!

Happy National Running Day! A holiday that celebrates one of my passions and promotes fitness sounds like a great idea to me! While there has fortunately been an increase in its popularity, running is a sport that's often overlooked as are runners themselves. I am happy that National Running Day is here once again to celebrate this amazing sport and this even more amazing community of people I'm happy to be part of.

As the National Running Day website says, "Be a part of National Running Day, a coast-to-coast celebration of running. On this day, longtime runners reaffirm their love of running and beginners can kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment."

Today I plan to celebrate with a run of course (duh)! National Running Day also happens to fall within the RW Run Streak Summer Challenge, so I love the double motivation to run. For more on the challenge, check out my recent post about it here and let me know if you are streaking too. I'd also be interested in hearing why you run. I run for SO MANY different reasons! I run for basic exercise and fitness. I run to relieve the stress of the day. While I generally try to eat decent, I still love food, and I run so I can enjoy the finer things in life like pizza and cupcakes! In light of my new Run Disney addiction, I also run so I can combine my two loves of running and Disney. Running at Disney?! What could be better? I run to enjoy the outdoors. A little bit of sunshine does the body good.  When I must run on a treadmill (I'm looking at you Polar Vortex 2014), I run so I can marathon shows on Netflix that the husband doesn't exactly enjoy. I run because frankly it's a time effective exercise. Sure, long runs can take a chunk out of the day, but basic maintenance runs give me a great workout in less time than it would take me to do other things. I run because I've been doing it for so long that it's pretty much part of my routine. Most of all, I RUN BECAUSE IT MAKES ME HAPPY! (Please don't take the all caps as shouting, it's meant to be read in an excited tone lol.) I'm not always all sunshine and rainbows, but I do choose to be happy, and running is something that helps me be happy!

I hope all my fellow runners have a Happy National Running Day! No matter your level of fitness or how many miles you log, enjoy your run today rain or shine. Even on the days I'm not as motivated, I am always thankful that I am able to run, and on National Running Day I am extra grateful! If you aren't a runner, but have always wanted to start, today is the perfect time to do so! If you aren't really into running at all, I still encourage you to get out there and walk, bike or do something active today.

Let me know how you are celebrating National Running Day!