June 4, 2014

Happy National Running Day 2014!

Happy National Running Day 2014! 

Yes, it's a real thing-you can check out more information here!

First of all, I've made it to day 10 of #RWRunStreak. I'm pretty proud of myself for making it a quarter of the way through the streak. Many of my runs are me convincing myself it'll just be 10 minutes (or less!) on the treadmill to run a mile in the evening when I really don't feel like it, but I've stuck with it and that's what counts. Today I'm counting my one mile as all the  running we did at November Project Baltimore this morning even though I didn't track it-I'm sure we ran over a mile with all those sprints!

To celebrate National Running Day you can pledge to run miles for charity, call a friend and go for a run after work, find a new running group, sign up for a summer or fall race, or just maybe just go for a run because it makes you happy. 

I'm going to share 5 reasons why I run

1. I run for me. Running is stress-relief. Sometimes it's challenging, sometime's it's relaxing. It's a hobby and a passion. It makes me happy!




2. I run for finish lines. Crossing finish lines and getting medals is pretty cool. Meeting my goals, overcoming obstacles, feeling strong, and doing things I NEVER thought I'd do is even cooler. 

Post-Baltimore Marathon 2013: my first 26.2!

3. I run for beer or chocolate, bananas, brunch, etc. I like to eat! Work hard, play hard.

4. I run because I'm inspired. Running isn't just something I force myself to do as exercise or because I'm trying to fit into that bikini. I'm am truly inspired by all of the amazing runners I've read about, seen and met (like my gal Kara Goucher pictured below!). There are so many amazing stories of perseverance, strength, and commitment out there. I am inspired to run for those who can't. I'm inspired by all the amazing female running role models from the elite stage all the way down to speedy strangers I see pounding the pavement in Baltimore. 

Hanging with fellow Nuun ambassador Kara Goucher at the Boston Marathon 2014 Expo

5. I run to face challenges and my fears. Running helps me face my fears and overcome those negative thoughts that I'm not good enough or strong enough. It has give me more confidence in myself and my abilities and encourages me to dream big.  Qualifying for Boston was something I probably never thought would be within reach for me. 

Oh by the way, in a couple of weeks I'll start training for marathon #2-the 2014 Chicago Marathon!  I got in through the lottery a couple months ago. I'm beyond excited to run one of the biggest marathons in the country. Since I've already conquered the beast of 26.2 miles before I thought I would be less nervous, but I feel more nervous than ever that things won't go well, I'll get injured, or I'll totally flub on race day. Keep following me for training updates!


Feeling inspired to sign up for a race today? Sign up for the Women's Health RUN 10 FEED 10 race series and get a discount through me!

Even if you've never run a 10K you can do it! I'll have race training plans and tips up on my blog all summer!

Please consider making a donation or participating any of the races to fight hunger that I'm promoting as a Women's Health Action Hero! 


You can run any of the 10K races including the DC Fun Run with me in October! There is also an option to create your own race or run a VIRTUAL solo 10K! Use code WHSESERKO for $5 off registration! 

Here is the link to the fundraiser page to make just a donation to the FEED organization which would make me super happy. 49 million hungry Americans is no joke-let's change that!

Some other great National Running Day posts I've seen are from Olive to Run, Organic Runner Mom, and Running Hutch

You can also customize your own "I Run.." badge here  like I did to share with the world!

Why do you run? Are you celebrating National Running Day today?

21 comments:

  1. First, nice work on the run streak! I love hearing about people's experience taking on that challenge. Second, I love the finish line reason... there is nothing like crossing that finish line.

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    1. Thanks so much! Yay for finish lines-that moment is so good!

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  2. I'll so the running streak one of these days! It's such a big commitment since I don't normally run everyday. I love how you said you run for the finish lines. When people ask me why I run I always say for the feeling you get when you cross that finish line. There is seriously no better feeling of accomplishment!

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    1. It is a big commitment but I feel great that I'm actually sticking to something. Glad you like the finish line feeling too-it's why I race!

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  3. I run to find peace, to be healthy, to be happy and to feel strong. I love running. :-) BTW I'm in Baltimore and also a Fit Possible Ambassador. :-)

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    1. Great reason! Ah YAY I love meeting other Charm City fit ladies!

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  4. I love this! I run for the community, I run for the feeling after a run, and I run for pizza/ice cream ;) But really, I just like to run. A whole lot. Also, I'm super jealous of your I Run... badge because it came out awesome! I'm not that skilled with photo editing haha

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    1. Haha I've got minor photo skills. Miss your face lady.

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    2. All good reasons-I miss your face.

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  5. EXCITED that you are running Chi - so jealous!

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    1. Thanks-I'm excited right now, before the training anxiety sets in!

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  6. Congrats on getting ready for marathon #2. Yes, you deserve a congrats for just signing up - I know how hard that can be (for some reason, hitting "submit" on my online race entry is more difficult than runnign sometimes!).

    I wrote a similar post today about why I run - seems we're pretty similar :)

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    1. Thanks so much-yes actually signing up and paying then making it real can be so hard! I love your post too-I'm definitely keep reading!

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  7. I love all your reasons, and I can completely relate to them all! Nice job with the run streak...I would have a hard time doing just a mile on some days and i would end up overdoing it, but it sounds like you've got it figured out. I'm also looking forward to reading about your training for Chicago!

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    1. Ah yes I'm not one to overdo things so it's mostly lots of one-milers on the treadmill. Thanks for being a reader-I'll post every week about my training updates!

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  8. Woohoo!! Congrats on Marathon #2!!!

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  9. All great reasons to run :0) Happy national running day! Best of luck to you in your training for the Chicago Marathon!

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    1. Thanks so much! Hope you had a great running day!

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  10. So, I'm a fail and didn't run yesterday... needed to take a day off. Congrats on Chicago, that is so exciting!!

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    1. It's okay-I only ran with NP in the morning! I can't wait for Chicago!

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