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In The Zone: Why I Run

Gallery June 2, 2013 Own The View Cr8ives 2 Comments

WP Daily Prompt: Tell us about your favorite way to get lost in a simple activity — running, chopping vegetables, folding laundry, whatever. What’s it like when you’re in “the zone”?

There are very few activities that put me in the zone. The one thing I can always rely on to give me a natural high is running.

I’ve been running since I was 9yrs old. I remember that when my mother used to send me to the store for something, I would start out walking and before I realize what I was doing I would be running to the store.

I’ve never been a fast runner, but I always liked distance running…on my own terms of course. In middle school ran on our track team and loved it. Like I said, I am not a fast runner, so when my coach put me in the short distance races, I hated it…my body refuses to run fast. In high school, I tried running cross country races, but didn’t like it because the coach had us running in the bitter cold and snow….no snow for me!

I finally hit upon my stride when I started running middle distance races. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2008. Sure, I like middle distance runs; however, I never thought I could last for 13.5miles. Well, after completing my first ½ marathon I was hooked. Since 2008, I’ve run five ½ marathons and I absolutely love it. I even love hitting the proverbial wall, which for me is between the 9-10mile markers. I love the challenge of pushing through the fatigue and completing the run.

Marathon (in camera motion blur)

When I had my knee surgery and could not run, it felt like my world was coming to an end. The doctor had the nerve to tell me that my running days were over. I looked at her like she had lost her mind. How dare she say that to me?

I even had a t-shirt printed with “Run For Life”. I run to reduce stress. I run for my sanity. I run for my life. I run because, you don’t want to be around me when I don’t . Hell, I run because it’s FUN!!

I am in the zone when I run and I can’t think of anything else that takes me to that High. When I’m in the zone I feel like I can run forever – I feel like I can conquer the world – I feel like everything is right in my world. There is no better feeling for me…dare I say, it’s even better than sex…at least for me.

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Inspired by: Daily Post-In The Zone
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/daily-prompt-zone/

Mindfulness, WP Daily Post

Race for Mothers * Friends * Others

Gallery May 12, 2013 Own The View Cr8ives 3 Comments

WP Daily Prompt: Mom

My daughter and I just came back from participating in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure run/walk, Philadelphia edition. This annual run/walk is held in Philly on Mother’s Day and it’s always a huge turnout. I know women who have survived their battle with breast cancer and I admire their strength while fighting to overcome this deadly disease. Cancer, in general, is affecting more and more people each year – men, women, children – and I pray that in the very near future a cure will be found to eradicate this disease from everyone affected.

What made this Mother’s Day special for me is, this was an inauguration walk for my daughter. I’ve been running for different charities/fundraisers for years (Aids, Diabetes, Cancer, MS, Suicide Prevention, etc.) and have always done it alone because my children lived in a different state that where I live. I’ve taught my children to help others and give back when they see a need or just because, so they do it by donating their time in other ways, just not in runs/walks…until now.

This year my daughter lives with me, so we walked together. I am one of the happiest mothers around!! Smiling, smiling, smiling…

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