I think I'm hooked on running!

[Bike Chick]

I finished my first half-marathon last week. The time wasn't impressive (2:47) but I did it and had a blast doing it. I'm planning my second one in December.

During the last month of training, I was sick of running and had decided that after this was over, the furthest distance I would ever run would be a 5k. The training was grueling and something new hurt every time I ran. I was pretty grumpy actually and couldn't wait to get it over with.

I took last week off to recover and was quite surprised by how much I missed my runs. I have a sedentary job that has been very stressful lately. I found that the stress really got to me more this week than usual and by Thursday and Friday, I was short-tempered, edgy and had a pissy attitude--which is quite uncharacteristic for me; I'm usually the one that looks on the bright side and let's things roll off my back. I'm convinced it was because I wasn't running. I had no outlet to release my stress and I needed my fix.

Who would've thought? Do I need an intervention? I think I'm addicted!!

[colby]

I know how you feel. If you need an intervention, so do I. I have a serious love-hate relationship with running. Maybe because cycling comes easier or more naturally I don't have the same "hate" for it, but with running it feels like I have to work so hard... maybe that's why the "reward" is so great, too.

[OakLeaf]

Ha. I tell people it's like hitting myself in the head with a hammer ... it feels so good when I stop.

[WindingRoad]

LMAO @ Oak! I like that, perfect description. Lordy BikeChick I was just thinking the same thing! I was wanting to crawl over to the curb and sleep yesterday after finishing but here I am today thinking about doing another half this year! You really should come to Indy and do the Mini here it's so freaking fun! It's worth it just for the entertainment along the way. I found myself laughing out loud at the band playing as I ran by the entrance the the Indianapolis Motor Speedway because these kids were like 12 max and signing Detroit Rock City by Kiss! Haha!! And they were doing a good job too. That made my day!

Colby I definitely think it's the payoff that makes running so frustratingly fun. When I first started running I thought no way was I going to be able to run 13.1 miles then I did and after that I did it again and now I'm thinking about doing it again?!?! Cycling is easier for me too so the fact that I can run for distances I never thought possible makes me feel more powerful on and off the bike.