You Are Unique!

Yes, YOU are! I'm learning more and more how much we tend to classify each other in groups. I am the worst at this; it just comes natural to most everyone. Before you even realize it, you'll see someone all giddy to go shopping and immediately you think "she's a shopper". But I think because I don't fit in some people's idea of what I "should" be I tend to talk to myself telling me that I should "do this or that" or "be this or be that" in order to be accepted. Remember I said, I do this to me! For example: singers, runners, campers, social status, parents, students, etc., etc. And each one has a definition which places you in that group. Some people wear more "hats" than others. But this week the definition seems to carry with it a more personal venue. Even within each grouping there is more segmentation. As with running, you can be a recreational runner or one who takes it more seriously. You could care less about your time and not even wear a watch or you can monitor every second and distance you run. You could be 10 years old or may have just started at 60. There's no limits with running. You do what YOU can do. Even within the group that considers themselves serious, there are short distance runners, marathoners, triathletes, ironmen, trail runners, etc., etc. The list goes on and on; and the more people get into running, I believe, the more different kinds of running you'll begin to see.

Regardless of how much I run (miles per week/day), when I run (morning/afternoon) or where I run (streets/treadmill), I AM A RUNNER! I've found running is like an iceberg, most seeing the tip above the water line. On the surface, they see a person dressed in workout clothes, running shoes and with "special" watches sometimes with someone or maybe even alone. But when you look closely there's so much more to the iceberg lying quietly below the surface of the water. It's strong and powerful and something to be reckoned with or avoided at all costs. This "thing" demands respect. And that's what they don't see that makes up a runner.

This week was quite a tough one for me. I have been battling my allergies so much this year; more than the last many years put together. I'm constantly fighting severe headaches which have been putting me to bed for hours at a time. But mentally, I'm wanting so bad to get out and run. My body does not understand why I'm giving in to this. I'm NOT...it's the present issue that takes precedence and there's been no choice here. As a runner, I'm going to count this as a form of injury, take care of it, and get out as soon as I can do so comfortably.

Running last week was difficult at best because of this, as well as the high heat and humidity levels in our area. Most of the days temps got 105-106 on our porch "in the shade"...that's some tough nuggies. Lord knows what the heat index was! I'm not sure I actually ran a mile consistently the whole week; it was more of a run/walk no matter how hard I tried, struggling to breathe most of the time. I've said several times I was going to relegate my running to the treadmill but I want to be outside so bad. And, like the iceberg, there's more to it than what you "see". I'm HUNGRY for some distance running! Wanting to run another marathon, training has got to be around the corner soon. Thankfully, I have at least one half marathon on the books in November and hoping to get in another before the end of the year. I love running and can hardly wait to get out again.

Kent and I had planned on a 5k this past weekend even making the trip to do so. But it wasn't long before I was confined inside AGAIN...in a lot of pain and in the bed! Of course, drugged as much as possible. Folks, it has been years since I've experienced this and I'm not handling this well at all! I decided I would offer to help Leonard in any way I could at the race, Kent would racewalk and I'd take a bunch of pictures for a race report. When we got up, Kent went outside and not feeling up to par either, decided he would not attempt to do this one. We ARE here...and can't do this! Now, this is frustrating. As it turned out, it was the best decision not to go. My headache got worse and worse and I spent the entire day in bed sleeping getting up only to eat a sandwich for supper and back to bed again. This is NOT the ideal trip. All I can say is I can hardly wait for it to get cooler. Allergies are better and we feel so much better.

I am so proud of all of my friends that ran in the 5k!! Ya'll are amazing! Though times may not have been what you would have liked it to be, my hat's off to you for doing your best. I really wanted to write a race report but not being there cancelled that. Iceberg Note: Some people are made to run in any type of weather. I will cheer you on even if it's on the sidelines or online! You are never alone. You are heroes! Though I may not be seen in the summer (like the bottom of an iceberg), it's okay to be who I am. There's more to me than meets the eye.

First things first: I will focus on losing 10-15 pounds...again! Second, I'll focus on treadmill running with regular workouts of weights, strength and core. I have taken for granted how hard I worked to get my body in the shape it was intended to be in and now I'm having to deal with this issue instead of focusing on my running totally. This is necessary if I want to run well and feel good again.

Now I leave you with this: Be the best YOU can be...there's only ONE you. And, yes, I AM A RUNNER cause there's more to this iceberg than you can see!!