5 Things I Have Learned & Hope to Grow into in my 25th Year

January 25th I woke up the ripe old age of 25, which also happens to be my Golden Year! 24 taught me more than most years in the relationships I had, moving to NYC, and with my career. I have grown into myself a lot over the past few years and wanted to share a few things I have learned, and am working towards implementing more into my life.

1.     Success is measured by your happiness. I am happy when I am doing what I love; my new job planning weddings at my dream venue, running, doing yoga, being with those I love, and in nature.

2.     Be true to yourself. Always do what feeds your soul and not to satisfy others. It is really important to me to always be authentically myself, and to embrace all my quirks.

3.     Don’t give all of yourself. I am a giver; I give and give and am always there for my friends no matter what they need. However, that has not always been reciprocated. After much hurt, I have learned that I cannot always care for others more than myself, especially when they do not return the favor. Keep your good friends close, and always keep a special place in your heart and your day for yourself.

4.      Find an outlet. Life can be hard sometimes. I find that having an outlet to de-stress and refocus on something you care about really helps me. Running and yoga are that for me. The physical burn and the clarity I get through meditation in both are not paralleled by anything else to me, and I am obsessed with both!   

5.     Your body is your vessel, take care of it. You were given this one, precious, human body to carry you through life. Life is the most incredible gift we can have and I believe in wellness and longevity for that life. So I choose to eat real, nutritious, healthy food and move my body in ways that feel good to me (even what that means running a marathon.)

All in all, I learned after years of working to please others, or to “fit in”, that the most important thing we can have in this life is satisfaction with ourselves. I find that I am happiest when I am doing exactly what feeds my soul: spending a quiet night at home with Charlie and a book, going on a long run with friends, yoga and meditation, a hot bath, trying new restaurants, discovering new places, and a hearty glass of red wine. 

The Three People You'll Meet in NYC

Serendipity: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

I believe in fate, moments, and the power of the universe bringing important people and experiences into your life during crucial periods of time. My recent adventure to New York City brought me three very important people and conversations that will leave a lasting impact on me, and at a very influential time of my life.

#1: The Creative

While strolling through the streets of the very beautiful Dumbo area of Brooklyn, I noticed a little shop with the words "art" and "music" listed on the Windows and I made the decision to further investigate. Upon entry, a woman who greeted me with a welcoming smile that radiated the most beautiful rays of sunshine with a warm hello. Her name was Natchie. Natchie is a singer, songwriter, and illustrator by way of colored pencil who creates art inspired by her music. Many of these are scenes of New York City, like the Empire State Building and the main pathway of Central Park with tiny unique people on their merry way. Her art is very whimsical, bright, cheerful, and moving. The songs that inspired her art are breathtaking and some heartwrenching. She spoke to me like an old friend describing her way of creativity and her passions flowing from her voice. She helped me pick out a gift for my sister that could not be more perfect for her, and of course a couple for myself as well.

She followed her passions as a singer, songwriter, artist, and took these three things and cultivated them into an original career where she goes to work everyday doing the things she loves and helps to inspire others. I look up to Natchie for creating a niche and flourishing business for herself where she can go to her store everyday, draw, sing, talk to customers and give them a memorable experience that many artists can't by explaining her art to them and share her inspirations for them.

#2 The Entrepreneur

Being the tourist that I am, on my list of "must sees" was The High Line Park in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. It was later in the day around 7pm, and while peeking in the windows of the chic little shops of the Meatpacking District, I noticed a Christmas tree in one window made out of vinyl records. While I stopped to admire it, my friend and I realized our friend from college was also inside! We went in to say hello, and I got caught up speaking to a man selling his women's fragrances. (Excuse me for misplacing his business card and his name.)

His spirit really captured me. He told me about his career working for big name fragrance brands and his resume bursting with things like creating Clinique Happy, a scent I told him reminds me of my mother too. He wanted to create a more simple scent, something with the essence of a woman rather than an alcohol based over powering scent. He created his line from inspirations like a flower he admired in Central Park, which really struck home for me that people who love things like this could also fall in love with his fragrance. He asked me about my passions, I told him travel, and he urged me to take every opportunity I could and to chase my dreams no matter how far they take me. "Think outside of the box," he told me. Meeting him helped me to realize that a move to the city might be the next leap for me. A city full of passion, innovation, and constant inspiration and creativity. Just what I need.

#3 The Dreamer

I'll admit I have been slacking a little on this blog (working 50+ hours a week will do that do you.) 

Anyways, Sunday afternoon after a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and meeting person #1, we got thirsty and stumbled into a bar in the Meatpacking District called The Brass Monkey. We sat down at the bar upstairs, and immediately our bartender came to greet us and I felt an instant connection to him and a desire to get to know everything about him. 

He told us about how he packed a suitcase four years previously and moved to New York City without knowing a soul there in order to peruse a career in acting. While in persist, he became a personal trainer and bartender to support himself while he auditioned and did shows in and around the city. His ambition and drive was so inspiring me to do whatever it takes and to "be bold." To live without fear of failure is something I can't say that I embody; I always have a plan and a fall back plan for everything I do. Upon departing, I asked if he would like to hangout the next day and bravely left my phone number.

The following day was more than a dream for me; we met for breakfast at Alice's Tea Cup. A quaint tea parlor there's after Alice in Wonderland was right up my alley being a Disney lover. We enjoyed breakfast and then walked around Central Park for hours and discussed love, ambition, dreams, and life. It was more than ever before like I was talking to an old friend and remembering someone I had forgotten. We met again that evening for dinner and to see the Christmas decorations and the tree at Rockefeller Center before we said goodbye (for then, the rest is history.)

Sometimes, life throws people at you just when you need the inspiration. This trip forever changed my life forcing me to think about my creativity, my career, and who I am meant to be. So buy a plane ticket, take a chance, explore. You never know who you may meet ;)

I Admit, I Have Fallen in Love...

With trail running. There, I said it, everyone knows. Trail running is like running roads on steroids.

The soft, luscious Earth squishing beneath your feet and making way for many types of landscapes; sand, grass, leaves, ponds. Deer bounding across your path and tortoises smiling beneath their shells. Chirps of birds and crickets ringing like music to your ears along with the swoosh of the trees giving way to a gentle breeze. Time does not happen here. Earth rotates a little more slowly.

Thanks to a friends suggestion, I recently took my day off to explore Lake Louisa State Park towards Clermont in Central Florida. It costs $4 to enter, and boasts 7 miles of paved roads, 20+ miles of trails, primitive and tent/camper camping, lakes to swim in, wildlife, it's fantastic. Coming 2 days post half marathon I set out for a quick easy run but by the time I was done I was shocked that I had run 8 miles. I have never gotten lost in the absolute joy of running. Road running is hard to "get lost" in. You have mile markers in your mind of where you are, traffic to watch out for, other pedestrians and pollution. Yet on a trail all that encompasses your mind is the sounds of nature, sights, and your own thoughts. It is much more primal running on a trail like our ancestors did, whom did not stop to cross streets or run according to per mile pacing. They ran out of need, and out of desire.

To me, trail running is like a slice of birthday cake at a party. The feelings of the change of ground from grass to sand, the soft roll of the Earth, the trees whispering sweet nothings, deer perking up to say hello, and a game of hop scotch hopping over tree roots is nothing short of fantastic.

Since that first date with the forest here, I have returned twice for a 12 & 15 mile run I did mostly on the paved trails to more closely mimic the roads for my marathon. But I did sneak off into the trails for a few glorious miles.

Trails however require a different shoe for your best run. I ordered a pair of Brooks Cascadias which are more minimal that my overly cushioned Saucony Triumphs to allow my feet to better grip the trails, and I can't wait to strap those babies on for a test run!

A part of me I never before knew with running is out and so happy. Trails please my soul; being alone, in nature, doing my primal thing just soothes me to an extent I cannot describe. I know my soul is happy in a cooler more wilderness climate and I hope my future soon takes me to that happy little place.

Keep running friends, hit the trails!

You Know You're A Runner When...

I never expected to become a runner, maybe I could have seen myself as a bi-weekly jogger, but never as someone who stuck to a schedule and ran races. Pretty sure my family did not expect this either. There is a stigma involved with running, "Oh, those people." As in the people that do crazy things to their bodies, waking up at ungodly hours, and the constant chatter about their training. Now that I am part of the club, here is my list of when you know you're a runner:

You know you're a runner when:

• You have more running shoes than regular shoes.
• You start getting picky about casual shoes and actually start buying shoes for comfort.
• A pedicure is no longer about having pretty toe nails but to get off the callous.
• Your laundry consists of running clothes only.
• Everything you eat is carefully decided, whether for the nutrient content or how it's going to make you feel for the next run.
• Carbs are your best friend.
• You are eternally hungry.
• You spend more money on races than vacations. You also pick races on their location so you can make it a vacation.
• Going to bed early is a must.
• You wake up before the sun on your weekend to do your "long run."
• Laundry mainly consists of running clothes, and you never allow anyone else to do them for you (no dryer!)
• Wearing real people clothes happens quite infrequently.
• Your Garmin (or other watch) is your best friend.
• All you want to do is talk about running.
• You stretch wherever, and whenever you can. Your roller also travels with you.
• You have worn compression socks under pants in public.
• You cannot run a race until you poop. (TMI, but it's incredibly true.)
• Water is your bff.
• You get angry when you can't run, or when you haven't run in a few days.
• Running partially injured is always an option. Not running is worse.
• You can't function through a day without running.
• You are always planning and thinking about your next run.
• You keep a spare running outfit in your car (just in case.)
• You may be broke because races are just too fun.
• You just love running and can't get enough!!

A short list, but I hit all the statements that really pertain to me! 

Also, sorry friends. I am an obsessive runner, I love it. And I will probably try to convince you to start running!

Peace, and running :)

Let's Be Gentler

I could talk all day about how running makes me a better human, but in every way possible it truly makes me a better person. A more patient person, you can't fast forward a run. You have to take every step. Kinder, it makes me kinder to myself and to others, you can't think bad thoughts when you are doing something you love.

Above all, it makes me more gentle. And at this time, especially now, I think the world needs this. Now this may be very controversial to talk about so soon but I think it is a perspective others need to consider. The attacks on Paris and Beirut this past week were horrifying and unforgivable. I cannot even fathom the sorrow from those who lost loved ones, the Parisians, and the people of France. Our world has darkness in it, and darkness has left its mark and shown its face openly this week.

However, the way to improve peace in this dark world is to always be gentle. Be gentle with your word and actions to others, always. Speak kindly about all. This includes ALL countries of the Earth, and all its inhabitants. We are one people living on this rock floating through time together. We do not need to be separated by borders, cultures, races, nor religions. This week we are not praying for Paris, we are hoping for peace for mankind.

To all whom we meet, those traveling who may not speak our language; be patient. We all share the same bond of humanity. Language does not separate us. To those believing other religions; be understanding. Do not raise your beliefs above theirs and do not criticize theirs for what they think. Islam is not bad, the radical sectors of the religion like ISIS and the Taliban are. Be educated and know the difference. Be open, allow your heart to be open to those that need your heart. The world needs our heart, Syria, the entire Middle East, Paris, they need our heart and understanding. Bombs are not quieted by bombs.

We are not praying for Paris, we are praying for the world. But even more, we are working to improve the world. Let's take our activism another step; instead of sharing the same logo of peace or changing your profile picture to a French flag do something that makes a difference. Get off your computer and go into the world. Be accepting with everyone you meet. Be more patient when you are driving and lay off your horn. Do not hurry others at the checkout line. Say hello to someone with their head down. Strike up a conversation with the lonely person in a coffee shop. Call your mom. Quiet your negative thoughts. Imagine a world where you didn't have someone angrily honking behind you at a stoplight. Peace starts here. Peace starts small. Share kindness to everyone you meet and everyone you see. 

The Dalai Lama summed it up perfectly, read the interview here: www.dw.com/en/dalai-lama-on-paris-attacks-work-for-peace-and-dont-expect-help-from-god-and-governments/a-18852858

Why I Am Taking on the Marathon

Everyone has a different reason for why they do things; run, bike, yoga, knit, fish, whatever the hell you do just for you. But, everyone has a vastly different inner reason for this as well. Sometimes it is not until well into your journey that you discover your purpose for what you do.

***Side note: Let's also set something straight, I don't like to use the concept of "journey", and am going to try to refrain myself from using that term. To me, journey means a path to a destination. Ultimately, we all only have one destination from life, and that is death. So rather than me constantly trying to find a destination in life, I will remain present and describe my process as just being.***

Struggles in life are something everyone of all races, cultures, and incomes faces, and I have faced my fare share of struggle. From early adolescence I struggled with body issues and eating disorders, wanting to shrink my strong and muscular thighs I thank figure skating for. I allowed the media to dictate how I thought I should look, and with my thighs as thick and strong as a tree I did not fit in their category of "beautiful and thin." Through over exercising and controlling what I put in my mouth I shrunk to a very dangerous weight, while still continuing to strive to improve my skating abilities which I finally learned could not happen after depleting my muscle. So through my desire to become a better skater, and to live my life in a healthier way for myself and my family I healed myself and gained weight and muscle to grow stronger than ever. Through conditioning and healthy eating I excelled more than ever at my sport. 

In my young adult years as stated in an earlier blog post, A Little About Me, I found running to both feel good physically and mentally. Now, as a college graduate and feeling lost as most 23 year olds do in what their "purpose" and career path is, I have decided to take on the marathon. To me, a marathon is a pretty huge feat to face physically. I have never run more than about 14 miles and want to prove to myself that I am both dedicated and strong enough to do it. 

Mentally, running a marathon makes you strong. I call it free therapy. Sometimes you can be on runs for 2-3 hours, with nothing but yourself and your thoughts, much more time than most people spend not distracted by technology, other people, work, etc. I thank running for making good decisions, when you can argue and debate with yourself about something for unobstructed hours at a time you tend to make the right decision. I find myself thinking more about my direction in life and making choices based on what my heart wants rather than what society wants. Relationship wise on runs I can recollect the good times and also the bad times which helps me to heal the wounds I carry in my heart from friendships not working out (I am an empathic person and tend to always remember the good times.)

The marathon is a goal I can work towards and singly rely on myself to accomplish. As a type A personality, I like to work alone and control what I am working towards. Whether or not I complete this feat is something only I can place reliance on myself for; and at this state of my life it is important for me to spend some time alone and with my thoughts. 

I hope you will follow me on my physical and mental journey through this process. Weekly, I will post my runs, distances, the woes and the triumphs I learn from my body and my mind. Be prepared for some deep and emotionally driven posts, as I tend to get deep into my core on my runs.

Some life updates:

Everyone go see this documentary! "He Named Me Malala." SO inspirational in every way of life. Shakes you up and makes you feel very thankful for our education in America and our rights as humans. Sometimes the things we fight for here seem miniscule in retrospect to what others want as basic rights.

Just got in my new Garmin Forerunner 220! Love it, a big step up from my old watch which will now allow me to clock intervals for speed training and tell me my pace while I am currently running.

Have a peaceful and meaningful day, friends!

Just Keep Running!

Hi friends! So as you have noticed I haven't blogged in awhile, due to some personal reasons, absent mindness, and also adjusting to my job that I recently went back to. However, I wanted to say that I am alive and well!

Some fun things I have been doing:

Trip to South Florida to see parents/ and some not so fun and sad events:

Amazing vegan restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale: Green Bar! I had the sweet potato burger

My best friend in the world, Allison came to visit me:

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, I was the evil queen from Snow White:

Lots of running! I am in week 3 of my marathon program for my race January 31! More to come in my following post about my training schedule I am following. I have gotten bored of my go to running courses near my home, so I found some trails and Disney resorts to run around...

And best of all.... my new Garmin Forerunner 220!!! My old watch died so I upgraded. I love it, you can set interval timers, it actually shows current pace per mile (my old watch didn't), elapsed time, distance, and allows you to make a training plan that the watch can help you to follow. Two thumbs up!

Thank you friends for being patient with me, here is a little mantra I have been following in tough times:

Keep running friends :)

I Believe in Myself, and My Dreams.

As I close out a year long chapter of my life working a "career, big girl" oriented job I write this post in celebration, and understanding many things about life and dreams I did not fully understand or appreciate before. I am very thankful for the struggles of the last year, the job unhappiness, and overall new perspective that I have gained and needed from it:

Always believe in yourself, and always follow your heart. Not affirmations that I always believed in or allowed myself to think. In more recent times, through different life experiences and some recent drastic changes to my heart and mind I fully embrace these things every single day.

A year ago, I left my dream job. Yes, my ultimate dream job. I had dreamed of working at Walt Disney World as early as I can remember, singing Disney princess songs in the shower to the distaste of my family every day, planned our annual January Disney vacation to a T along with color coded itineraries, went on a behind the scenes tour of Magic Kingdom for my 18^th birthday where I cried, and even attended the University of Central Florida specifically so I could work at Disney in college. I began at Disney in May 2012 as a hostess at Cinderella’s Royal table (loved it), and 9 months later on my 21^st birthday after multiple heart breaking auditions and being turned down, I was celebrating in Disney at the time, I got the call that I would be transferring to Entertainment. My heart sang that day in a way I never believed was possible. I had the greatest job in the world where I could first hand feel the love and joy from guests, make parents cry in utter happiness, and live my greatest dreams every single day. As I walked across the stage at UCF in May 2014 I had even decorated my cap with Disney pictures and rhinestones because I was finally a full time cast member after 9 more months of waiting.

However, things changed. I put a lot of pressure on myself to “grow up”, to be serious, to not have fun if it meant not sticking to the schedules I had made for myself. Freaking out that future jobs and people wouldn't take me seriously because of my job, I furiously searched for other jobs and upon interviewing at a recruiting firm, took it with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. “You have to do this Kelsey, you need to be serious now its time to grow up.” So although I knew it was not time, I went seasonal at Disney.

One year later today I feel like I have some great experience in what not to do in life. Don’t take jobs you know you may not enjoy simply for the titles and where they can get you. Hate sitting? Don’t take a desk/office job. I have gained a wealth of experience in two professional environments and am very thankful for both of them and what they can do for my future one day.

As of August 16^th, after only two weeks of waiting (rather than my previous torturous nine months), I will be a full time cast member again doing what I am passionate about.  I can really thank the last year for teaching me that you don’t have to grow up if you don’t want to. Life is far too short to do something you don’t enjoy for 40 hours a week just to bring home a paycheck. You should be happy and feel fulfilled in your passions every single day, not just on the weekends or your time off. You should feel HAPPY every single day, including at work. We have so little in this life time wise, why waste what we have? Read below for another inspirational article about following your passions
www.cosmopolitan.com

I came to these conclusions through running. Both go hand in hand, on runs I would pray to the universe in my darkest days of feeling lost that I would find the path created for me and that I would fulfill it. Only WEEKS after, I was handed back my beloved and precious job. I cannot feel more blessed in my life that I for one have the opportunity to have this job, and two that I am being given my second chance at it. I will do my best at it daily, on hard days remember the amazing happiness and love I feel from it, and be a positive ray of light to those that can no longer feel that what they do matters.

All in all, follow your dreams. When no one else believes in you, believe in yourself always. Conforming to society's labels of success will not bring you success in your heart. Your dreams will.

Keep running and BELIEVING friends :)

**Thank you mom & dad for always supporting me, no matter what <3

Moss Park Forest Run Recap!

Wow. Just wow. I get it now trail runner friends… and I am officially addicted! A few months ago, I found this race while scouring the Internet for a fun summer race (not an easy task in the heat of Central Florida!) So, on a whim I signed up for the “Distance Dare” trail race, which consists of a 10k run that must be completed in under 75 minutes, and then running the 5k race when it begins. I had planned to find some trails and train there… however that didn’t happen due to pure laziness and time constraints with my morning runs.

So the night before I was very nervous, full of doubt whether or not I was even capable of finishing the 10k in under 75 minutes (I can easily run under an hour on pavement), but for some reason didn’t have much faith in myself. So I ate a good pasta meal, set out my gear, and went to bed early for my 5:00am wake up!

Hopped out of bed, made some coffee, chugged a glass of water, and hit the road! I ate a banana (my chosen pre-race fuel) about an hour before the race as well as had my coffee. I only drink coffee prior to running if I can finish it over an hour before I start so it will not mess up my tummy. It was very very dark arriving to the park, very little lighting. After parking I made my way to register, put my key in my belt and we were off! The loop was 3.1 (5k) miles long, so for the 10k we ran two loops. I had registered for the distance dare and had to complete the 10k in under 75 minutes in order to be finished in time to start the 5k afterwards. The race began on the paved road, and after about half a mile transitioned over to the sand like trail. It was pretty wet and muddy from the rain the night prior, but I thought it was a fun addition :)

I felt great, and kept up positive affirmations throughout my run (I don't race with music, etc.) Before I knew it I was done and crossing the finish, in 1:00:23.7 which was a little slower than usual due to the nature of the trail and the mud! I was very pleased with my time and got some water while I waited for the 5k to begin. I ran the 5k purely to add the miles and for fun, so I took my time and enjoyed the beautiful park and scenery. Afterwards, I grabbed some fruit and checked the results... only to see that I had placed 3rd in my age group for the 10k! I was shocked... I walked to my car to get my phone for a picture with tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe that I would be getting a medal for placing in RUNNING, a sport I still don't believe I am even skilled at!

I had a nearby runner take a picture of me, walked around the park and headed out. SUCH an amazing runner's high... and I am officially an addicted trail runner :) I plan to run trails on a regular basis now, and do many more off road races!

Remember friends, if you trust and work hard and most of all BELIEVE anything is possible!

Keep running friends :)

Crosstraining... Yep Gotta Do It!

It's like a swear word to runners... cross training... ugh! We can't just run and run and run and expect to feel okay or improve! Running puts quite a bit of wear and tear on a body, and only builds minimal muscle and improved endurance. I don't enjoy cross training any more than the next runner, but I do it!

My favorite forms of cross training DO NOT happen in the gym. I avoid gyms at all costs, I do not enjoy feeling like a hamster or staring at a clock watching the minutes tick by. So, I like to take out my bike and log some miles! You get to travel, see some beautiful scenery and its a great activity to do with friends or to see new places! Find a nice trail and take water and snacks and get lost :)

I do strength training (minimal) a few days a week. I focus on my arms, back, and core and also do some squats do target my legs. I add muscle very easily in my lower body so I do limit it, and focus more on my upper body. Here are some good exercises for that! womensrunning.competitor.com/2014/10/cross-training/6-exercises-strengthen-upper-body_30865

I also LOVE Tabata! Its simple and you can pick any exercise to incorporate into a fun program! Like jump squats, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. Tabata is a series of 8 sets, 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off. Repeat 8 times and move onto another exercise! I like to do a total of 5 exercises. Its quick and VERY efficient... if you're new to it expect to be very sore the following day... or two.
Here is my personal favorite plan :) www.wayofgray.com/get-started/

When I'm sore, need a break and to relax my go to is YOGA! I love a good Bikram Yoga class, but when finances and time is tough I resort to Youtube, or making up my own little class. Having a good stretch sesh is great for running recovery and builds lean muscle. Incorporate stretching into your day, everyday! Just do it. 

When To Break Up.. With Your Shoes

Aches and pains, bumps and bruises. As runners we know that this comes hand in hand with the sport we adore. However, do you experience debilitating soreness or injury when you are not changing up your routine? It may be time for the talk.... with your shoes.

Breaking up is hard to do, but it needs to be done. I know I know, your shoes have been there for you in every invigorating run, every time your legs felt like lead they got you through it, and all the races. But there’s plenty of fish… or shoes in the sea.

Most running shoes are good for approximately 300-400 miles, all depending on you. Your body tends to tell you when its time, foot aches, arch problems, shin splints, overall body aches. Keep a log of your miles so you will know when its time to get a new pair so you are not sidelined while you are on the market for a new set.

1.       Alternate running shoes. Buy two pairs of the same shoe and alternate them on runs! They will now last longer until you need to get a new pair.

2.       Keep a mileage log, if you really love your style of shoe order a new pair when time is almost up.

3.       Get fit BEFORE you need a new pair. Go to a running specialty store, please do not go to a big brand sports store… they will sell you on price not based on what you need. A good store will watch your cadence, how you strike the ground, and fit you accurately.

4.       Wear proper socks! I prefer Thorlo Pads. They grip your feet and pad them in all the right areas, I have NEVER had a blister wearing these. I repeat. NEVER. www.thorlo.com/socks/xccu/236

Runner’s World helps us with some more FAQ! www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/running-shoe-faq

ALWAYS get the proper running shoe for you, not what works for someone else. Some running stores even do trial periods!

Keep running friends :)

Finding Yourself Through Running

Sometimes life can feel a little hard. Its not all skipping through joyous runs, runners highs, and rainbows. This blog isn’t about finding something interesting to post day in and day out. Its about sharing my life, whats important to me, and my running lifestyle. And lately, life has been a little harder than usual.

A lot has changed in the last month, I moved apartments to a much quieter, less touristy area of Central Florida. Moving into an apartment alone is brand new for me, and I really enjoy it! Its great being able to get up and run at all hours and not worry about waking anyone else up. My space is always clean, organized, and peaceful. An important relationship in my life came to an end, I have a lot of dissatisfaction with my job and the career path I thought I always wanted, and that is causing a lot of unrest for me. I know that I put WAY too much pressure on myself, and I always have. I had my “Dream” fun job full time upon college graduation, and yet a month later I felt restless about not moving into my “Career” and without thinking through left, and have been bouncing around office jobs ever since, not happy. Moral of the story is to follow your heart not your head, and don’t rush through life.

How does this connect with running? To me, running is not my exercise. It is my meditation and my time for myself to be only with my thoughts. Here as I am pounding the pavement and huffing along I have my most intimate and real thoughts. There is no one, no technology, no media to distract my mind so that I be one with my thoughts, my real hopes and desires of life. I no longer feel tied down to anything, I am free.

Try a "naked" run. Take off your watch, leave your headphones at home. Try a new route, get lost on the path and in nature. You won't regret it :) You may just find yourself.

Keep running friends!