Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Empowered By The Miles: Global Running Day 2016

Today is Global Running Day, a day to celebrate running around the world. You many remember this day from the past as National Running Day, which started about 7 years ago as an informal day to celebrate all things running. The "day" has caught fire and is now a global holiday. This year, organizers want everyone to drop everything and go for a run. And if you aren't a runner, what better time to start than on a day that celebrates running?

I know, it seems like there's a day to celebrate everything, right? In case you were wondering, June 1 is also National Heimlich Maneuver Day. Not that we are all going to go around practicing the Heimlich Maneuver on Wednesday, but it is a good skill. You never know when it may come in handy. What if you come upon another runner choking on a gel--it could happen-- or a banana? Ask yourself this: would you be able or willing to help them?

June 1 is also National Say Something Nice Day. Don't be that runner who won't acknowledge another runner. You know who you are--I saw a few of you on the path on my bike ride this past weekend. Really, is it that hard to say hi or at least nod? Today's holiday is the perfect excuse to wish all your fellow runners a Happy Global Running Day--even if we are riding a bike! Although in my book, every day should be National Say Something Nice Day.

It's also National Go Barefoot Day. If you are so inclined, you can take your run sans shoes, killing two birds with one stone. Barefoot running was a thing a few years ago, remember?


Believe it or not, I'm not running today. Crazy, right? But I've got a sore paw from my race Sunday and I'm really trying to take it easy on my feet so that I can keep on running. Today I am doing yoga, which is a recovery activity for me. In the spirit of the holiday, I am linking this post with Kristen of Jonesin' for a Run, who is hosting a Global Running Day blog link up. She sent us a list of questions and I think it will be fun to read the answers everyone posts!


Why do you run? I started running 25 years ago as a way to manage stress and anxiety which were threatening to take over my life. That probably is still the #1 reason I run. But after all this time, running has become part of who I am. I can't imagine my life without running. Running centers me, running keeps me calm, running empowers me.

How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day? Although I don't have plans to run today, I plan on spreading the word about running as so many of us runners do. Realistically, do runners ever not talk about running? Today we have a legitimate excuse. I'm also publishing this blog post and sharing my passion for this life-changing activity via social media.

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year? So far this year, I've run 385 miles. On the road, that is. I'm not sure how many miles I logged in the pool this spring with my "aqua jogging". I've had to take a lot of time off for injury, including during training for the Big Sur Marathon. I don't have a mileage goal for this year. Instead, my goal is to stay healthy enough to keep running. If that means low mileage, I'm ok with that.

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year? I had 2 bucket list races on my calendar for the spring, which I am happy to have completed in spite of injury. I ran the Sarasota Half Marathon in March, a race that I had to defer from 2015 due to family issues. I'm not a runner who takes a DNS very well, so I was thrilled to be able to finally get to run that race. I ran the Big Sur Marathon in April, which was a lifetime bucket list race. It's hard to find anything to get excited about after that, but I'm trying! I'm looking at a few halfs for the rest of the year: RockNRoll Chicago, which I haven't yet signed up for; an October half TBD; and the Panama City Beach Half Marathon in December, which will be run with several other bloggers. I'm really excited for that one.

Before I leave for a run I must have: For any run, I always bring my phone. I carry it in a SpiBelt and I like to have it for safety reasons. I also listen to music and take pictures, so there's that. You know, if you don't put it on social media, it didn't happen, right? On long runs, I bring fuel. I use Tailwind Nutrition in a handheld water bottle. I also bring wipes because you don't always know what's going to happen on the run. Just sayin'.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use? I always track my runs. Even though right now I say I'm running "free", I still track my runs. I use a Garmin Forerunner 10. It's nothing fancy, but it gives me that stats I want: pace, splits, and distance. I like the Garmin Connect app, which shows me my route and elevation. I don't really need anything more than that.

Who is your favorite running partner? I don't run with a partner, although at Big Sur, I ran with my friend Kristina, who I met through her FB page, Live Laugh Love Run. We really got to know each other virtually, and when we met, it was like we knew each other forever. Big Sur is a great race to do with a friend because it's so hard, and you need someone to keep you going. It's also an amazing experience, and it was great to have someone to share that with.

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be? I always tell new runners to be patient. Start out slow. There is no shame in walking when you get tired. Pacing yourself comes with time and experience. And be realistic. Don't set lofty goals for yourself. Be content with finishing a race, no matter what your finish time is. Have fun. Running is fun.

Describe your relationship with running in one word: Empowering. This past weekend, I ran a 10k and achieved a PR, which is pretty amazing to me after 25 years of running. It was hard to maintain the pace I was at and I wanted to quit. But I shut down those voices in my head that told me to slow down and pushed hard to the finish. This willingness to push through the pain and outside of my comfort zone has spread to all areas of my life. I truly believe that running and chasing and achieving goals has made me stronger as a person. That's empowering.

A tough race, a PR
Relief at being finished
"You've always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself." -Glenda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz

What are you doing to celebrate Global Running Day? Answer one of the questions in the comments below!

Besides Kristen's link up, I'm linking up with DebRuns for Wednesday Word. Today's word is Empower.












86 comments :

  1. Wow, congrats on running for over 25 years. Tracking my runs is a must and like you, carrying a phone is another must for safety reasons. I also carry Halt for dogs (just in case) and my favorite running partner is always my daughter although we don't get to run together as frequently as I would like.

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    1. I've never heard of Halt--luckily I don't have too many opportunities to use something to keep dogs away. 99% of people in my neighborhood have their dogs on leash.

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  2. W. O. W.
    Sure I am Meyer your running that much more than that I admire your tenacity and consistency. 25 years of anything is phenomenal.

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    1. Well, thank you! Running really is the one constant in my life!

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  3. I'm approaching my 11-year Runnerversary...I can't imagine 25 years! That's amazing ;-) GO Wendy!!! I'm glad we're on this journey together ;-)

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    1. Me too! We still need to run together. Just not for 12 hours... :p

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  4. Congrats on 25 years of running! I'm only about 3 years in and I hope I can stay mainly injury-free to run for many more years!

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    1. I've had more than my share of injuries altho nothing serious, thankfully! Running has been so good to me. I feel very lucky!

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  5. I heard a story about Dr. Heimlick yesterday. He is 96 and just for the first time ever, got to perform the Heimlick maneuver to save someone's life. It was a 93 year old women who sat beside him at the nursing home! Okay, not running related but had to share that piece of news!

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  6. I love everything you said about how running is empowering - so true! I hope your foot is better. Did you hear that Friday is National Donut Day?

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  7. First of all, I love that photograph. Yes, you look relieved that you crossed the line. It captures with exquisite beauty a wonderful moment that all of us runners experience to some degree. Magnificent.

    This is my fifth year running, a far cry from the one-and-done 5K I originally planned. I like what you set about patience and goals. I pushed myself to greater distances, but know without a single doubt that my one half marathon is ultimate. Now it's time to reassess and adjust my plans. I call 2016 my transition year and it's frustrating, but I'll figure it out.

    I use a Garmnin Forerunner 10 as well (Mine's pink, too. With only men in the house---besides my cats!---I need a splash of femininity. I know you relate). I love keeping track on Connect. Having it laid out in black and white is, yes, empowering.

    I am a bit of a minimalist and am not into a lot of stuff. What I need, most importantly, my Garmin, phone, and water bottle. I like my hip-sister waist band to hold my phone and my final item, my i-pod. The last is not a necessity but I prefer to run with music.

    I run alone and mostly like it, but there are times, especially when I'm feeling low, that I think having a partner would be nice. Not so much to talk, but to encourage each other. Other than the few 5K races I've run, I think I've run with others fewer than half a dozen times.

    Today is not a run day for me, but I'm tweaking my schedule to celebrate the Global Running Day. After work I have a doctor's appointment and minor grocery shopping, then dinner.Getting late! I enlisted the aid of my better half to take over the shopping and will head out for my two mile Friday run (I pulled out my 10K plan yet again. I may falter, but I never give up)after an adjustment from my chiropractor. I should be in good shape. ;)

    I don't run races. In the past four years I've done about a half dozen 5Ks, all for charity. I don't like to race. I find it stressful. I'm not sure that I'll do more but I won't say "never."

    The best advice I would give a new runner is "You can do it. If you are in relatively good health, you need only two things: desire and determination. Hang in there."

    My running journey in one word: Surprising.
    Who knew?

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    1. Races are stressful! Every time I'm running a race I want to quit. But oh, that sense of overcoming! That feeling transfers over to my everyday life and has really empowered me. Life is hard. Running is easy!

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  8. Running is pretty empowering isn't it?! Happy Heimlich day and running day :)

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  9. Wow! 25 years of running sounds fantastic! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

    So far this year I've run 334 miles, my goal is 600 miles.

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  10. Raises glass: cheers, my friend. To being empowered, and powerful :D

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  11. Yes, I'm running today. Our local running club always meets on Wednesday evenings to run, so it worked out well that it coincides with Global Running Day. I've run 500.5 miles so far this year. Hope you're feeling in good running shape soon!

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  12. Wow, running for 25 years is quite an accomplishment! That's a long time to keep at something. I'll be heading out for a run after work today. Although I usually run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it just worked out to move my run to Wednesday this week. Perfect timing!

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  13. We ALL must learn to use our power! I love that quote! I think running is for everyone- fast or slow, the feeling that overcomes you when you cross that finish line cannot be taken away! High five friend! I am helping you spread the cheer today!

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  14. Great post, Wendy! And congrats on that PR!

    I'm not running either. Although the last couple of days have been so nice, I'm feeling meh again. Too much travel, too many weather swings, too much sitting in the rain listening to Paul -- so some more rest days.

    I've run 350 miles so far this year. I don't tally up the dogwalking or the stationary bike . . . but it's not national exercise day anyway. :)

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    1. I'm feeling pretty wiped out today--yesterday too. Guess I need to listen to my body and take a little break.

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  15. Wow girl- you have been running for a long time...that is amazing! Lol I bring wipes too bc you never know! Congrats on that PR Wendy! Running def calms too!

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    1. It makes me sound old, right? I should tell people I started running when I was 5...

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  16. Way to push it for a PR great job! Thanks for linking up!

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  17. I'm in my sixth (ish) year of running and I truly hope I'll be able to say I've been running for 25 years.

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  18. You have such an amazing attitude about running. I love your advice about Patience. It's so easy to get frustrated, if you are just starting out or if you are experienced. And good to see that you've completed both bucket list races for the year. Time to start thinking about the fall?!

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    1. My heart wants to run Chicago again. But my head is telling me that would be a bad idea! I really need to let my PF calm down.

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  19. You've definitely put on some miles this year! I imagine it's hard to get excited after Big Sur, what an amazing marathon to run.

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    1. It is hard! I'm trying to figure out what big thing I want to do next. For now, I just want to keep enjoying running!

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  20. We have the same relationship to running and that makes me happy!
    I did not know today was Heimlich Day--I will not plan to celebrate :D
    Congrats on that PR; I love the photo!!

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    1. I'm happy that I did not have to celebrate Heimlich day either!

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  21. I am not running today either, though I did walk, go to the pool, lift weights and plank. My lower leg is still bothering me, so I consulted a doctor. Nothing major but some follow up exams need to be done. So I am taking some time off. That also is part of a runner's journey..... :(
    Love your race picture.

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    1. And BTW, ever since you posted that video by Justin Timberlake I am addicted !

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    2. Haha! Glad to hear you like it! It makes me smile every time I hear it!

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  22. Loved your interview! I agree that running takes a lot of patience! I still have to remember that one! I love that picture of you, congrats on your 10K PR! Whenever my Nike+ watch dies, I'll definitely be moving to a Garmin.

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  23. I love it when internet friends become real life friends! That's how I met a majority of my running friends :)

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  24. The look on your face in that last pic is everything!!!! I ran in Barcelona today (and of course stopped and took amazing pics)...a great way to celebrate global running day!

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  25. I loved reading your answers to these questions! And its so funny that there are other national holidays today. I definitely agree that new runners need to be patient. It can be frustrating to start out but it is so worth it if you can get through the first few weeks!

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  26. Congrats on a new PR! That is always such an awesome feeling. Looks like you worked your ass off to get it too! Good for you!!! Fun interview! BTW I HATE when people don't say hi when I pass them! Drives me batty!

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  27. There's that quote, again!

    I love reading about other people's running stories and journeys. It's always so interesting and I love to see what we have in common and where other people are headed in their running.

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  28. 385 miles is awesome! (as well as the 25 years of running!!) I too am not running today, I had planned to but not feeling good has put a kink in my routine, I like listening to my body sometimes! Happy running day to you ��

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    1. I don't think it's a big deal that you didn't run today--after all, today is a celebration of our journey!

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  29. Lol to all the national "days!" 25 years is great and it's wonderful that you've had that as a stress reliever. Here's to 25 more! I celebrated today with a 5k but it was supposed to be an off day. Hard run tomorrow. Ugh

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    1. I'm hoping to run tomorrow, as long as my foot stays quiet.

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    1. Well, thank you! It's actually much lower than usual for me for this time of year. But I'll take it. It's better than no miles.

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  31. Running is what keeps me sane. I need it and it needs me. ;o) Hope your foot feels better soon.

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  32. Yes. Yes. and Yes.

    You are so right.

    Empowering.

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  33. Yay for global running day!!! I love getting out there and going on a good long run - such a stress reliever!

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  34. Love love the Glenda quote! I can't think of a better day to celebrate that isn't a birthday or anniversary.

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  35. Congrats on the PR!!! I too did not run due to a hurt foot and broken toe, but I am living vicariously through all my running friends until I can get back to it in July!

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  36. Wow! You have inspired me to try for a PR. I was pretty fast in my 30s but you never know! Come run the Prairie State Half in October. It is such a great race and a lovely course. It is one of my faves. I started running 20+ years ago to get off my college weight but I agree that it keeps me sane and is truly a part of who I am and I am so grateful for it! I hope I said something nice to someone yesterday - LOL!

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    1. I wish I could run Prairie State but I work that morning. :( Maybe next year... I need to find a half for October. Thinking about Crystal Lake or Naperville. Have you done either of those?

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  37. Haha National Heimlich Maneuver Day!!! I hope I never have to *officially* celebrate that activity. :) Yesterday was a rest day for me, which means I celebrated by sleeping in with my kitties! Love that pic of you at the end!!!

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    1. When my youngest was a toddler, I did have to perform a variation of the Heimlich (back blows) when he was choking on a piece of meat. It was very frightening--but the maneuver was very effective. Thank goodness!

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  38. I love that you've been running for so long. I wish I had started running earlier in life, but it is what it is and I'm just thankful for all the miles I've logged over the last six years. :)

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    1. I wish I had started earlier in life too! I was in my late 20s, so the years have added up!

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  39. Wow! You have accomplished so much and I loved reading this post about why you run. Congratulations on hitting 2 goal races this year! I am hoping to do the Big Sur Marathon some day in the future!!

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  40. Since I'm a "recovering runner" I couldn't run today but I did lace up my shoes and take a nice long walk!

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    1. That's ok! I didn't run either...but we can still revel in all that is running!

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  41. I LOVE that finish picture. It's real. I have Chicago and PCB this year. I believe I might just see you at both. So I'm very excited for those two races.

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  42. I loved reading your answers to Kristen's questions! What a fun post and a great way to pull in this week's Wednesday Word. If PR'ing in the 10K after 25 years of running isn't empowering, I don't know what is. Congrats!

    Thanks for linking up!

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  43. Whew! Props to you! 25 years is awesome, and 385 miles in just this year alone is amazing! I'm glad you eventually got to run the Sarasota race (that's such a beautiful place!).

    Happy belated Global Running Day!

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