"Running for Jim"

I love to run and yet sometimes running feels like a chore that takes up an annoying amount of time (especially if you include stretching, showering, etc). And I hate to say it, but during the work week, running feels like a chore more often than not. Luckily, I'm still in my recovery phase so am not too freaked out about off days right now, nor am I willing to rise extra early to squeeze in a run. For example, I knew I had plans last night and thus wouldn't be able to run after work. It felt so wonderful to wake up and relax. What did I do instead of running? Well, I made coffee, cuddled into a blanket, and read a book on my kindle for 40 minutes. No regrets on that decision!

Last night I went to see a movie at the Roxie theatre in SF with some of my teammates, "Running for Jim." I'm not into giving plot summaries, so I'll skip that part, but man-oh-man was that an inspirational movie. Bottom line, I need to count my lucky stars that I am able to run. You just never know what crazy-ass, incurable disease is heading your way in the future (ALS?). Thankfully the movie didn't end with dramatic text stating that Jim had died...instead, Jim made a live appearance for some Q&A. Someone asked how he gets through "bad days." Jim said he always reminds himself that plenty of other people are much worse off. He just keeps fighting and looking towards the future. He plans to coach XC next fall. 

Jim is a truly incredible man. I plan to conjure up my best image of Jim every time I'm feeling like a lazy butt and don't want to run. I also plan to keep Jim in the back of my mind during races and embrace that unrelenting pain that Jim would probably do anything to feel again. I highly recommend this movie to everyone - runners and non-runners.

Today, I ran 5 miles after work (8:06 avg pace per Strava) and it was lovely. I still feel slightly out of whack, but my legs felt much lighter today. That's a nice feeling. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I head to NYC and am looking forward to stretching my legs out tomorrow evening in Central Park. I didn't take any pictures from my run today, but I did take the below picture of myself before work to send to my man!

Other perks of not running in the morning - I can take my time to get ready and do my hair. My standard work hair is a wet/dry bun, so today I was really rockin' it. And people noticed! "Wow, you've got a Hawaii beach vibe going today!" Not exactly what I was going for, but OK! :)