'tis the season to run races.

If you're living in Ohio, chances are you are wholeheartedly disappointed with all that "spring" has lived up to be. The five inches of snow that sit pleasantly on my front porch are a rude reminder that my  mind, body and spirit could really use a vacation. Considering I've been struggling to get outdoor runs in during the bitter winter this year, I'm especially disappointed not to be able to put my cute new running shirt to outdoor use. Bastards.

Before our most recent blast of snow, I managed to get in my first 5k of the year. What's even more exciting is that I managed to rope Rob into running with me last minute, and it was his first timed 5k race. We both finished the race together, and finished in 37:51 - setting a new PR for this slow girl!

Rob and I at Saturday's 5k!

Met up with friends pre-race!

I think the most exciting thing about this race for me was realizing how much stronger and healthier I feel than I did during any of my races last year, or really, ever. I realize I'm at my lowest weight ever, but I hadn't really run more than a couple miles in months, let alone outdoors. I promised Rob I wouldn't leave him behind (he hates running. HATES), so while I didn't physically push myself to my limits, I was happy to learn I was not exhausted at all during the run. It really made me question my potential as "runner," and I'm already excited to start planning several more races out this spring.

And yes, it has for sure put thoughts of another half marathon back in my head. It's a petrifying thought, running 13 miles. But I am SO surprised by my body's ability to handle the once-most-horrible-experience-of-my-life known as running that I am so hopped up on miles. Miles and miles and miles.

Which brings me to my next thought: do what you love. I am so proud of Rob for opting to run with me last minute, and he is so proud to have completed his first real 5k race. That being said, he hates it. After crossing the finish line and still high off the energy, I turned to him and said "How awesome is that? Don't you want to do it again?" to which he politely replied "HELL no." He just started doing CrossFit and LOVES everything about it - and doesn't understand how I can love running so much. And while I would love to turn him into my permanent running partner, I've learned that that's just fine. I do weights classes with the older women at my rec center, dance like a fool in zumba, and I run. It's rhythmic to me - running to a playlist specifically designed to throw down songs in my hardest miles, at a pace that I can find myself completely in sync to. It's therapeutic. To him, it's absolute torture. 

Do not force yourself to workout doing exercises you hate. You will absolutely not stick with it. Do take risks. Do try new classes. Do push yourself and do periodically test your limits, both physically and mentally. 

Happy Monday, friends. Hope everyone has a great week!