(Almost) All About Me...a re-introduction of sorts

How about a re-introduction?

I wrote a blog post (when I first started this blogging gig) with some trivia about myself (you can read it HERE), but a lot has changed since way back then. I have run several more races, trained for three marathons (and ran them!), did my first duathlon, and even ran an Ultra! And, the best thing of all, I have made so many wonderful friends while doing all of the above.

My running journey started 10 years ago, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been some annoyances and injuries, but every setback has made me stronger and wiser. I have run everything from  5K's to marathons...and my first Ultra (back in July) was ever-so-tough, but ever-so-incredible. The half marathon is, hands-down, my favorite distance.

Care to learn more about me? Read on... 

I used to be an introvert. Key words, "used to be" (past tense). I am not afraid of the photographers on the race course, and have no shame in "posing" for the camera.

 I am a self-professed art geek. Drawing. Painting. Knitting. Sidewalk chalk. All of these make me happy.

I get inspiration from the non-traditional runners (who often struggle with calling themselves "runners"). I recently had this revelation at a marathon I was spectating (while waiting for the final runner on my relay team). I saw a lot of the fast runners coming through, and their speed was very impressive. But it was the ones who finished a couple hours later that had me in tears and  in awe. They were the ones (also in tears themselves), who were high-5'ing the spectators, laughing and totally taking in the experience of the finish line.

For as modern as I may appear, I am very old-school when it comes to technology. I like running in its most rare form....outside, with no gadgets dictating my speed or geographic location. I like to think my running is all of my own doing, without relying on pace/speed/distance prompts. I like music, though, so I do embrace the technology that enables me to have it with me.

Shoes. Oh, how I love my shoes (and not just my running shoes). As much as I adore my running shoes, you will seldom ever see me wearing them unless I'm headed out for a run or race. It's just not my thing to wear them with non-running clothing.....that's what my sparkly sandals, cheetah-print flats, and boots are for.

And, speaking of running shoes, I usually have to enhance my shoes with colorful laces and "Sharpie-work" on the soles. Blending in is SO over-rated, in my opinion. Here's another blog post, discussing this "shoe enhancing" obsession of mine HERE.

I LOVE bright colors (again, it's that not-blending-in thing). Like with my "non-running" clothing, I seldom ever wear the same outfit twice. No, I am not constantly buying new stuff...instead, I'm a huge believer in mixing & matching. One of my mantras is "Go bright or stay home." 

I change up my hair from time-to-time as well. No boring pony tails for me, I usually have a colorful visor, a funky head band, or a crazy "messy" up-do thing happening. You can read about my various hair options for running  HERE 

I run outside, almost always. And I live in Iowa, so I get to experience every kind of weather....wind, rain, snow, sub-freezing temps, and crazy heat & humidity (sometimes all on the same day). Running outside keeps me ready for almost any race day conditions, and that will not happen inside a inside a gym.

 I have a treadmill (whom I have non-affectionately named Duh-Mill), but I seldom ever climb on it and press "go." A lot of people love 'mill running, but I am not a fan. It's too repetitive, and always makes me feel like the 'mill is in control of the workout (and not me). Sure, I program the speed (and incline), but ultimately the 'mill is moving and I'm merely keeping up with it. Besides, I know for a fact, it smells much better outside....fresh air makes my hyper-sensitive sense of smell happy.

 I finish almost every race with my hands in the air. Truth. Every finish line is a victory, why not celebrate it?

I am a huge advocate for cross-training. Running is my first love, but it does a body good to be more than "just a runner." My second favorite fitness activity is stair-climbing. I have done the Fight for Air Climb four times (once in Chicago and three times in Des Moines). You can read about my climbing adventures here (Des Moines 2015 and Des Moines 2014 and Chicago 2014 and  Des Moines 2013 ).

I am very lucky to have a great support system, not just from friends but also from my family. My husband has been at a lot of my finish lines, and it means the world to me (even when he photo bombs me at mile 26).

Although I do not believe in daily running, on occasion I will partake in a running streak (usually for no longer than 30 days at a time). It's a good way to step out of my comfort zone, and it always reinforces the beauty of NOT streaking all the time.  Streaking works for some runners, but I'm not one of them. And I'm alright with that.

I am working on being more disciplined with yoga. Flexibility does not come naturally for me, so yoga is really an awesome challenge. My balance has dramatically improved!

I may or may not have a small obsession with sidewalk art appearing at random times in my driveway.

So there you have it! Anything else you'd like to know about me? Care to share a random fact about YOU?

***A big thank you to Kristy at Runaway Bridal Planner for hosting this awesome blog hop for myself and a bunch of fellow bloggers!!!