Bella

My mother is a woman of surprises. First, she brought home a fish, next a bunny, then 5 more fish..... Last night, she brought a puppy. Every time she brought another animal home I would think to myself, "One day she's going to bring something bigger home, like a puppy."

Honestly, that thought alone made me frustrated because I felt like I would be doing all the work taking care of him or her. For some reason, I thought I would hate it!!!

Well last night, I was very annoyed to come home and Hailey and my mother weren't home. Finally when they did get home Hailey said, "We have a surprise!!" Yep, it was a puppy. At first I was mad!!! SOOOO mad! I explained to my mother that she really had no IDEA what she was getting herself into! We had never had a puppy or anything that required more attention than a cat! I told her that we were in trouble!

Well, the more I look at her, the more I fall in love with the idea of having a dog! As a child, I always wanted a Dalmatian, but NEVER got one... Even though this isn't a Dalmatian, it's a dog... and I am excited to have her. Even though I don't want all the hard work associated with having a puppy I think it'll be worth it in the end! So Everyone, this is Bella, our 6 week old white shepherd.

Why run???

I'm sure if you are a runner you've heard this question more than once. WHY? Usually I say "Why not" but I'm starting to think that's a generic answer....

First of all, I talk about running a lot. I like to tell people about it. I want to inspire people to run. Running has brought me a lot of joy and I want to share it. Sure it's not ALL fun all the time. It's hard. There are runs that I hate. Runs that I say "This is HARD!" Runs that practically defeat me but I charge forward anyway. There are runs and races where I think "Why am I doing this??? What was I thinking?" So why do I run? A lot of people can't understand what is going through my head when I run 5, 6, 7 + miles. I get even more surprised reactions now that I'm running a little bit longer.

Sometimes when I'm really pushing myself and my body is soooo tired I have a hard time enjoying runs. I think my favorite part is after; when you sit back and look at what you just did. It's like a surprise. HOW does someone train their body to do what us runners do? It's lot of practice and training for your body, and especially mind.

Every time I run, I feel like I've really accomplished something! It's like a daily victory.

Simply put: Running is REWARDING.

You feel good about yourself for getting it done! You feel strong! You feel healthy! It motivates you! It challenges you!

It makes me feel like I can accomplish ANYTHING! "Heck, I can run 10 miles so I can do that.... " The confidence running gives you is amazing!

Running has brought me to meet amazing and inspirational people. People that have changed my life and inspire me to push myself more every day!

Running teaches you so much, about yourself, your body and your limits! You learn how to take care of yourself again. From to nutrition, hydration, and even taking care of your muscles.... You get "schooled" in yourself.

So now you know, running is a gift.... and this is why I run.