It’s hard to imagine what I did with myself in the years BR (Before Running) but actually I’ve been running just a few days under 10 months.  Wow.  What an awesome 10 months it has been!  So I thought I’d put together a little list of what running has taught me over these past 10 months.

• Getting the right running shoes does not mean picking out the prettiest pair at Lady Footlocker.  Yes, a good pair of running shoes will cost you at least $95 but getting fitted for the right shoes can save yourself a world of trouble!  Hence the move to my $60 pretty Nike’s to my $100 Mizuno Riders.  But I still think they are pretty =)
• Once you go to running socks you will never go back to cotton.  I was skeptical at first and didn’t understand why I should spend $10 on a pair of socks but once I bought my first pair of Balegas for my first Half Marathon, it has been nothing but Balega, Feetures, and Smartwhool
• Pacing is hard.  My first fateful 2 mile “run” was a mix between sprinting and stopping to gasp for breath.  Slowly my Dad taught me the importance of pacing and last VDay my amazing Boyfriend J bought me my beautiful Gracie (aka Garmin FR60 LTD).  She keeps me on track.
• Skinny does not mean in shape and in shape does not mean skinny!  This one speaks for itself.  I typically avoid my college gym because I can’t stand the skinny girls in a full face of makeup wondering around looking for a social event.  So yeah they are skinnier than me but I can run them and plank them under bus any day!  I love going to races and seeing all the different body types crossing the finish!
• Stretching is not over rated.  Stretching after a run so crucial for injury free training
• I love running with a group or friend!
• Being a runner does not mean you still aren’t a fashionista!
  
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• Running will actually make you happy to be fairly flat chested =)
• You can never have too many running shoes (especially when many of them are free or GREATLY discounted).  Running shoes are part of my “work attire” so I justify the amount I have because of that.  Also, alot of awesome reps for different companies our store carries give us free shoes to try out.  Call it a job perk…I call it enabling amazing

My current collection I think I might start naming them...

so pretty...sigh

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• There is just no reason for running without ID (may I suggest Road Id).  No matter how healthy or safe you think you are, the unexpected can happen so take care of yourself!
• You can make some of your best friends through running.  Emily, Heather, Tonia, and all of you amazing blogger/runners to name a few are some really awesome friends I would have never met if it weren’t for running
• There is no shame is saying “Sorry I can’t, tomorrow’s my long run day” when asked to go out on a Friday night
• We are capable of SO much more than we think
• Sunless tanner and running just don’t mix.  Wherever you sweat (especially in the crease of your elbow) the color comes right off and you end up with fun patches.
• Living in a van for two days, running 200+ miles collectively with a team of 12 at all hours of the day/night, while eating nothing but PBJ, and getting about 3 hours of sleep sounds crazy.  And it is.  But it is sooo much fun.
• When a run or race just doesn’t go your way, sometimes you just have to know when to laugh at yourself
• Being sore while/after running is fine and even good for you.  Being in pain while/after running is not.  Sometimes you just have to get past your stubbornness and get things checked out.
• Running for a cause and for those who no longer can is amazing, moving, and Life Changing.  Ex. Team in Training and Virtual Chelsea’s Run
• I get a little thrill out of checking Road Runner Sports every morning to see what the “Daily Treat” is.
• Running Skirts are perfectly expectable casual (aka non running) wear.
• Sweaty Post-Race Glow is beautiful
• A good song is a song with a beat that matches my stride.  My running playlist is filled with Ke$ha and GaGa.  Can’t get enough!
• Sometimes getting a friend to the finish feels better than a PR (sometimes )
  

  Poor Jen (purple shirt, black shorts) was in so much pain during the Fredrick Half. She could barely walk but she wanted to finish so we walked/hobbled/limped/cried/stumbled those last 4 miles by her side and getting her across the finish line was an awesome feeling! This girl is HARDCORE!

• Running is my sport =)  I’m not s speedster and may never be, but I love running (even when I don’t really like it at the moment) and as long as I continue to love it, I will keep running

So that’s what I have for now.  I can’t wait to keep learning from running =) Oh and don’t forget about my Sweaty Bands giveaway!