Why am I running if no one is chasing me?

A few years ago, I ran the NYC ING Marathon. I thought I was going to die. There is literally no other way to describe how my body felt, especially as I trekked through the Bronx.  Once it was over however, I felt like I’d done a pretty good job (I wasn’t last) but I didn’t have any desire to run another marathon.  A few years later, I ran one more Brooklyn Half (that would make my 3^rd half marathon) and pretty much hung up my sneakers.  Each time someone would ask when my next race was, I would “Evelyn” them.

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Later that progressed into “I just want to run Miami, then I’m done”.

Miami.

I have been watching the Miami Half Marathon since that Brooklyn Half in 2012.  I saw the spinner medal and decided “Yep. I need that.”
Literally no other reason. None. The weather? The crowd? The music? Nah. The medal.  I then proceeded to do nothing to get it done.  *one time for the dream chasers?*

Ok Sha so whats up? Did you run it or not?!

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Yes. After years of procrastination, not finding anyone who wanted to run it with me, and deferring my 2018 entry due to my irregular heart rate…I ran Miami. I took my first trip to Miami, solo. I stayed on South Beach at a hotel I won’t bother to mention, and was up all night listening to oddly personal conversations being had in the hall. (Rick, whoever you are, you really need to call her.) I was up before 4am, tired, nervous, but I did it.

Was it fast? HAHAHA

Was it easy? Around mile 6 I stopped at the medic to ask for some tape because I could just tell I was going to have a “sore spot” on my foot if it kept rubbing. I was given a band-aid. I hobble ran along. I questioned my life decisions more than once along the way. WHY am I running if no one is chasing me?! When I got back to my hotel room on South Beach I had theeeeee BIGGEST friggin’ blister. IT. WAS. CRAZY. I had to call my Little and have her walk me through my Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman experience just so I could walk. So, nah, it wasn’t easy.

Was it nice at all Sha? Oh it was beautiful. Running with the water beside you and the sky clear is indeed one of life’s blessings. Considering the fact that it was supposed to rain the entire race, I was basking in God’s favor when not one drop fell for 13.1 miles.

It took me forever it feels. To decide. To register. To run. To finish. Guess what? I did though. I met my forever goal (I wasn’t last) and I got to enjoy an awesome meal that night as a reward. Yes, yes I had a drink as well!! LOL

So now I’m trying to find an obstacle course race to run…can’t stop, won’t stop! *Diddy Shimmy*

Whatever that thing is that you’re putting off? Just go ahead and do it.

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Be cool.

Xoxo

I have literally been walking at a snail’s pace all day.  It hurts when I laugh, sit, stand, and walk.  I stretched my arms over my head earlier and let out a yelp reminiscent of a wounded chihuahua. I feel like I should be walking with a sign that says “Back in the Gym” so people can stop rushing me.  Have I just started back at the gym? Nah. My love affair with Orangetheory Fitness started almost a year ago, and outside of being the laziest I could be all summer, into Halloween *judge your mammy* I have been pretty consistent.  I even ran a half marathon at the end of January (more about that another day). The issue must be that I am*drumroll* getting older.  I’m creeping up on 40 this year. 

I’m not sure if that shocks anyone other than I so I’ll keep pushing forward.  For so many people turning 40 is a huge deal.  You spend months deciding how you are going to bring in the BIG 4-0. I’m going to get a tattoo! I’m going to have a party! I’m going to take a trip! OK, great. But why cant the whole YEAR be a celebration?

Nobody said it can’t girl…oooh y’all are testy.

Well, in that case, my plan for 2019 is to do 40 new things in the year I turn 40. Specifically new. Not necessarily bucket listy type things, but things *I* have never done.  Wait, I guess that is bucket listy. Whatever.  The point is that I have to do 40 NEW things THIS year…not before I kick the bucket (who made that up?! It sounds terrible for real)

If you’re a 79 baby! Or an 80s baby (up next, don’t get comfortable!) or whatever baby (everybody can get down) what new things are YOU going to do??

In talking to one of my forever girlfriends I realized there are a bunch of things she hasn’t done that I have (gun range, solo movie date) but then there are SO many things that I haven’t done and I think I could make a real run for it this year.  I still haven’t taken that spa day (sad I know, I mentioned that 3 years ago), I have never gone to a fancy dinner all by myself, and I’ve yet to dance in the rain…sober. So that’s the plan. 

Now I do plan to keep y’all posted so come along for the ride!

Xoxo

PS. Yes, I did in fact change my blog name. Tell me what you think!