Today: Run for your lives.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Happy National Running Day!  And Happy 1st Day of June!  I’m sure there are plenty of other things to be happy about… so Happy Everything Else, too!  I always love the start of a new month (and clearly, exclamation points).  With the big focus on running today, I’m looking forward to a summer (and fall and winter) full of races.  What’s On Tap for the rest of 2011 race-wise?

Summer

• 4 more summer series races
• Pug Rescue of New England 5k (I wonder if all finishers get a pug?)
• The Warrior Dash
• Harvard Pilgrim 10k at Patriot Place
• Rock ‘n Roll Providence Half Marathon
• Falmouth Road Race (thanks, Lizzy!)

Fall

• Tufts 10k for Women
• ING New York City Marathon

Winter

• Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
• Somerville Jingle Bell 5k

Basically, if I didn’t register for 50 million races, I would never run.  Ever.  I would just sit on the sofa at watch Masterpiece Theatre.  I ran my first race 4 or so years ago, at Nick’s encouragement.  I saw how hard he was training, and the pride he felt with each new PR.  I regularly ran on the treadmill at the gym, though without much purpose.  I’d watch the timer tick down from 30 and be done.  Running with a goal in mind– finishing a race– was a whole new ballgame.  I found myself wanting to run further, run faster, and run longer.

My first trip across the finish line wasn’t pretty, but that feeling of accomplishment and relief coupled with overwhelming desire to either take an immediate nap or drink a celebratory beer was instantly addictive.  In just a few short years, I’ve gone from wondering if I could run a 5k to knowing I can run a marathon.  I’ve saved every single race bib and medal (the ones shaped like bottle openers are especially useful), and will soon be featured on a special runners edition of Hoarders.  Just kidding.  Unless that’s a real thing, in which case… producers, call me.

I am not especially good, and I am not especially fast.  Sometimes I take walking breaks.  Sometimes I forget to charge my iPod and after a mile or two, I want to commit criminal acts.  I am not a zen runner.  I spend more time starring at my watch than I should.   I don’t always stick to the plan.  I have been known to skip a workout here and there.  Sometimes I worry too much about who’s faster than me or what I am wearing.  But other times, I just run.  I don’t run like the wind; I am more of a slight breeze.  But when I am caught up in the moments, rather than the minutes, I am unstoppable.  And if I can be unstoppable, you can be unstoppable too.

Whether you’re a veteran runner or thinking about getting started, the National Running Day website is packed with great information.  A few links worth exploring:

• Fast facts about running in the US
• 10 Tips for Beginners
• 10 Ways to Celebrate National Running Day
• Running Day on Twitter for inspiration

One foot in front of the other, my friends.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Totally random: rooftop houses
• June is National Rose Month and National… Potty Training Month?
• Great running routes in Boston

What are you most looking forward to this month?  Are you celebrating with a run today?