inspirations and motivations

sustainablestudent13:

New Year, New Goal

After wearing my barefoot running shoes around campus and to work (I was a lifeguard at this point) I was inspired to try running. I had read “Born to Run” and what had once been a punishment on the sports teams of my past became a way to relax, find peace, and push my own limits.

A year later I ran my first race. But that wasn’t without setbacks. A busy life, shin splints (ironically not from running), and a time consuming job distracted me from running. By the time I stood at the starting line of my first race I felt like I had started to run for the first time at least three times before.

For my first race I chose to run a low-key, high-energy race, Firefly Run with my running buddy. I loved running with so many other people who had all trained thinking of the day they would run in this race. They were there because they loved running, and their cheers and talk on the short 5K course made it an amazing experience. Not to mention that it was at night and felt more like a Bike Party than a race.

Throughout my first real year of running I learned more about myself than actual technique or sport. I no longer let myself make excuses to not go running and I never return wishing I hadn’t left. Running has taught me to be content on my own and enjoy the companionship of others. You can run from your problems, but at some point you have to return home, take off your sweaty socks, and confront them.

Last year I ran 153 miles. More than I have ever run in my life, and yet less than some marathon runners will do in a month. This year I want to double that. I want to finish the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. But more than anything I want to remember to take time for myself and to prioritize my goals. 

(via irun2much)

Merry Christmas to me… where did this come from?!? I’ve never had so many hits on my blog in one day.

Just registered for the San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference. Best job perk yet! I can’t wait to try AcroYoga for the first time and go to amazing classes. Anyone else going?

Spent 20 hours transcribing, made $41.75… 

#disappointment #therealworldisharsh

sustainablestudent13:

More than a year ago I fell in love with running thanks to Christopher McDonald’s “Born to Run.” Nothing was more instrumental in getting me out of the house, into some barefoot shoes, and into the peace and comfort that a run can provide. Because of this book and the fact that Scott Jurek has clearly proven the power of a well planned vegan diet, I decided to read his book, “Eat and Run: my unlikely journey to ultramarathon greatness.” 

While I personally think running more than a half-marathon is insanity, hearing Jurek’s story of how he became engrossed in ultramarathons was eye opening. But more than anything what I got out of it was an even deeper appreciation of food not only as fuel, but also as medicine for the body. His clean, whole foods, vegan diet is what was truly inspring for me.

With CrossFit, running, cycling, swimming, yoga and everything else I like to do, I worry I’m not giving my body enough fuel and protein to rebuild. After hard CrossFit workouts I can be sore for days. After reading “Eat and Run,” I have a new appreciation for speeding my own recovery with pure, wholesome foods instead of trying to find some sort of magical supplement that makes it all better.

Jurek’s story kept me intrigued as I completely devoured his book. I bookmarked just about every recipe to come back to and try later, and when I am outside wanting to turn around and just go home or staring down the weight on a heavy lift it’s easy to think of all of the things he’s accomplished and push myself a little bit further. 

Image courtesy of effpearlman.com

Source: crossfitlove

After almost a year of CrossFit I am finally starting to be able to do a kipping pullup. 

patagonia:

End of the day cool down. Red Rock, Nevada. Photo by Luc LaFlamme. 

I want to be outside. I need to find people who want to be here as much as I do.

(via run-stormy)