Nothing says I love you like a 10K

Today I feel in love with running all over again.  No it wasn't a marathon or even a half, but it was just about the most perfect 10K I could have dreamed of (except maybe with a faster time...). After a long week and a busy weekend with about 10 hours of sleep total, I dragged my butt out of bed at 6AM (on my day off) to run.  If that doesn't say 'I love you' what does? 

I picked up my race bib, packet, and time chip around 7 and hung around for the 8:00 start.  I turned pandora on and off I went.  Now a 10K is only 6.2 miles, but no matter what distance I run, I always find the first 1-2 miles to prove a little difficult.  Today's race was no exception.  I started off slower than usual and really focused on enjoying the pace that I was running at.  And to make things better, I didn't time myself by the mile markers taking off a lot of pressure. 

To make a long story short (or 1:00:57 - my time), I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the race today.  The weather was beautiful, the crowd energizing, and even the hills didn't seems so bad.  Maybe it was the negative splits or maybe the runner's high but by the end of the race, I was in love with running again. 

It felt good to remember the feel of the pavement, the excitement of the crowd, and pushing through any discomfort.  It felt amazing to let all the work things and boy things and family things go and just run.  I was spending time with myself and I had no cares in the world. And who doesn't love that?

What do you mean I write a blog?

Well that's exactly what I thought too when I was scrolling through my bookmark list on the internet. Why not update the whole world wide web on my whereabouts, misfortunes, and shortcomings?  In other words, I turned 25.  Now to most, this is a non-monumental age where life goes on.  For me, I panicked and had a quarter life crisis.  Dyed my hair, moved from my apartment, bought a new car, and got a tattoo...well the tattoo is coming - hasn't quite happened yet.  Anyways, I guess maybe 25 just brought about some necessary change in my life.  And why not happen all at once I suppose. Here's what 25 has taught me so far:

1. No matter how old you are in numbers, you still may not be mature.  I've dealt with those who SHOULD act a little older, but they don't.

2. If you love your job, you'll ever work a day in your life. This one makes me lucky.

3. You have to learn to let things go...easier said than done and still too fresh to get into.

4. Cherish the time you have and spend with your family. They're your life line and support system and I'd be no where without them. 

5.  Sometimes your family are not just the people related to you by blood, but the people who stick by your side no matter what happens. 

6. A dog's love is unconditional.  Thank God for that.

7. Running is a gift.  And it should be treated as such.

8.Life goes on.  It may hurt like hell, but you'll get past the dark days too...I mean your track record for getting through bad days is 100%...

Love.