Mid-Week Musings: How Running Changes Lives

Hi all! Happy middle of the week! 🙂

So, I’m in several running related groups online and in my community, and often times there are people who share their stories of what got them into running.

I love hearing these stories.

On one outlet, a man gave his testimony on how he was a recovered drug addict who had often lived on the streets and been in and out of jail and rehab for most of his life. It was in his most recent stint in prison where he picked up running and decided that when he got out, he’d run a 5k.

And he did.

He acquired a new addiction in running and found support (unsurprisingly) in the running community. Later on, he found himself in unfamiliar territory, on the first place podium. He found he was actually pretty good at this running thing.

The support in the online forum where he shared his story was so positive and it just made me thankful that there are places for people to go to get help, inspiration, motivation, positivity. With so much bad stuff happening in our world, it’s comforting knowing there’s hope around us despite it.

I had recently read in June’s edition of Runner’s World magazine an article where the author spent some time with prisoners in Oregon. The prison holds monthly seasonal runs and an annual half marathon for the inmates and it has become a cherished day for them. For many, it is all that they have to look forward to. For others, it’s what helps them become better people when they leave. (This is an online article in RW–different than the printable, and this is a separate article specific to the Oregon prison runs.)

As I’ve coincidently read several pieces related to this topic lately, I’ve learned that there’s quite a few places where people who are in positions of need can get help. There’s an awesome website called Racing for Recovery where people with addictions or recovering from one can get help and use running as a form of positive rehabilitation.

I’ve mentioned the I Run 4 program where miles are run for those who can’t. I think this is also a great way to help recover by helping others when those with addictions think they can help no one, as is often the case.

A simple search on google “race for recovery” brought up several pages of races devoted to the cause. There’s something about running for a cause you can really relate to that is extremely motivating and gratifying.

I’m a daughter of an addict. And while my dad is in a much better place in his life now, the choices he made early on influenced his relationships with people in his life, career paths he could’ve taken.

There’s help out there–on the pavement, on the trails, on the track.

Sometimes it is okay to run away from something.

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I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! Friday is closer than you think 🙂 ❤ , helly

–Do you know someone who could benefit from programs like the ones I mentioned?

–What other programs do you know of that people who need help could benefit from?

Chicago Marathon Training: Week 2 Recap

Hi all!! I hope everyone had a good weekend and Father’s Day (those stateside) 🙂

It was tough getting in runs last week as we were in a Heat Advisory the whole week with temperatures in the 115s — yes, you read that right. But, I managed to squeeze some short runs in and one long run.

Monday was spent on the bike for 45 minutes (10.5 miles) and some strength training.

Tuesdays I join one of my running groups but it was the big game between the Cleveland Caveliers and the Golden State Warriors. (I’m basketball obsessed.) So I braved an afternoon run.

Hot run.

Hot run.

My training plan called for 5 but I had to call it done at 3. Way too hot even for me.

The Cavs lost but this was the first NBA finals in years where I didn’t really care who won. I wasn’t yelling at the t.v. (or swearing lol!) and really just watched it for pure enjoyment. I wasn’t upset that Golden State won.

Wednesday I had plans to hit the track for some speed work but the thought of speed work in 110 degree weather just didn’t sound appealing. So I went out a little late early in the morning for a 4 miler.

93 degrees at 8 a.m.

93 degrees at 8 a.m.

Thursday was Adventure Run at a local running store and this month’s theme was Disney!! My run club always has a good turnout there and sure enough, there was about a good 20 of us there–about a handful dressed up (including me!).

Goofy Helly.

Goofy Helly.

The Road Runner Sports Adventure Run has you running to different checkpoints in the neighborhood in search for raffle tickets. You try and make it to as many checkpoints in the hour you have to run before the raffle starts.

The main checkpoint this month was the water park where runners could go down a water slide for tickets. Ummm, count me in!!

Soooo much fun!!

I only got in just under 3 miles but all was well 🙂

Friday was a rest day and Saturday my husband and I got up eeeearly to get our long run in. We had 11 on our agenda and we both met up with our run club to get er done. He left to run on his own (meaning, fast lol!) and I ran the first 6 miles with my two buddies and then finished out the last 5 by myself. Overall, it was a tough run but I was pleased that I finished it and finished it averaging the same pace as my previous long runs so far in this cycle (the 2 during preseason and last week’s).

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Sunday I was planning on resting but I was slacking on my steps for my 10k a Day Challenge so my husband joined me on an evening run–this time running the entire way with me 🙂 .

Fast 2.5

Fast 2.5

I always seem to run fast with the husband lol!

Overall, a good week. 23.42 running miles and 48.9 cumulative miles when I count my steps. Met 6/7 days of my 10k Steps a Day Challenge and did really well with hydration. I slacked this week on strength training but still managed to squeeze in a couple of days. So far, so good!

Happy Monday everyone!! I hope you all have a great week! ❤ , helly

–Have you gotten on a water slide mid-run?

–Do you run in obscene temperatures?

A Mid-Week Q&A

Happy Wednesday! My beautiful fast friend Hailey @StridingStrong tagged me on this fun questionnaire. I like reading other people’s answers to random questions–I’m not sure if people like reading about me but I’m gonna do it anyway 🙂

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Oh there’s a lot I’m sure I could surprise people with lol!! Um, let’s see.

First, and probably most shockingly, I swear a lot.

Second, I really, really like sports. Not like the, “oh I wanna be cool and pretend to be interested in sports so I can seem cool” but legit enjoy watching sports and ESPN, reading about sports, and talking about sports.

Finally, Hailey mentioned how she is super shy and would purposely misspell words in school so she wouldn’t win the Spelling Bee. I’m a word nerd (and not shy) and won the Spelling Bee when I was in middle school lol.

And when I tell people I'm an English teacher....

And when I tell people I’m an English teacher….

Have you ever met someone famous?

I’ve met a couple of people–Rihanna, Ice-T. More athletes– Amare Stoudamire, Mark Cuban, Erik Spoelstra, to name a few. I’ve also met one of my favorite authors, Jeffery Deaver. He wrote The Bone Collector that was made into a movie with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.

What is something you hope will never come back in style?

I like Hailey’s answer. Glitter lotion and glitter lip gloss. There’s no need.

What is one thing on your travel must-see bucket list.

I saw it last year. I really wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa for some reason lol. Next on my list is Mt. Rushmore. 🙂

Who would you want to play in a movie of your life?

Julia Roberts. Love her.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

Belle, duh.

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What would you sing at karaoke night?

Oh, no no no no no……. (I def sing in my car solo though–love me some Pink)

Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?

My husband. ❤

What is your biggest pet peeve?

The condescending “Sweetie” or “Honey”. Unless you’re 60 or my grandmother, don’t “Sweetie” me.

52542585 What clothing item/accessory/shoes do you have way too many of in your closet?

Everything. My closet is pretty insane 🙂

I hope you all have a great rest of the week!!! ❤ , helly

–Answer one of the questions! 🙂