The other half of the addiction.

We all love to run. (well, most all of us, I've got a few "I know in real life" friends scattered around in the followers list whom I've yet to convert...yet...) So we all know the million reasons why we love to run, why it makes us feel good, saves our sanity, etc. etc. But I've realized that a good, oh let's say 48% of what keeps me going, what keeps the spark alive in the love I have for running, is racing.

I love road races.

Whether it be a small local 5k where my nerves make me practically crawl out of my skin pre-race because I want an age group place with a speedy time, or a giant marathon where I will finish somewhere in the middle of the pack, just another race chip in the pile of tens of thousands. And everything in between. I just love it. Everything about it (not just for the medals, haha).

From the excitement of picking up your bib and the volunteers showing you how to attach your timing chip, even though you've done it hundreds of times before...to the satisfaction you feel when you cross that finish line, no matter what the distance. And every water stop, volunteer, spectator, and fellow runner with a motivating smile, high five, or breathless word of encouragement as they pass you/you pass them in between.

It's just as addicting as the "runner's high" itself.

I love it so much, I've been known to drive hundreds of miles in less than 48 hours for races. Like this weekend. Virginia Beach Rock and Roll half marathon. I can't WAIT! I love local races, but I really love the circus that is a race with just you and 15,000++ runners :)

(baby Kain is assisting as the official hand model)

The shirt came in the mail box just the other day from my awesome sister Holly. She picked it up (I'm assuming, our phone date is tonight) at the Columbia IronGirl last weekend. I checked out Run U Mother's website, and liked what I saw. It's an active wear line created by two running moms. This sentence in the about me section was enough to sell me :

" We get it, there aren't enough hours in the day, we're all exhausted, and some of us are older than others. But bottom line, if you don't take care of your body nobody will do it for you."

That's what I'm talking about mamas! Don't use motherhood as an excuse. Get up, and get active. Do it for your kids, but most importantly, do it for yourself! Be active, Be happy! (I know, I know, I'm preaching to the choir here...except for those previously mentioned few....I'll get to you later!)

So, I will be sacrificing comfort (the shirt is 100% cotton, I need to get my hands on a tech tee to add to the wardrobe) for fashion , making a statement (that running moms are pretty flippin awesome) and supporting a business "run" by running moms. Say hi if you see me :)

Aaaaand I just realized I may look like I'm running in a hooters girl outfit. Ah well.

And speaking of racing, I'm super excited at the prospect of the PHIT Act. Race entry fees and sporting equiptment becoming tax deductable purchases? Heck yeah! Come on Congress, do me proud on this one!!!

In some other exciting news, I won the best blog giveaway EVER from Mel at Tall Mom on the Run. Have I told you how much I adore nuun? I LOVE IT! It really has helped my running immensely. Sorry Gatorade, but you and my stomach just weren't meant for each other. I am so excited to try different flavors and sport my nuun water bottle around town. Or campus. Whatever. So if you are not a follower of her blog, I highly recommend it, as it seems she has a kick butt giveaway just about every week or so!

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! There may or may not be more blog posts from me between now and the race on Sunday. All depends on how fast I can get through the entire history of Egypt in my history book. (ugh).

Happy running my friends :)