Lan is one of our Living Fit Columbus and ptown runners.  We are excited to have her as our guest blogger this week.  Read more about her in our previous post 10 facts about Lan!

Here is her contributing post this week, telling us why she runs…

[LNguyen]  

Hi there, world!  Lan here.

This morning, I slept through my alarm and woke up late for my Saturday 12 mi run (I’m currently training for the Columbus Marathon in October).  Normally, to beat the heat, it’s been best to get out before the sun rises to squeeze those long miles in.  Today 8:30am would have to do.  Then I checked the humidity – 90%.  Oh my.

Fast forward – 3miles in, I had to stop and take a short break.  It was hot.  The sun was beating.  There was no breeze.  The first thing I wanted to do was quit, but I couldn’t.  Quitting is not an option.  Today is a 12 mile run and there’s no way I can go home and not finish my goal.

Running (and yoga too) has become a passion of mine over the last few years.  When I’m tired, I run/yoga.  When I’m stressed, I run/yoga.  It’s an outlet to think and clear the mind.  When I first started running, I would go a few miles and call it quits.  Overtime, the “quitting” turned into “Oh, only a few more miles to go!  No worries!”

My “why” to running is because it is a part of my lifestyle and method to mentally organize. 

So by my 9th mile, I was reminded of “why” I decided that a long run semi-mid morning was such a great idea.  The dedication, passion, and commitment I made to myself the day I signed up for the marathon (or any race in general) gives me reason to keep going.  The run was indeed challenging in hot weather, but it was worth it.   Now I get to enjoy my post-run green smoothie and I am one step closer to my recovery hot yoga session tomorrow!  

I’ll close with this quote, “The past is like an anchor holding us back.  You have to let go of who you are to become who you will be.”  

Harbor Yoga studio, one of our local Columbus favorites!

 

We encourage you to join us in September [National Yoga Month!] for our fun Run+Yoga Synergy challenge.  Who knows,  maybe you will discover a new passion and love for yoga and/or running!  Why not at least give it a try?

Check back soon for details!