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This past Sunday I had one of those days where you feel like absolutely nothing can go your way. I felt as if the universe was almost toying with me, just to see how far it could push me before I broke. (I tend to get a little dramatic.)

It started off with me waking up 10 minutes past the time I was supposed to be at work. Isn't that always a lovely feeling? As if working on a Sunday isn't bad enough. I'm forced to rush out of bed, grab something somewhat presentable from my closet to wear, brush my teeth, and run out the door. As I'm pulling out of the garage to leave, I look down to change the channel on the radio and I suddenly hear a crunch. I scraped into the side of the garage ramp. I immediately pretend that it didn't actually happen and pray that there's no sign of damage. No such luck. I park my car at work and notice a huge scrape AND a dent on the front of the car. My work day drags by and I can't shake the tiredness to the point that I practically feel hungover, despite the fact that I didn't drink a drop of alcohol the night before.

After finally making it through the day at work I decide to go home and go for a run, hoping that will help me end the day on a good note. I change into my running clothes, fill my water bottle, and then discover that my precious iPod is no where to be found! I seriously wanted to punch someone. (I'm not really a violent person)

Today is Wednesday and I have yet to recover from this horrible Sunday. I've felt tired all week and bummed out. My mom and I decided to term this feeling, "sad pudding." For some reason it just seemed to fit.

Anyway, I'm writing this post as a plea to the universe. Please don't deal me a day this bad for at least 5-10 years, if at all. In fact, Universe, how about you allow me to cash in my good karma for a winning lottery ticket this week!

Loving the Run

I recently had someone ask me how I was able to switch my mentality from, "I only run if I'm being chased," to actually enjoying it as a regular workout. Since I'm deep into my current training program and just officially registered for my first 8K, I figured this would be a fun topic to write about today!

So, I admit it. I used to despise going to the gym. I also used to sneer at the people I would see as I drove past them running at 7:00 am or running on a cold, snowy day. I didn't get it. After work I was so exhausted, all I wanted to do was crash on the couch, watch some bad reality TV, and enjoy a bowl (or pint) of ice cream. I was a bona fide couch potato. I would occasionally get inspired for a week or two and start a new diet or work out regimen. Sadly, these bouts of motivation never really lasted too long.

About a year ago, my attitude finally shifted. Maybe it was the realization that I'm no longer in my 20's, but I started to really think about my health. I was sick of feeling tired and worn down and basically feeling older than my age. I was also sick of packing on the pounds and started to fear that I might be doing permanent damage to my body. So, I started changing the way I ate. I'm a vegetarian, so luckily I already really enjoy fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, cookies and ice cream are also vegetarian. So, I started trying to limit the junk I was eating.

This past fall, a coworker and good friend of mine was actually able to talk me into running a 5K with her. She gave me a training program that she had printed out and I nervously agreed. The training program was intense and I felt like I was always sore. After a week or two, I noticed a change. I had more energy. I was sleeping better. I was feeling less anxious and happier! Once I realized the changes running was having on me, it made me more motivated to keep it up. I was also terrified of not being able to make it halfway through the 5K. Fear can be a great motivator as well.

In December, I finished my first 5K. I'm not the fastest runner, but I was amazed at how many people I was able to pass along the race. When I crossed the finish line, I was fighting back tears of happiness. I know it seems corny. It's not like I ran a marathon. But, it was huge accomplishment for me. I wanted that feeling of accomplishment again. I wanted to cross more finish lines. I wanted to feel like I was part of a healthy community. I wanted to keep running.