It’s Global Running Day!

Before we get started, I just have to share some exciting news! Last week, I entered Victoria’s giveaway for a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Global Tour Pass, and guess what…I FREAKIN’ WON!!

Words cannot begin to express how excited I am! This year I am doing the races in San Diego (this weekend!), Chicago and Philadelphia. I am now considering adding Las Vegas and San Antonio to the mix as well!

So, on to today’s topic! Today is Wednesday, June 1st – also known as Global Running Day! For runners, this is like Christmas, only it comes about 6 months earlier 🙂

Today I’m linking up with Kristen from Jonesin’ For A Run for her Global Running Day link-up. She was kind enough to provide us with some running questions to answer to celebrate today!

Why do you run?

This question is so important because it has so many different answers. Everyone has their own purpose for running. I run because it’s a challenge. Running doesn’t come easy to me and I often struggle on many runs, but if something is easy, why do it?! I enjoy the challenge of running and I also love the running community. I have had the chance to interact with some super-amazing people through the running community on social media.

How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day?

This year I will be leading a short group run (2-3 miles) with my local Black Girls Run group in my city.

We are going to print out bibs from the Global Running Day website (printable bibs can be found under event tools) and run in a local park. After the run, we will take a boot camp class. We all know that cross training is the key to injury-free so why not combine both running and cross training in one day!

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

I do not have a mileage goal for year, therefore I do now know how many miles I have logged this year. I do log my runs in my training journal, but I never add up monthly mileage. Last year I set a mileage goal and ran a lot of “junk” miles. I think all of that running led to my IT band injury so I now focus more on quality runs vs. quantity runs.

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

The biggest event I have on my calendar this year is the New York City Marathon in November! It’s my first marathon and I an uber excited! Other big events this year include Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego (taking place this weekend!) and I’ll be returning to Chicago in July for the Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K and Half Marathon.

Before I leave for a run I must have…

When I run outside, I always have my Heatsweats hat and a running belt to hold my cell phone, ID, cash and keys.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

I use my Garmin Forerunner 620 GPS watch and the Believe training journal to keep track of all my runs. I also use a heart rate monitor with my watch.

Who is your favorite running partner?

I do a lot of my runs solo, but I always love running with my mom!

What races have you run so far this year?

So far, I have completed six races this year:

March – Harbor Point Shamrock Stroll 5K, United Airlines NYC Half Marathon
April – Hot Chocoloate 15K – Philadelphia
May – NYRR UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon, Stamford Boys & Girls Club Corporate 5K

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

For anyone interested in running, I would tell them to just start moving! Even if it’s just walking at first, thats fine. Eventually walking will lead to running for a minute, then longer, then running for a mile, etc. We all have to start somewhere and just find what works best for you!

Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Complicated! Running and I have a love/hate relationship. It’s hard and challenging, but once you finish a run you feel like a rockstar!

How are you celebrating Global Running Day? However you celebrate…HAVE FUN!!