Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Running Priorities {GIVEAWAY}

First off.  Friends!  I ran 6 miles this morning, and I haven't felt even the desire to take any ibuprofen or ice my feet!!!!!!  I'm counting this as a huge win.
Most awkward self portrait ever?  Yes.  And, yes, my feet really are the big.
One step at a time.  I'll run again Thursday morning and see how I feel.  Hopefully I'll be able to run a long run on Saturday (but I might not push it to 18 miles like my training schedule calls for).

Dealing with injuries this year has helped me to realize what I want from running.  And what I really want, is THERAPY.

I NEED running in my life.

It calms me down.  It helps me sort things out. It helps me feel accomplished and strong.

I get these feelings whether I run an easy workout with a friend, or a tough workout alone.

I feel this way when I run a race that's fun (like a relay) or if I pull out a BQ Marathon.

But you know what?  Pushing myself to the limits brings injuries.  AND I AM SO DONE WITH INJURIES.

So for now, a 3:30 marathon just isn't in the picture for me.  I will run the Ogden Marathon (come Hell or pinched nerves or ITBS or shin splints), but I'm going to enjoy the journey rather than stress it.

Because running isn't about PRing.  Running is about feeling alive.

I was talking to my friend Holly about choosing priority races, and my priorities look like this:

A:  Relays (Red Rock and Ragnar)
B:  Marathon
C:  Small town 5k's, 10k's, and half marathons.

You've got to choose what is most important and fun for YOU Just because everyone is rocking the marathons these days doesn't mean you have to!

So, to celebrate my new found peace in my running journey, I'm giving away a little gift.  TWO readers that want to register for either the Red Rock Relay in Moab on May 12th, or the Zion Relay on September 7-8 will get a gift card to be used for either apparel, or future race fees! 

If you choose Moab- as team captain you will receive a $50 prize.

If you choose Zion- as team captain you will receive a $100 prize.

To enter:


1.  In the comments tell me what race you would like to run and why.
2.  Feel free to show Red Rock a little love by checking them out on Facebook as well.

Winners will be announced Friday, March 23rd.  Must enter by 4PM MST.

20 comments:

Julia said...

MOAB. because its my all time fave place in utah and i NEED to go there again before i leaveeee!

Julia said...

me and RR are pretty much the bestest peeps on fb.

Holly said...

Zion relay! Only because I still have sand and grit in my teeth from Moabs beautiful landscape last weekend, and I would love to taste Zion's!;). Also would really love to run it with one of my besties<3

Dani said...

Zion! I love I love relays--and we REALLY want to do Zions so we can have more people involved. Double the fun, right? :)

Katie said...

I am already signed up for MOAB, but I want to run ZION so badly! I think that would be a BLAST! So...BOTH!!

The Burbank Family said...

Signed up for Moab. Running gives me peace. Time to myself and makes me feel fantastic. It makes me a better wife, mother and a better me. The best part is that I will be running with my running best friends for the RRR in Moab.

Brooke said...

I have done Zions and had a blast. I would like to make Moab even better. GIRL POWER!!!

Justin Thorstrom said...

Zion's! Most scenic run around. If you run it remember to beware of the furry swords.

Mark said...

Found your blog tonight from RRR's facebook post and link. Your entry today seems to sum up my current running goals this year. To learn to enjoy the run opposed to trying to PR everything. The relays are helping me accomplish that goal. 1 down already this year and 2 more booked, including SoCal on an Ultra team. I'm already signed up for Zions and $100 of apparel would be awesome. Zions 2 years ago was my first experience with a Relay. I didn't know anybody on the team until the night before. I had a blast and was hooked.

Christie said...

yipeeee!!!! so glad to hear this running news:):) 100% agree with you on prioritizing your races... you cant rock every single distance, so it is important to recognize which one means the most to YOU going into it. Hope this injury stays away for good!

Christina @ The Athletarian said...

That is my favourite picture of you of all time!! So happy you are not feeling pain anymore. Injuries are the worst and they can take a BACK SEAT from now on so you can get on with this race!!!

Coy Martinez said...

I'll opt out of the competition because I'm already signed up for a relay here in KY and that's about busted the pocketbook BUT I'm glad so happy you can go into this race and relax and enjoy running for the joy it gives to you!!

Emilee said...

I would love to run Moab for the scenery! Sounds like a beautiful race! Love RRR!

Suz and Allan said...

Hooray for a pain free run! Wish I was close enough to do either race!

Rachelle Wardle said...

Such an awesome post Amylee and I could not agree more about running being therapy. It keeps me sane, happy, and overall makes me a better person. I would definitely pick Moab because I haven't been there in ages. Would love to win!

Rachelle Wardle said...

I liked RR on fb!

Mindy Kohler said...

I want to do the Zion race in September. I love relays and I want to try out a new one :) Plus I have only been to Zions once or twice in my life and I only live 4 hours away!

Mindy Kohler said...

I already like RR on facebook, but I would double like them if I could.

Amber said...

I think that you are such a mature person to figure out what it is that you really want and need. What a healthy way to think, Amy.

Unknown said...

I just found your blog a few days ago after following the link from the RRR facebook page. I just finished reading your entries from the beginning and want you to know how inspiring you are! I took about a 10 year hiatus from running after my doctor told me I needed to find a sport other than running (torn hamstring, 2 stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, and runner's knee). I just got back into running this last fall with two friends and have fallen in love with it again! I have never done a relay (except for high school track) and am more than excited to do Red Rock Moab. Thank you for all your advice and contagious spirit!