I Run To Burn off the Crazy

{Nike Fkyknit sneakers c/o KicksUSA.com, Lululemon shorts, bra and tank top}

Fun fact about me: I was a cross country rockstar in middle school and high school. I was addicted to the “runner’s high” and the fact my mind was clear if only for a short hour and the fellow hotties on the squad didn’t hurt, either.

I loved the ribbons, trophies and camaraderie and the notion I could house a Whopper with cheese without it going straight to my ass.

Nowadays? Not so much. It takes every atom of my being to slip on my Nike sneakers and hit the pavement. I find the only time I have the energy to run is immediately after I drop the kids off at school — jacked up on two cups of coffee like the Energizer Bunny on crack and other illicit substances.

Much like Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter, my relationship with running is a love/hate affair. Unlike my youth, here are the real and superficial reasons I now run:

1) To eradicate the huge unsightly cellulite dimple on my left butt cheek. But it’s still there 1,203 miles later. That vindictive jerk.

2) To be 101% present…allowing my frantic/frazzled mind to solely process the thud of my feet hitting the road. To get lost in the latest catchy Justin Bieber song (and I’ll dance mid run like a total weirdo!). To feel the sensation of the sun burning my bare shoulders.  

3) I love the sight of my flushed face (yes, my aging face!) after a hard run. My cheeks are a lustrous shade of pink, my pores are tightened and my eyes appear bluer than usual.

4) Bounteous Lululemon purchases. No need to explain that one. Duh.

5) All that gloriously gross sweat! It’s Ethiopia-hot in Miami and the amount of sweat which oozes from my body is downright gnarly. And rewarding. There’s something to be said about the healing powers of a good schvitz. Tip: take a hot shower before a run and you’ll perspire waaaaaay more than usual. I always do.

6) I run to burn off the crazy. I feel mellower after a brisk run. My own personal research data shows I’m a saner/kinder/cooler/less psychotic person after any form of cardio exercise. 

I now incorporate one 40-minute run into my bi-weekly pilates classes and am noticing an overall leaner effect in both my arms and legs. I’m always switching up my workout game because research show the body gets “used” to the same ol’, same ol’. 

Now if only I could get “used” to eating healthy!

Photos by Emma del Rey