Born to Run

I'm a runner. I'm not the fastest runner but I'm a consistent runner. I like running because I can do it on my own time. I used to do yoga quite a bit but the thing about yoga is that it was always on someone else's schedule. You have to find a class that works best for someone else's schedule, then you have to travel to and from. With running, you can go whenever you want as soon as the inspiration hits you, or you have free time. In 5 minutes I can be out the door.

I live in a rural area which gives me plenty of locations in the outdoors. I prefer trail over road. Road running is harder on your body because you are constantly smashing into concrete. Being in the dirt is a little bit of a softer landing. Trail is also better because you are in the woods. It's quiet and it's beautiful and it's great for spotting wildlife. On a typical trail run I will at least bump into one or two animals. Two weeks ago I ran up a hill and just over it and there was a black bear in front of me. Luckily it did not hear me and just kept crossing in front of me. That was a bit terrifying for me. Many times I will see deer in the woods or even snakes! About a year ago I ran into a coyote. He looked at me. I looked at him, and we both went our separate ways.

I don't usually do too many races. For me running is something I enjoy doing without a big crowd. I do have a few buddies that I run with from time to time. They push me to run faster than I do normally since I'm the only girl. We usually try to plan at least one race together per summer.

Running is also something I love to do when I'm traveling. It doesn't require a bunch of equipment, I can just pack my shoes, a hat, and a few shirts/shorts or pants/socks and I'm set. You can run anywhere, in any city, in any country. You can also run at any time of year, as long as you don't mind the heat or the cold and are a little bit adventurous. Some of my favorite runs have been in 6 inches of snow believe it or not.

Here are some photos of the places I run.

This is me doing the Pittsburgh Wild Half trail run

I found this cave a few weeks ago just outside of Pittsburgh

A beautiful stream on a run near my house

This was a cold and icy run

There is nothing better than a run in the fall in Western PA

Sunset run

This is a wire bridge that we have to cross to get from one side of the trail to the other