Which Way to GO?!

When I go out for a run, I never have a set trail or path that I like to follow. I find myself following this little sign:

If it were not for that little guy I don't think I would see as much of Chicago as I do! This past week I have discovered Chicago has an OZ Park! There are statues of the Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow, the Tinman and Dorothy with Toto from the Wizard of Oz!

On the down side, that little guy gets me lost and creates much longer runs then planned :) Which, makes me realize I can always go further then I thought on that given day! Running is 80% mental! 

Weekend Motivator!

This past Saturday I was contemplating skipping my 3 mile run. The excuses I came up with were: 

-My bed is too comfortable, I don't want to get out

-Maybe I didn't get enough sleep, I'm not rested enough to run

-I could get a head start on my homework 

-I think I'm getting hungry, I should eat instead of run...

(Yes, all horrible excuses, I realize this!)

Then I receive a text from my brother, Kevin! (Picture below) 

He was getting ready to run a 5K through the Phoenix Zoo to honor the endangered Sumatran tiger! So obviously, I took this as a sign to get my butt out there and run!!

Thank-You Kevin for keeping me on track! Needless to say, I felt amazing afterwards and it was probably one of my best 3 mile runs! 

What Keeps You Going?

As much as I'd love to say I love running so much I jump out of bed every day at the sound of my first alarm...I can't :( In the past I have found it is so easy to say "I'll run tomorrow" or "I'll run after work", knowing that I'll feel the same way tomorrow morning and I end up taking a month off of running!

Well, with a long 26.2 miles a head of me, I know I can't keep making up excuses. I have found a few go to tips and quotes that keep me getting out of bed in the morning and putting on those running shoes!

"Remember that you almost always feel better after a run than before it."


"If the thought of running your full workout is too much to bear, just suit up to run around the block. Chances are once you're outside, you'll start to feel better and put in at least a few miles. 

Then there are the quotes that keep me running when I know walking would be much easier: 

"The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything.
 It’s your mind you have to convince.” 
-Vince Lombardi

"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?
'The answer is usually: 'Yes'."
- Paul Tergat-Kenyan pro. marathoner

Lastly, and most importantly, what gets me up and keeps me going is knowing I'm running for The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation.

July 25, 1954 - November 1, 1999

He never died easily and if I am running on behalf of the Payton name, I'm going to live up to his determination and hard work. 

(but of course my Dad is my biggest inspiration ;) 

Statistics

Good morning!

Child abuse and neglect never really crossed my mind until I began volunteering and working at children's hospitals. I think I grew up with this idea that people aren't that bad and could actually abuse someone, especially a child. It's still hard to comprehend so it creates the idea, for me at least, that, yes, child abuse does happen, but the magnitude of the situation isn't fully understood. I recently came across some statistics from www.childhelp.org and was shocked at the numbers. Please take a look and help spread awareness!

Until next time-

Jess

26.2 Reasons to Run a Marathon!

.2  it is for a great charity supporting abused and neglected children

1. to get a "free" T-shirt 

2. it will be an excuse for my parents to visit in October!

3. it will be a challenge- mental and physical

4. it will give me something to work towards

5. it will keep me healthy and in shape

6. to meet new people

7. to train along Chicago's lakefront in the summer!

8. to explore all of Chicago's neighborhoods on my long runs

9. it will help me live a longer and happier life

10. running keeps the stress away

11. there are free massages afterwards!

12. it will give children a chance to have a better tomorrow

13. it will help those who can't speak have a voice

14. the morning after weight lifting I love the feeling of sore muscles 

15. to get a finishers medal

16. it will force me to reconsider what foods/drinks I put into my body

17. it will give me a break from 26 page papers

18. it forces me to stay productive and organized

19. any "pain" that I could experience is not any where near the pain abuse victims experience 

20. running is a great habit to incorporate into your life 

21. to know what it feels like to cross that finish line

22. it is the first "sport" I will participate in that the result is all up to me

23. the loud, supportive fans

24. it's something unique 

25. once I commit to something, I don't go back 

26. Because I can

*Children of Chicago with Sweetness #34 

Let's begin!

First of all, I want to thank all of those who have donated to Team Sweetness! It means so much to me. All of your support really pushes me to get out and train!

I decided to sign up to run 26.2 miles because it sounded like an exciting challenge! I ran a half marathon last August and had a great time! At the end I was a little pooped, but not terribly tired, so why not double it?!

I have also heard a lot of people running for charities, which is obviously a great idea ;) I put some thought into which charity would be meaningful to me. While working with children at the hospital, I first thought about running for pediatric cancer. Then, there was one specific girl that came to mind- she was severely abused by family. She had the most amazing spirit and personality a little girl could have. I could not understand how family could abuse her this way! Being a witness to that makes me so grateful for the friends and family that are in my life.

I have started this blog as a way to share with others, and to keep for myself, memories about the next 8 months of training for the marathon. Hopefully, there will be more positive experiences than negative, but I'm sure there will be times where it's pretty rough. That is where all of your support and the thoughts about the charity will keep me going.

I am running for all of the children who are abused and neglected. 
For those who are stuck in an unfortunate situation and for the children who have been lucky enough to get help. I am running to spread awareness about child abuse in the hopes to prevent it.

Thank you all for your generous donations, love, and support!

*Chicago Rock n' Roll Half Marathon-

August 14, 2011