RUN HAPPY

 Hello everyone.  I am Natalie Johnson and my blog about running is called “Library Girl on the Run.”  I am an Elementary School Librarian and my Kindergarten students call me “Library Girl,” hence the name. I am 52 years old and discovered running over 35 years ago. I usually update my blog twice a month.

Brooks running company nailed it on the head with their catch phrase “Run Happy.” Those of us that run happy have a positive almost infectious attitude about running.  Today I asked the question on our Start 2 Finish Facebook group “what is your Run Happy?”  Many answered that they run happy due to the connections they have made with other runners.  I have yet to meet a “Negative Nancy” while doing the S2F program as a participant and now as a volunteer.  They simply do not exist.  Life outside of running may have dealt us a lousy hand but we deal with the stress of life by putting on our shoes and running.  The sorrows and hurts that we have can help us all connect but as most of us know having a positive attitude will take you far in life and even further on a run.

S2F Spring 2015

 I am hopeful that those of you that are new to start to finish will make the same types of connections that I have made.  It is hard to believe that I did not even know most of these people a year ago.

Others mentioned “perfect weather” as their run happy.  We were blessed with awesome weather for our kick off of S2F this past Saturday.  As many of us know though you must get into “beast mode” when it comes to winter running in Kansas, because you never know weather wise what you might “run” into.  I would highly recommend that you take advantage of nice days in winter and run outside any chance you can get.  Sometimes I actually look at the forecast for the

Sandra, Lisa, Terry, Mona and I before our run

upcoming week to plan my runs.  If I know that Tuesday is going to have the warmest temperature of the week I will move my mid distance run to Tuesday (which is what I am doing this week).  There were a few times last winter when the Saturday runs were cancelled due to weather.  You might want to have a plan B in mind if weather interferes with your running.  Many runners like the 6 lap track at Down Town YMCA.  As a way to save money my family recently cancelled our YMCA membership.  I hope I don’t regret it when I am faced with a 9 miler on my treadmill in my basement.

Selfie fun with Terry and Lisa

Music to many is their “run happy.  I love listening to music while running and I like making playlists to go along with certain races.  I am actually still listening to the playlist I created for the Oklahoma City Marathon.  Being a “50 something” chick you know I love my classic rock but I also like Latino Hip-Hop (probably from my ZUMBA days).  My mid-week runs are fueled by my music and when those runs must be done inside due to weather music is a must. Fair warning my new friends I can often be heard singing during races and on my treadmill (much to the disgust of my youngest song) Last week he was treated to my singing of the 1975 classic “Love Roller Coaster.” 

Joni, Terry and I finishing our run

Very often on our long Saturday runs I don’t listen to music because I TALK!  I have a theory that I would run faster if I would simply shut up and run.  I am going to try to listen more and talk less this running season, however if necessary I do a great version of “Kiss” as sung by Prince.

Workouts for the week:

Monday: 3 EZ

Tuesday: 5 EZ in Derby with the famous SKO J

Wednesday: WEIGHTS in my basement with the DVD Cathe Power Hour

Thursday: 4 EZ

Friday: REST

Saturday: 6 EZ with S2F

Sunday: 2 EZ (with Helaine)  4x8 sec accels and a short weights DVD