10k runs and giving to ourselves and others...I guess that title will work...

Hello everyone!

Happy December! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving (and if your Jewish- I hope Hanukkah is going well!) . Well, today was a big running day- it was 10k day (6 miles).  The last time I ran a 10k was my first race 3 years ago in Worthington, MN and it was a race. I am proud to say that I was only 6 minutes slower than then...I completed it in 1 hour and 4 minutes. So yay!

Now that we are done with the month of thankfulness we are moving into the month of giving. And so on my run today I was thinking about this a little bit (like I've stated in earlier posts during runs I kind of go blissfully blank) and I am had that realization of how lucky and blessed I am. And now writing this I am thinking of how can I spread some cheer? I mean I could pull a Buddy the Elf and sing loudly for all to hear (Brace yourselves- Christmas jokes are coming).

See what I mean about being blessed? What a view!

And yet again Ms. Lawrence popped into my head and I realized something. See, she discussed with the producers and directors of the Hunger Games and told them while she realized Katiniss should be more underfed she was concerned about the young girls watching the movie and wanted to give them a good role model to look up too and a role model who looked real. And I think that is to admirable and worth posting about. And I realized that the season of giving is also about giving to ourselves. Think about it- what if we just got healthy, not super skinny, not 'lets-do-this-cayenne-pepper-and-water-diet', just healthy. Think of the health risks we reduce just by going walking. I understand that quite a few people hate running and find it jarring. And it is- I'm not saying everyone should start training for a 1/2 marathon like I am. But there is a lot to be healthy for- family, friends, ourselves...it's worth it. And a lot of people just need inspiration. So I encourage you to find your inspiration. My epiphany came while running today-while I want to be in great shape for what I do, I also want to be in shape for me. Not for my boyfriend, not for the future directors hiring me, for me. And when you give a gift like that to yourself....it ends up giving to others too.

So, try to give yourself the gift of health and also give a bit of yourself to strangers as well. I need to work on both of these myself...we can do it together. And if we are happier with ourselves we are more cheerful and then we are easier to be around which then spreads cheer elsewhere (thought I wasn't going to connect back did you- TANGENT COMPLETE AND MADE RELEVANT!)

On a side note: While I think I discussed running gear in an earlier post- I'm posting a picture of what I wore today running (it was 36 degrees out today). I chose to wear brighter colors because: A)They make me happy B)I will be seen easily so the chance of being hit reduces a bit (side note to the side note: JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE WEARING BRIGHT COLORS DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN BE OBLIVIOUS AND IGNORE TRAFFIC LAWS!) I tend to wear a little less than I probably should but I heat up a bit when running so just take that into consideration. But it's an idea for anyone who needs one...

Post run-please excuse the red face

Okay-first December post done. I always hope that these won't get long winded but they tend to do so. I just hope that you find them , if nothing else, entertaining. Hopefully some of you will find it inspiring. But please feel free to comment and tell me about your journey. Or what you think. Or don't-it's your prerogative. Just do take my advice with a grain of salt and ask your doctor before doing anything I may suggest- I'm an actress, not a trained dietitian or doctor..There- that should cover my legal behind now.  Anyways- have a great day, probably be blogging later this week (short run so probably shorter post...maybe...no promises...) Thanks for reading!

Until next time- keep running strong!

Actress on the Run