"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves..." - Roger Bannister

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Out for a run!

  How frustrating is to work your tail off all summer for your upcoming season, only to get hurt in your third practice, and to be forced to the sidelines?

  Pretty maddening if you ask me!

  I know I didn't take consecutive days off the entire summer, and here I am eight days into resting my ankle.

  Resting essentially equals sitting around, icing and elevating your foot. Doing nothing else. That may sound like a paid vacation, but for me it's no vacation at all.

  The runner inside me is going crazy. I hate feeling out of shape. And personally speaking, not being able to run, sweat, work is one of the worst things ever.

  Running has turned into a mental outlet for me over the past 10 years.

  I'd always run a lot in the off-season. But when I played in Portugal (in 2005), I would run every morning/afternoon because we didn't practice til 9 o'clock each night. So that's when I really started to enjoy running, and when I started using it as a building block in my everyday life, and not just a way to stay in shape.

The park I'd run in daily in Barreiro, Portugal

  For me, I have found that running really does reduce stress. If there is ever something I need to think through, or sort out mentally, I always find I do it best while running. Just let your thoughts wander, and you don't even realize you're running anymore.

  And I always feel better after I'm done running. Sure, I might be a little tired when I first finish, but that wears off pretty quickly. So many times, my energy will be low in the afternoon and I literally force myself out the door for a run. I can almost guarantee when I get back, I'm rejuvenated, my mood is better and I'm ready to tackle the rest of the day.

My ideal run.

  Running also holds me accountable. On a daily basis, I make note of the run I want to take (mileage, time, route, etc), and I do whatever I can to get that run in no matter what else is going on that day.

  People say you need to schedule in your workouts to make sure you have time for them (and when you write something down, it's more official and binding than thinking to yourself, "I should really get to the gym today"). It's like setting a small goal each and every day.

  As a competitive athlete, I like to challenge myself. Not necessarily to see how much I can torture myself or anything crazy like that. But it is fun to see what you can do: improvements you make in your pace/stamina, and changes in your physique.

  I finally got a GPS (Nike+ SportWatch GPS) watch this summer, and I feel like it was the best fitness investment I've made in a long time. It's like I'm racing the clock. It tells you everything you'd want to know on your run, and I'm constantly checking it to see how I'm doing along the way.

  The other cool thing about the Nike SportWatch, is you can track all of your runs online which I've found is another great motivator.

Ran a 1/2 marathon this summer with my brother.

  Do you have friends you go running with? I love being able catch up with a friend while out on a run (you can only go to lunch or grab coffee together so many times!). You can run a different route (maybe one that they usually do).

  Running doesn't have to be boring, it can also be a social thing. Sure, if you're running with a friend and having a conversation you're not necessarily training as hard, but it's fun to mix it up every once in a while.

  It doesn't have to be all work, and no play. There are also tons of running clubs/groups you can join as well.

  Running also lets me see the sights of the city I'm in. At home, Portland and Lake Oswego have some beautiful runs. And Boulder is the best running city in the US, so I'm constantly finding new, amazing routes there.

  With my job, I'm in a new city each September. So every time I'm in a new place, I love going out for a run, exploring and getting to know the roads, and seeing some of the beautiful sights. Somehow, my sense of direction is much better when I have my iPod on, and I'm out running, versus in a car driving around.

About to run in beautiful Boulder!

  Another great thing about running, is all you need is a pair of shoes, and the road!

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open." - Nike

  One of my favorite runs to do in Lake Oswego is when I make the six mile run around the lake, and meet my mom at Starbucks. I get a great run in around the lake (while she leaves before me and walks it). We meet up for a coffee (and sometimes a snack), sit and chat for a while, then we walk the last mile together back to her house. It's always one of my favorite things to do.

  The last benefit of running for me, is that it helps me sleep! No explanation necessary!

  So right now, while I'm injured and not able to run, I do core and body weight workouts. But it's not quite the same, as getting out into the fresh air and running.

  It sounds like I've become addicted to the infamous "runner's high." Maybe injuring my ankle was my body telling me I needed a few days to rest, maybe not. Either way, injuries are a part of sports and I'll be back on the court (and the roads!) soon enough!

  Off to see the doc....lets hope for a good report!