Because it's cheaper than therapy.

I must admit, I wasn't always into running.  I just didn't see the point.  Once, I even asked my cross-country/track-running friend, "You mean you really just run for fun?!"  "Yes," she replied, though I wasn't convinced. There had to be something more to it. 

But now I get it.

In the past couple years, running has gotten me through the stress of nursing school and the doldrums of depression.  It has made a bad day better and entirely changed my outlook on exercise.  I no longer see it as a punishment, but rather as a reward to nourish my body and soul.  

But don't be fooled, I am no early-rising Energizer bunny who pops out of bed fresh-faced and heads straight for the running shoes.  I only know one person who is like that, and I'm pretty sure she has caffeine pumping through her veins instead of blood.  Rather, I tend to wake up crabby and exhausted from the 12-hour shift I worked the day before.  It's then a game of "I should really go for a run, but... I'll wait until after I do this... and watch this... and eat this..."   It's true what Ron Clark, world record marathon holder in the 1960's said, "The hardest step for a runner to take is the first one out the door."  Because once my feet hit the pavement,  I breathe in the fresh air, and I get into the full swing of things, I revel in my decision.  In fact, the only run I've regret is the one I didn't take.

This daily internal conflict between going for a run and not has lead me to make a list of reasons I run.  On days when I think I don't have the time or energy, it's my motivation to put one foot in front of the other and get out the door. 

I RUN...

to have a good night's sleep

so I can drink as much wine/eat as much sushi as I like

because it is an excuse to buy new shoes every 6 months

to clear my head and silence my thoughts

because it gives me energy to get through the day

to give thanks to God for my health

to sweat it out

to jam out my music

because I'm in control of my mind and body

so I don't sweat the small stuff

to catch up on my audiobook

to be alone

because it is meditative

to fight my demons - mental and physical

to brainstorm my best ideas

because I get to wear comfy clothes

to hear new music

because it keeps me sane

to challenge my self-doubts

to procrastinate

to disconnect from technology
for the endorphin high (it does exist!)

because I really like carbs

to get some fresh air

to feel alive

and because it's cheaper than therapy

Got a reason you'd like to add to my list? 
Post a comment - I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Who does she think she is?

What do I know about running a marathon? The answer is, "Not much."  You see, I don't even consider myself a runner.  A runner, in my mind, equates to someone who has fast feet, speaks a language of fartleks and splits, and wears a GPS watch, fuel belt, and compression socks.  None of which apply to me. 

In fact, I didn't even start running until a couple years ago.  While home for summer break I decided to get some fresh air and took a walk.  My parents live in the country, so a walk around the block turned out to be 6 miles.  I walked the same route everyday, and eventually starting jogging for a few lengths.  By the end of the summer, I ran the entire 6 miles without walking.  That was 2007. 

Fast forward six years and I am training for my first marathon, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon.  I have three half marathons and a few other distance races under my belt, but I am ready to take on the 26.2.  I have a training plan, running partner (thank you, Heidi!), and I'm passionate about the cause I'm running for. 

I decided if I'm going to run a marathon, I'm going to make it memorable.  I'm a Vorpahl, and Vorpahls do it big or don't do it at all.  When I brainstormed causes to run for, I immediately thought of my patients, coworkers, friends, and family members who have been affected by cancer.  I am tired of standing by, helpless, watching their bodies wither away and the light in their eyes go dim as the cancer overpowers their spirit.  Now is my chance to fight back.

I will be running in honor/remembrance of 26 people, 1 person for each mile, who have been changed by cancer. My goal is $2,600 ($100 per person) and the money raised will go to the Cancer Research Institute, a charity that's advancing immunology to conquer cancer. 

I invite you to join me on this journey.  Run the marathon with me! Or just join me for a mile or two on a training run.  If running is not your thing, come down to the lakefront on October 6 and cheer me on! God knows on race day I'm going to need all the support I can get.  And above all else, please share my mission with coworkers, family, friends or anyone else who will listen.  Together we can change the immunological treatment, control, and prevention of cancer.  

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and please check back frequently to stay updated on my training and fundraising efforts. 

-Andrea

Donations can be made at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/andreavorpahl/stridingforacure