This week’s Tuesday Topic is: How does running help with your mental health?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I know running is something I do to help me get through the day.  I enjoy the time alone and the feeling afterwards.  I’ve been running since 2005 but it was 3 years ago that I realized how much running has been helping me get through some difficult times. 

In March 2019 my mother had a stroke.  I was sad, angry, and confused.  I worked while helping to take care of her.  There weren’t enough hours in the day and it left me exhausted.  I also ran 5 races that year.  It’s been three years and it is somewhat better.  I am still tired but now I blame it on work.  😀

Then came March 2020 and everything changed.  More than ever I appreciated running.  I am an introvert and staying home was delightful.  I don’t have a treadmill and running outside put me in a better mood.  I was not happy when I had to quarantine and could not go outside.  Luckily, it was just a couple of days.  

Running helped me cope with the stress of working from home.  Yes, I know I said I enjoyed staying at home, but working from home is a whole different thing.  While I liked not having to drive or dress up, the work itself was too much for me.  I spent many days crying and wanting to quit.  Many of you might remember how awful it was for me.

I look forward to my runs each morning.  I love the time alone.  I love listening to Matty during my Peloton runs.  He makes me laugh and smile.  During my runs I also think about the past, present, and future.

I hope to continue running for as long as I can.  Running helps me stay healthy which will help me continue to run.

Topic for next week – A Day in Your Life.  Feel free to write about this or any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

This week’s Tuesday Topic is: Tips or benefits of running a marathon for charity?   You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Did you watch the Boston Marathon yesterday?  Wow!  The women’s race was INTENSE!  My students and I were jumping up and down and screaming.  I had my students watch it with me – not the whole thing but definitely the ending of the women’s race.  They were so cute!  I love spectating the Chicago Marathon and have decided that next year I will go to Boston to spectate.  Save the date for April 17, 2023!

It has been years since I’ve run a marathon for charity.  My very first marathon in 2006 I ran on behalf of Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.  I think I had to raise $3000.  Other years I’ve also run on behalf of the American Cancer Society.  Two things that I loved about running for them were the free training programs through CARA and the hospitality tent after the race.

I think I was lucky when I was fundraising because I received a lot of money from family and friends.  I used to work at the American Bar Association and I also asked the members to donate money.  I remember them giving me $250, $100, and $50.  I had no trouble raising the money for the various races.

🟣  Back then I relied a lot on letters.  There was no Facebook or Instagram to ask for a donation.  I mailed everyone I knew a letter explaining why I was running the marathon and the reason for running for that specific charity (one of my sisters is a breast cancer survivor).  I also included a self-addressed and stamped envelope for them to send the form with a check or credit card information.  Very convenient for them. 

🟣  I sent emails.  Again, no Facebook to send messages.  I sent a couple to remind them to send their donations.  Many would thank me for the reminder.

🟣  Thanks for Facebook, friends that are raising money post about it there.  I like reading the story behind the race and the charity.  I want to know why they picked that charity.

🟣  I have asked friends to remind me about the donation.  As much as I would love to drop everything right there and then to click on the link and make a donation, most likely it won’t happen.  Life happens.  I get distracted and forget.  I tell them that I will NOT be annoyed if they keep reminding me – I want them to!

I don’t think I will run and raise money again for a charity but am more than happy to make a donation.  If you are running for an organization that has to do with children (extra points for education), breast cancer, or pets (cat lover here), then definitely count me in.

Topic for next week – FREE Topic.  Feel free to write about any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

This week’s Tuesday Topic is: What fun hobbies/activities do you do besides running?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Happy Tuesday!  I am happy that this will be a short week – I am off on Friday!  So far things are going well with my students.  I have been playing music by Selena in the morning and they all seem to enjoy it.  However, I know one day they will probably tell me to play something different.  

As you know I enjoy running in the morning.  I listen to music or just get lost in my own thoughts.  This time alone prepares me for the day.

Besides running I enjoy watching TV and reading.  Lately I’ve been watching too much TV and am ready to give that a break.  I became hooked on Chicago Med and finally am caught up thanks to Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu.  I also enjoy watching Chicago PD and Law and Order: Organized Crime.  I am not so crazy anymore about Greys Anatomy and am wondering when the show will end.  Most of the characters are annoying but I feel like I need to watch it till the end.  Anyone else is a fan?

Let’s talk about reading.  I love to read.  Now that I am caught up on my shows I will spend more time reading.  Thanks to Wendy’s reviews I have a long list of books to read.  I am actually excited about it!  I started my list from a review she did in August.  Yes, I have a long way to go.  Even though I plan to teach during the Summer, I will have plenty of time to read a few books.

Right now I am reading this book.  Anyone else has read it?  

Topic for next week – Tips or benefits of running a marathon for charity?  Feel free to write about this or any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!