I wanted my blog title to be something that spoke to my readers. Something that would tell them running isn't easy for me. Something that would be intriguing enough for them to ask why.
I ran a couple years of track in high school where I focused on shot put and dabbled in the 400m hurdles. I gained the freshman 15+ in college and found running again my junior year. Running was a mode for weight loss, until I moved to Massachusetts. I had no friends except my boyfriends and that created a horrible relationship between the two of us. Running gave me a way to spend my time outside of work and a way to challenge myself.
My first personal challenge was to run one hour on the treadmill. I finally did it and reaching that goal felt great. Since that hour on the treadmill, I've run countless races, a few half marathons, 4 marathons and achieved a Boston qualifying time.
I say all of this a bit off the cuff, but running is hard because I often cannot get out the door. Once I'm out everything is great, but my brain works against me in ways that make taking the step out the door like climbing Everest. My brain holds me back because I suffer from migraine and depression. My migraines steel my life away without much warning. Depression is very common in people who suffer from migraine and unfortunately takes a grip on my life from time to time.
If I stick with my exercise program and eat well, my migraine and depression become less frequent, but I am not disciplined, because my brain talks back to me all the time. This is part depression and part low self esteem. Again, if I can stick with running, my brain is much nicer to me.
I've been doing much better since December 2013 as I've been active on Twitter and Instagram, which have been great motivators. I am starting this blog to hopefully motivate others who may be in my situation, englighten others who may want to learn more about migraine and depression, and also to help me develop a consistent routine.
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