Enjoying the Scenery

So I have noticed that it can sometimes be hard to appreciate the scenery around you while you are in the middle of a long or tough run; sometimes the last thing you are thinking about or even care about  is what is going on around you.  However, I would urge everybody to take some time to look around and really appreciate your surroundings when running, it really can make the run so much more enjoyable, maybe even a little bit relaxing, and definitely something to be thankful for.  When I start to feel tired or start to dread the miles ahead I try to refocus and distract myself with seeing the beauty around me, as corny as that might sound, it really does make it more worthwhile.

I had a great run this past weekend with my best friend who rented a bike so I wouldn't have to run alone.  I was visiting her for a much needed girl's weekend, but knew that I couldn't skip my run on account of being away from home.  I decided to take advantage of my location and we took the short drive down to Venice Beach.  We got on the boardwalk passing by such a diverse group of people (Venice Beach truly is a cultural experience), heading on towards the Santa Monica Pier and the excitement of the roller coasters, restaurants, and beach goers, and ending at the incredibly beautiful and serene beaches of Malibu before turning around and heading back.  The weather was perfect, the sun shining with a little breeze, and the people watching was awesome!  I decided from the beginning that I was going to enjoy the run, take the time to take in and appreciate my surroundings and capture some good pictures.

It's times like these that I am really thankful for the opportunity to be a runner.  I am approaching the 6 week countdown and still have a lot of running left to go, and mental and physical challenges to tackle, but  despite the hardships, I know this process has been a blessing and nothing will compare with crossing that 26.2 mile make at the finish line!