Why I Run

This week I entered a short essay contest here on why I run. I couldn't come up with a single reason. Instead, I came up with several. This is what I submitted:

Why do I run? It can’t be confined to a single reason.


I run to escape. I run when I need to think, relieve stress, and be alone. I run to be with friends or make new ones on the lakefront path. I run for its discipline and sense of accomplishment. I run for my health and to kick cancer’s ass. I run because I wasn’t an athlete in high school; now I am.


I run to eat. So I can indulge in a slice of ginger peach apple pie or a pear scone without the added ingredient of guilt.


I run because it’s my antidepressant. The simple act of lacing up my shoes and running makes me instantly happy. Whether my run is sluggish or fast, I’m able to start the day on the right foot or end on a positive note.


When I’m not running, sharing my love for the sport makes me happy. I’ve supported friends who want to get off the couch and get moving. I’ve encouraged them to run their first 5k. I’ve toed the line with them at their first marathon.


I’ve been running for six years. This winter I had my first injury. I hated being stuck on a stationary bike and mourned the loss of my feet on the pavement. Post-recovery, I cherish every step and look forward to every mile ahead.

I heart Mark Remy (in a totally platonic way)

I haven't posted as frequently lately because a.) I haven't cooked much, b.) I suffered a running injury Sunday, and I'm feeling frustrated by it, and c.) I'm trying to be less me-centric. That should be a challenge since I'm big on social networking and personal blogging.

Today I'm taking the easy way out, and I'm posting a link to a blog entry authored by one of my favorite running writers. Mark Remy works for Runner's World, and he brings humor to my world five days a week -- if he's having a good week. He makes me laugh out loud and smile. And for the most part, I agree with his opinions. He's basically my hero, in terms of writing and running. Whether you run or think it's a ridiculous sport, I bet you'll get some joy out of reading Mark Remy's latest blog installation on the DREADMILL. Click here for the blog entry.

If you read it, let me know what you think in the comments section. Or e-mail me. I love e-mail!

Explorations in Food Writing

Starting tonight, I will be taking a class called Explorations in Food Writing. Getting into this class (it was full when I first heard about it, but a spot must have opened after the first class was held last week) is another indication things are looking brighter for me. Not only do I have job interviews/meetings this week, I also get to look forward to spending the next seven weeks in a classroom, meeting new, exciting writers and, best of all, growing as a writer and person. The class is also free, and my wallet, which hasn't seen any income since September, is very happy about this.

I am hopeful the class will result in:
-- more entertaining, better written blog posts
-- an article or essay on my relationship with running and eating and how the two are intertwined (Food gets me to the finish line, and I remember all the meals I've had after a marathon.)
-- an appreciation for other writing forms
-- my growth as a writer
-- new friendships

Without a doubt, the class will be an adventure!

Run. Write. Eat.

I created Kitchen (Mis)adventures in August 2007 to document my culinary mishaps. I had just become a wife, moved in with a boy for the first time and instead of making cereal for one, I was learning to cook for two. I have evolved and so has the blog since its creation.

While I still have my fair share of kitchen misadventures, I want to make this blog a place to share my other passions -- writing and running, as well. So I have changed the blog's title. It reflects my favorite things, and what you can expect to read about when you stop by.

No need to worry, though, dear readers. I will continue regaling you with mishaps in the kitchen and new recipes. The only changes you will see are the title and more frequent postings about running and writing.

Enjoy!

I wear a size 8. Unless it's a running shoe. Then I wear a size 9. Sometimes I'm an 8 1/2.

After six weeks of bliss -- surrounding myself with a dozen women who are smart and full of interesting life experiences and who have a passion to write and learn about the craft; learning from an instructor who is quick with an inspiring quote, literary reference or insightful comment and who, I believe, could have a career as a therapist; and writing my first personal essay in years -- my writing seminar is over.

It's hard to write about writing, and equally difficult, in my experience, to write about a writing class.

I won't write a long, winding post about the seminar. Instead, I will leave you with a few quotes from class that make me want to be better.

Topics are everywhere. They're like shoes; you just have to see what fits. -- Classmate

Listen with the ear of the heart. -- St. Benedict

If I can't find some kind of take-home message in my experience, I set (the essay) aside until I do. -- Katheryn Lay

Everyone has experiences; we as writers must make something of them, in both language and idea. -- Stephen Corey

I am a writer by determination rather than natural talent. -- Ernest Hemingway

Amen.

Oh crap, have I really applied for 18 jobs?

I just stumbled across a description for a job opening that made my heart flutter. I don't feel qualified, but, hell, I'm applying. It would only be the 19th job I've applied for during the past two and a half months. I know rejection like Victoria's Secret knows underwear.

I'm not going to be able to support my husband's habit (spending lots of money to attend b-school), if I don't get hired.

Let the cover letter writing commence!

In other news, I turned 26 yesterday. I have mixed feelings about being 26, and I will share them soon. Be patient, my friends.

Giving thanks.

Today I was jogging along Lake Michigan, snot forming and tears running (because of the wind), when I considered how thankful I am for my current state.

I may not have a job, but I have my health; the freedom to run at 1 p.m. on a weekday (along Lake Michigan!); an adoring husband and loving dog; a writing class where I'm learning a ton thanks to a smart, thoughtful writing instructor; supportive friends and family.

This week alone, I will have the good fortune to have a birthday lunch with my friends, attend National Public Radio's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" and see "Twilight: New Moon" with my husband, who will just have to endure my swooning over Robert Pattinson.

Life is good.

Random.

I am considering applying for an unpaid, very part-time internship in public radio.

I baked blueberry muffins (the kind with the strudel on top) yesterday. They were of the box variety. My husband enjoyed them and said I'm a great homemaker.

We had our first guests this weekend since moving here. We spent a rainy afternoon in downtown Chicago, saw a drag show for free at Northwestern, ate really bad food, drank too many beers in Wrigleyville, strolled the beach, enjoyed steak in a red-wine sauce with shallots at home, and saw a scary movie. We have guests visiting through mid-November. Apparently no one wants to brave the Chicago winter.

In one week, I start my writing class at the Newberry Library. I'm petrified but also very, very excited. I have a notebook next to my bed so I can write down essay ideas as they come to me. I think I may have one or two decent ideas.

I got the dry heaves after a 7.5-mile run with Ben yesterday afternoon. The heaves sucked; the run was excellent. Nothing better than running on a mild October day when the streets are lined with trees with gold leaves. Ben and I have never run more than 3 or 4 miles together because I'm usually too slow for him. That was not the case yesterday. Being unemployed = a lot of time for running. Attending MBA school = few opportunities to run.

Returning to the classroom.

I registered today for a six-week-long seminar on the personal essay.

The class will be held at Chicago's Newberry Library, which has a strong adult education program. A writing coach who has her master's in creative writing and has published a book on the subject is teaching the seminar.

I've considered taking this seminar for weeks, but I needed nudging from family and friends. I solicited their encouragement mainly because it's hard to think about spending $155 -- for fun -- when you're unemployed. But with their help, I came up with a number of reasons to sign up:

1. You have to spend money to make money. It's quite possible I could make connections in the class who could help me land a job. At this point, I'm not really picky about what that job might be.

2. Most likely I will finish the seminar a better writer.

3. It gives me something to do -- if only for two hours a week.

4. A publishable essay or two might result from it.

So in two weeks, class begins.

It was during my senior of high school that I last took a creative writing class. I had a full roster of journalism classes during college, but writing an article using the inverted pyramid style isn't the same.

Wish me luck. I think I need it.