21 Things to do as a 21 Year Old in the 21st Century: Running Edition

Coming at you live at 8:41 p.m., it's your favorite 21-year-old.

This weekend, I embarked on a 3.1-mile journey. A journey I have not embarked upon since my Sophomore year of college when I got the insane idea to run a marathon. Don't be too impressed - two weeks before the race, I was struck with runners knee and the race was postponed due to a flooded trail. I pivoted to a hilly half-marathon through the mountains of Todd, North Carolina.

As I ran up nearly 600ft of elevation gain, I realized that I am not sure why people enjoy running such long distances. Firstly, the amount of training that goes into a marathon is proof that humans are not made to run 26.2 miles. Secondly, as cars passed me on the road, I contemplated waving one of the drivers down and asking for a ride to the top of the hill - it would've made my life a lot easier. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted and worried about disqualification to take action on this idea.

I don't grace the sidewalks of Chapel Hill in my lululemon Fast and Free Shorts and blonde ponytail much anymore.

And this past May as I watched my friends complete the The Tar Heel 10 Miler & 4 Mile Run , I couldn't help but notice that nearly every runner looked miserable. Trust me, I've experienced powerful "runners high" or a joyous completion of a tough track workout but I don't desire the pain the brings the pleasure of finishing a hard run.

I bring you this lengthy context because after reaching 18 milers in my training plan and feeling beyond drained after a half-marathon, I lost my love for running.

Looking back, I would have forgone all my long Sunday runs, goo-packs, and the 3 pairs of HOKA s that fueled my training to be able to enjoy running again. I finished my half-marathon and didn't run for nearly 6 months. I was burnt out.

Maybe there can be "too much of a good thing."

I now primarily stick to a CorePower Yoga workout to get the endorphins flowing and my body moving; and although I don't love running like I used to, a good run will never fail to put my mind at ease.

When I feel overwhelmed, I occasionally partake in a one-mile loop around my college neighborhood. This weekend, I must have really been overthinking things because I had the crazy idea to run not one but two miles. Crazy, I know. AND even crazier, I decided not to look at my distance until I was tired and truly wanted to quit. I queued up my favorite toons (lots of Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Drake) and ran a 5K.

If you ever want to know my mental state, check my Strava running statistics. Side note: Besides LinkedIn, Strava is easily one of my most used social media accounts. There's nothing like receiving kudos on a sub-par workout or a comment on a really tough yoga flow.

Back to my 5K, this was certainly not my fastest time. In fact, it may be one of my slowest runs ever. But we won't get too far into the weeds. *honestly, I am just too embarrassed to share my time. You can check my Strava if you really care to know.

Although I don't enjoy running like I used to, I think running might always be one of my favorite ways to clear my head and process my thoughts. For this reason, I don't think I'll ever be someone who claims to "hate running" but you won't catch me claiming that I love it either. I believe those days are long gone.

So...what's the moral of the story here? No matter how you feel about running, I encourage you to find something that allows you to clear your mind.

My professor, Gary Kayye?? CTS has spent the past several weeks introducing my classmates and me to meditating. I realized that many of these practices and feelings are similar to running's ability to put my mind at ease.

So no matter if you enjoy running, meditating, or CorePower Yoga , clear your mind so you can get back to being a 21 year old in the 21st century.

XOXO,

EdieMo