Good Morning, Seattle

One of my absolute favorite things about our new home is the view from our bedroom - a peek-a-boo view of Green Lake, the mountains and city homes. As someone who has only lived in homes that get sunset views (crazy, huh?), it's been fabulous to experience the early morning sunrise.

While I'm not always up at the crack of dawn, I occasionally sneak a peek of the view once the sun starts filling our bedroom and waking me up. It's been so pretty lately, that even in my bleary-eyed state, I grab my phone to snap a quick picture to capture the moment. I don't really have the energy (read: I'm halfway asleep still) to actually get out of bed to frame the picture nicely, so these pictures don't do it justice. But I'll tell you this: it's lovely.

I did a good thing

Did I save the world, Jack Bauer style? No. (But how cool would that be?!)

Did I save millions from malaria by providing mosquito nets to everyone who needs them? No.

Did I help an elderly woman cross the street? No.

Did I donate to Haiti Relief? Yes, but that's not what I'm getting to here.

I RAN THIS MORNING. If you remember, I made this a goal to run in the AM, but haven't been too good about it recently. Because, if you also remember, I have a problem with my snooze alarm.

Mornings are not my cup of tea. Yet, often times they require a cup of tea or cup of joe, for that matter. (The beverage, not the bf. But, I guess I'd take both.)

How can so many people actually make the commitment to work out in the morning? I mean, geez, Frances was telling me yesterday that she gyms-it-up 4-5 days a week at her gym downtown. Olita goes to classes at her gym at like 5am. My dad even goes to school early to play basketball at like 4am, plus he has a 40+ minute commute! (I guess I didn't get his early bird gene.)

And once again, the run felt great. Plus, it's done for the day so I can do whatever my little heart desires tonight. Like, for instance, make something out of this little gem.

flickr

This is where I ran today. The wobbly feel of the picture appropriately shows the world through my tired eyes this morning.

A spring in my step

I am not a big fan of mornings.

I am a big fan of being social and hanging out with friends.

Add training for a marathon in the mix and it looks like I have a choice to make. Sleep an extra hour in the morning and bail on friends at night for my run? Or get my lazy butt out of bed in the morning so I can actually have time for the people in my life?

My choice: Run in the morning.

I won't say it was easy this morning. Definitely not. There was that moment when I laid in bed and thought to myself, 'do I really need to run today?' I didn't let the devil win. I threw on my running gear and headed out the door. After only 50 yards, I was feelin' good. I even picked up my normal pace. Good moooooorning, Seattle!

There were several runners on the trail and let me say – morning runners are a different breed. It's like they are more efficient. As if they are getting more bang for their buck in the day. I mean, yes, I do get in my runs according to schedule, but morning runners seem to be just a bit more hardcore. Adding a little spring in their step right from the get-go. I salute you, morning runners. And now, I would like to join you.

May this post be proof that I, Erika Peterson, will commit to running in the morning two days a week while training for this marathon.

Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted, unless I'm taking a nap…

(And yes, I repurposed this post from the PI blog. Creative juices to switch it up aren't really flowing, people... Maybe it was from the early morning?)