Summer on the Run: Post 4 - Training with my girlfriends

Training with my girlfriends lifts me

Dec 17, 2012 1:33 PM ET | By Summer Sanders

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Summer Says ...

Top 5 motivations to #GoRun:

1. Seek euphoria and avoid "the yuck:" I strive to get that feeling of euphoria that comes after a run and avoid the bad feeling -- "the yuck" -- of not exercising. When I go for a good run, I feel better and happier not just for a few minutes, but all day long!

2. Food: I love to eat and give myself a little reward at the end of the day. After a run, I don't feel guilty about indulging in my favorite treats like ice cream, cookies or whatever dessert I'm craving. But I also know I feel best when I eat these goodies in moderation.

3. Fit into those favorite jeans: There's nothing that puts me in a bad mood like jeans that are too tight! I am fully aware that, at 40, my metabolism isn't getting any faster. I need to keep up my pace to fuel my metabolic rate, and I'm OK with that.

4. Competition: It's in my nature to work hard. When I'm given a challenge, like the Disney's Princess Half Marathon on Feb. 24, I think about what my swimming coach used to tell me: "No deposit, no return!" I could never argue with that. When you're pushing through a hard workout, remember that phrase.

5. Friends: When my friends call or e-mail about a race they want to do, I try my best to get ready to join them. We all have equally busy schedules, so we respect one another, cherish our time together and look forward to the time we get out on the road with one another.

Check out more posts from Summer Sanders as she prepares for Disney's Princess Half Marathon on Feb. 24:

  

 Read more Why I'm running ...  Get a running start   Overcoming road blocks   

Continuing the Summer on the Run 12-week blog and video series, blog three. Use hashtag #GoRun on Twitter to follow Summer and be part of the ongoing conversation.

I'm inspired by my girlfriends, just as I'm inspired by professional athletes. I admire those who stick to their commitments and goals, especially when it's not easy. We're all so busy and have a lot of things in our lives that we need to balance.

I have been traveling a ton lately, so I jumped at the chance for a run with my girlfriends. One of us picks the day, another chooses the window of time and a third selects the place. It's best to go with the flow when you're planning to run with other busy people.

Read the rest HERE on ESPNW.com.