I've noticed that there's this common thought that runners are at complete peace and totally blissed out while going on a nice, long run. Now, I love running, and deciding to be a cross country athlete was one of the best decisions I've ever made. However, that doesn't mean that I'm always on Cloud 9 when I'm working out. I thought it was necessary to let people know how true runners actually feel when they're out for a run:

Waking up for a morning run.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

I love getting my workout over with in the morning, but convincing myself to roll out of bed and go on a run is no easy task. When my alarm goes off at 6 a.m., I go over the consequences of going back to sleep about 100 times before I even open my eyes.

Looking down at my watch.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

Wow, I must be moving pretty fast today! *checks GPS watch* Never mind.

Going up hills.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

Hills: the bane of every runner's existence. My hatred for hills is so strong, it's almost impossible to put into words. Odds are, I'm already exhausted, and then what looks like a mountain appears in the distance. How will I possibly make it to the top? I know, I'll just get down on my knees and crawl.

Going down hills.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

If going uphill is so hard, going downhill must be relaxing, right? WRONG. After you've been running a few miles, going down a hill feels like you're about to face plant into the ground. It's kind of like you're falling forward with no control over how fast your feet are moving. If you're lucky enough to stay upright, expect some incredibly sharp pain in your knees.

Running through pretty scenery.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

Nature is beautiful, and it's great to enjoy... when you're not completely exhausted, that is. I would love to be able to take in all of the beautiful scenery around me while I'm running, but it's hard not to focus on the fact that I feel like I'm dying.

Finally finishing a long run.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

Running six or seven miles does make me feel pretty accomplished, but when I'm finally done, I usually feel like I could fall over at any second. Time for a whole pizza and a three-hour nap.

Stretching after a run.

How people think I feel:

How I actually feel:

Let's be honest, at this point I feel like my body is falling apart. All I want is to lay down in my bed and stay there for the rest of my life. But no, I have to stretch, otherwise I'll be so sore in a few hours that I won't be able to move. You'd think by now I'd be able to at least touch my toes...

Runners are crazy. Even when our bodies are aching and we can barely breathe, we still love what we do. Just know, when you're in your car and you see someone on a run, what they're thinking is probably too inappropriate to spell out.