I Vote for Running

Duh, of course I voted!

It's election day in the United States. I find it slightly humorous that everyone is posting reminders to vote all over the social medium networks. How on earth could you NOT already know this?  Unless of course you've been living under a very big rock for the past couple months.  My personal opinion is that if you can't even remember election day, then perhaps your vote should just remain silent anyway. To me, it's comparable to forgetting Christmas. It is that important... and not just every four years for the presidential election, but the local and state elections in other years as well. I'm proud to say I have never missed an election since I turned the rightful age of 18.

Besides running, politics is another passion of mine. I actually have a Political Science degree. Yup, I wasted spent four years of college studying policy and government, several internships at the Wisconsin State Capitol and aboard numerous campaigns... just to realize I would never want to make a "life" out of it.  I have great respect for candidates, most who run with a vision to make a difference, to do good for their communities. It is no small feat to put yourself (and family) out there, vulnerable, just to let the public chew you up. Politics has become a nasty complicated world, even more so with the rise of social media. I have never been more relieved to have election day arrive... the negative and abrasive words will finally stop, right?  Similar to the whole NYC Marathon chaos this past week, I'm so exhausted and disappointed with the venom that is in people's words.

My polling place

With a frustrated heart but clear mind, I laced up my running shoes this morning and headed to my polling place. It took exactly 3.5 miles to reach the building (passing two other polling places along the way).  It was the busiest I've ever seen this little building at mid-morning. (An elderly man informed me it is was because the rain was coming... lol)  I checked in and had about 20 people in front of me. There were no open seats to sit, so I stepped back outside... and ran down the street to blow some time. I snuck back in and was called shortly. Unlike the hoards of elderly people, I breezed through the digital voting within minutes... and back out the door for my run home.  By now, the rain had started, so I took the most direct route home. It was chilly and the rain was bordering on sleet so it kind of hurt my cheeks.

6.8 miles in 1:04

+ 1 American Vote

I just hope the end results will be quick and decisive.  Hubby and I usually sit up all night watching election returns. But this year, we really need some zzzzz's for our early morning flight to Orlando.  Disney World, here we come!