Ummm... what?!
If someone would have told me two years ago that I would become a runner, I probably would have just laughed straight in their face and said YEAH RIGHT. Actually, sometimes I still don't even believe it. Running was NEVER something I thought I could do. I thought running was for super-athletes or crazy people, and I didn't consider myself either one of those things. :) I've never played any sports or considered myself "athletic" in any sense of the word. When we had to run a mile for a grade in my high school gym class, I was petrified and tried to come up with a really good reason so that I wouldn't have to do it (sprained ankle...broken leg...) Basically, if you ever did actually see me running, there was probably a good reason (perhaps a big bear was chasing me or something) and you probably should have been running, too.
But now I run and no one is even chasing me!
In August 2009 I met Josh. He was training for a half marathon. When I met Josh I couldn't even run a whole mile without stopping. Then I went to his race... it was the first time I had ever been to anything like it, and I was inspired. I saw all kinds of people cross that finish line... people that weren't super athletes or crazy... and I thought, "I want to do that, too!"
And so even though I totally doubted myself and had no idea if I could/would actually follow through with it -- I did and a month later I ran my first 5k!
Then in April 2010 I ran my first half marathon!!!! A feat I thought was impossible just 6 months prior.
Along the way I ran several other races from 5k's to 10 milers. In December that year I ran my 2nd half marathon. Unfortunately, I injured myself during that race and was sidelined for most of 2011, but I was able to pull off my first triathlon (mostly un-trained!:)
I still have hopes of smashing my previous PR's and running a marathon. Hopefully 2012 will be my year! :) And just think, a couple years ago I didn't even think any of this was possible! It really is amazing what your body is capable of when you put your mind to something.
Running is the most challenging, and yet most rewarding thing I have ever done. It has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to and that even though it might not always be easy, it's always worth it. It's taught me to push myself beyond where I ever thought I could go and to believe in myself. Seriously, I used to be embarrassed just running around my neighborhood and couldn't imagine ever signing up for a race.... but that girl ran (at least) one race a month for over a year! It has helped me to appreciate my body and health all the more and to not take anything for granted. And so far, I haven't regretted it... even though it makes my already ugly feet even uglier. :)
you can follow my training on the dailymile!
Races I have done (most recent listed first, click to read race re-cap):
• 10.30.11 Big Hit 1/2 Marathon
• 09.18.11 Downtown Doubler 15K
• 08.20.11 Fiesta Fun Run 3 Miler
• 04.03.11 Tri-at-the-Y Super Sprint Triathlon - my first triathlon!!
• 03.12.11 Rodes City Run 10K
• 02.12.11
• 02.05.11
• 01.15.11 Frostbite 5K
• 12.05.10 RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon
• 11.25.10 Fast Freddie's 5 Miler
• 10.02.10 Down Syndrome of Louisville 5k
• 09.19.10 Downtown Doubler 15k
• 08.21.10 Fiesta Fun Run
• 07.31.10 Grand Slam 4 Miler
• 06.12.10 Barnyard Dash 10k
• 05.29.10 Run for the "L" of It 5k
• 04.24.10 Derby Festival Mini Marathon - my first half marathon!!!
• 04.03.10 Papa John's 10 Miler
• 03.20.10 Rodes City Run 10k
• 03.06.10 Anthem 5k
• 02.13.10 Snowman Shuffle 4 Miler
• 01.16.10 Frostbite 5K
• 12.12.09 Reindeer Romp 4K
• 11.26.09 Fast Freddie's 5 Miler
• 10.03.09 Down Syndrome 5K - my first race ever!
Other races Josh has done (that I didn't do):
• 01.15.12 RnR Arizona Marathon
• 09.24.11 Akron Half Marathon
• 10.11.09 Bourbon Chase 200-mile Relay
• 09.26.09 Akron Half Marathon
• 09.20.09 Philadelphia Half Marathon - the race that inspired me to run!
Upcoming Races:
• 04.28.12 Derby Festival Mini Marathon
* = tentative
follow all the running fun! =]
So, you want to become a runner, huh?
Since I've started running, I've gotten lots of questions about how to get into running, how to go from not running at all to running a half marathon, what to wear, etc. So I have put together this little series to answer those questions! I'm not an expert, but this is what's worked for me.
4. Advanced Running (A 10K & Beyond!)
5. The Inevitable: Injuries & What to do About Them
My favorite resources for runners:
updated January 2012.
