I'm starting this blog as a way to keep myself motivated while I continue to push myself as a "runner". Now, I used quotations because it's actually really hard for me to admit that "I am a runner". Let me start from the beginning so that you understand.....
I am 40 years old, but I only started running in March 2012. I have always considered myself to be fairly athletic, but my sports of choice have been swimming and basketball. I only ran little 5K runs here and there during the spring, just because. But something changed!
In February 2012, I was asked to join a 100K relay team. That is a 10 person team who will run 62 miles combined. I said...sure, I can run one of the short legs. If you know me well, you know that I never want to let anyone down. So I decided I better start training so that I don't end up being the worst leg on this team. I didn't want to be the one who let the rest of the team down. So, I just started running....cold turkey.
I asked my husband to go to the high school track with me. He walked as I forced myself to run 2 miles around the track. It was so hard and completely horrible!! I ran 2 miles in 27 minutes. Um, hello?? That is 14 minute miles. Yuck!
The very next weekend, I ran in the Campus on the Run, 5K. I was supported by my friends Kerri, Erin, and introduced to a new friend Cassandra. They all 3 finished the run in less that 30 minutes (if I remember right). I forced myself to run the entire way, even with the huge cramp that moved from my ankle up my calf. I think my time was around 42 minutes. I cried when I finished. I was just so happy to be done!!
I then got really serious. I started to run at least 2 to 3 times each week. I successfully completed my leg of the 100K (5.6 miles), we got a 4th place ribbon, and I had alot of fun :)
My motivator of the 100K was now gone. What do I do now? I signed up for a 10K with Erin. Finished that easily...check!
Now what?? A half marathon....of course! I signed up for a 13.1 mile run in St. Maries, ID on June 10, 2012. My friend Kerri signed up with me and I discovered that my cousin Carrie was also going to run the race. I was so excited to have the support of others. I just went for it!!
I continued my serious training with the help of Chris O. and Kerri. I just kept increasing my distance and slowly shaved off a little time per mile. Before the half, I ended up doing a couple nice runs between Pullman and Moscow. The longest being 10 miles. Everyone says...if you can do 10, you can do 13. I was ready!!
Half marathon race day: I was scared and excited at the same time!! My goal was just to keep running, no matter what. I planned to trudge along, if needed. The race was an out and back. So when we started, I knew I would start seeing runners as they turned around and started back towards the finish line. I was inspired when I saw Kerri, Carrie, and other runners cheering me on. I just kept running. When I got to the 10 mile mark, I was getting tired, but I just kept running. I was telling myself...you only have 3 miles left, that's just a 5K, no big deal.
As I neared the end of the race, I saw my friends, Chris and Nancy. They came all the way from Pullman, just to cheer me on at the end of the race....it was AWESOME! Nancy even ran along with me for a bit :) When I finished, my cousin was there to give me a huge hug! I was crying again....but tears of joy and accomplishment this time. I was so excited to get my medal around my neck. My time was 2 hours, 46 minutes....I did it!! Who knew??
Ok, so fast forward to present day. I am starting to enjoy running, but I definitely need to stay motivated. I have a great running buddy in my friend Chris O. I have support from alot of other friends who cheer me on. I haven't been running as much, but the air quality has been messing with my lungs. I'm back on track now. I just finished a week of running 3 times, about 11 miles total. I'm signed up for two separate 10K runs on October 6 and 14.
I am a runner!....Who knew??
