Running and Me

I have always had friends that were amazing runners and never understood how they did it and enjoyed it.  A year ago I decided to try a race. I was not prepared and it took me a super long time. I thought at one point this 5k was going to kill me. When I finished I found that what I really felt was alive.

When that one didn't kill me I thought I could set a goal to do at least a few. I figured that a goal should be at least a few. As I got going I found I really enjoyed it. I finished 5 races last year. My last one was pretty emotional because it was a huge goal for me to accomplish.  One of my races was a 7k and I placed second in my age group. Ok there were only two of us in that age range but still it was kind of cool. The person I lost my age range to was a girl that came up to me and asked my name. When I looked at her I knew I that I knew who she was. Becky went to high school with me and had started running a year earlier.  It was great to reconnect with her and in the process her hubby who I also went to school with.

For me running is a very personal thing. It helps with stress and motivates me to push further. Many people say "I saw you out running and it inspired me to start again". I think this is nice but it isn't why I do it. I find that I love it and the runners high I get from it.  I will finish 7 races this year. I am hoping to one day run a half marathon and a RAGNAR. I know my limitations but I find they are less than even I thought they were. I love what running does for my body but even more what it does for my mind.

I find when I am really in the running mode I have to run at least every other day or I get grouchy. Something about being out there with just me and my IPOD is really nice. I am the one in charge of how far and where I want to go.  I am not saying it is for everyone but I really like it for me.

There is a very large running community out there. You can connect with them in many ways. I have connected with them through social media and other outlets. They are wonderfully supportive and offer advice when you ask. I have learned a lot since my first run but I still have more I would like to do. With a running community if you want that competition you can connect with it but if you just want support you have it too.

Family, friends and neighbors that run are great community also. I am blessed with great friends, neighbors and family that run and can give advice that is really helpful. They are also super supportive no matter how slow I am. Last year at my first race our neighbors met me along the way to cheer me on. These neighbors are super amazing runners, and even do triathlons so this was amazing to me and gave me a taste of what the real running community was about.

I originally wrote this on Friday afternoon. On Friday night I got an e-mail telling me that I was selected/invited to sign up for the Ogden half marathon. I am super excited and nervous as hell. It will be my first and It is totally a challenge for me mind, spirit, and body.