I was never a runner and in HS I couldn’t even make it around a track once without blacking out and being completely winded. In college I discovered a whole new side of myself, exercise. Getting fit and being healthy gradually became more and more important and interesting to me. I joined a gym and started lifting weights, doing cardio and taking aerobics classes. One day at the gym I decided I’d try to run. After 30 minutes on the treadmill I realized that I was still going and not gasping for air. More importantly, I realized that my fitness level had greatly improved and I was amazed at how good I felt. It wasn’t until August of 2010 when I decided to start training for a half marathon that I really started to run consistently. A lot of my inspiration came from my fiance who was a semi pro cyclist and is an incredible endurance athlete. Before training for the race the longest run I had ever done was 6 miles (on a treadmill). I signed up for my 1st race and only had about 7 & 1/2 weeks to train for it. I was very motivated and dedicated to a training program that my friend helped me with. I had a few setbacks as I dealt with shin splints and then I got sick with a wicked cold and fever the week leading up to my 1st race. Despite some of the challenges I experienced I managed to run the race and finish with a decent time. Since then I have done a few road races and this past Saturday I completed my 2nd half marathon. It was an all women’s race and it took place in Nashville, TN which was where I did my college internship a little over 8 years ago. It was a very difficult course, but an incredibly empowering and amazing experience. I have really started to enjoy training and participating in races. I feel like I have learned so much about my body and what it’s capable of. I’ve also learned to listen to my body; if something hurts then maybe I need a break. If I’m feeling good, then go for it and push harder. For me running and racing is not so much about competing against others as it is competing against myself to become stronger and better. How much further can I push myself? How must faster can I run? What fitness goals can I set and how can I achieve them? When it comes to running, it’s all about me and I’m looking for the best version of me I can create. If there is one thing I have learned it’s that endurance training is very much mental. When your body becomes so tired that you just want to stop you need to remind yourself, “You can do this, just a little bit further.” Nothing is gained unless you push yourself to your limits and out of your comfort zone. I come up with little quotes or sayings to keep myself going like, “If I didn’t sweat, if I didn’t suffer and if I didn’t finish with a strong mind, then I didn’t successfully challenge myself.” And “Each step is one step closer to my goal and is one step closer to the finish line. 13.1.” Running continues to be a working progress for me, but I enjoy lacing up my sneakers, hitting the pavement and seeing my progress.
~13.1!