When I first starting running in October 2008, I knew the best way to stick with it was to start running with someone that would push me and challenge me to become a better runner...that someone was Ryan. Ryan and I had worked together at US Central and started running over our lunch hour. He was the one that told me to sign up for my first 5k- and told me that if anything would keep me motivated, signing up for my first race would be it. So I signed up for my first 5k- The Pilgrim Pacer in Shawnee Mission Park. Ryan also ran the race with me. Of course the weather conditions were terrible... temperatures in the high 20's, and it started sleeting right before we were getting ready to cross the start. Although the weather was terrible, the adrenaline that I felt walking up to that starting point was unreal. I was so excited to run in my first actual race. The running atmosphere was amazing- tons of people, music, and of course a row of Johnny's! :) Since I had only been running for about a month before my first 5k, I had two goals: finish and DON'T WALK! With the energy of the race, I ended up finishing in under 30 minutes and didn't walk one step, and had a smile on my face the entire rest of the day. After that first race, I knew there was no turning back.
Ryan convinced me to track my marathon experience via blog. I follow Ryan's blog at:
http://ryanslifeinkansascity.blogspot.com/2010/01/diary-of-ryans-weight-loss-journey.html
Quote of the Week...
Running Pictures!
As I quickly approach my 30th birthday this year, I decided to take the plunge and sign up to run in my first full marathon - The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon on June 6, 2010...Let the adventures begin!
Many of my friends and family often ask me "What got you into running?" One day I wasn't a runner,and the next day I was! I decided to take up running in October 2008 only for the sole reason that I had a chance to go to Washington D.C., on an all expenses paid trip as long as I ran in the 10 mile race that my former job sponsored every year. When the trip was canceled due to the company's financial hardship, after months of training, I was obviously devastated, but I refused to stop running.
I continued running for many different reasons: the drive, the accomplishment, the high, and my only release in the busy, hectic life I lead as a busy working mother and wife.
Since becoming a runner, I have ran in multiple 5K runs, and finished 4 half marathons in the St. Louis and Kansas City Missouri areas.
I am going to start my full marathon training next week and thought that if I could share my experiences during my 18 week training with others to help inspire or challenge them to do something they never thought they could achieve, then crossing that finish line in June will make it all the more worth it.
