Running

Running: my love/hate relationship that has been in the making for five years. Thinking back to my first runs, the only word that comes to mind is PAIN. Even though I was in pain, I didn't give up! I knew that eventually it would get easier, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. When I first started, I don't think I could run more than one minute without stopping. There was lots of wheezing and puffing, but I pushed on. The runs got a little bit easier, and I could finally make it a mile without stopping. My goal was to conquer a 5K. In order to prepare, I came up with my own training method. I would always set out to run three miles; I would run and song and walk a song until I built up a little bit more endurance. My first 5K wasn't pretty, but I finished and that was my goal. In the races that followed, I found it easier if I just competed with myself and didn't worry about anyone else. This IS the BEST advice that I could give to any runner. I remember my first 10K like it was yesterday. To prepare for this race, I followed Hal Higdon's traning program. It was my Bible for the 12 weeks leading up to the race. I didn't miss a day of training, and I was ready for race day. The course was hilly than I anticipated, and it was humid outside. Hills and humidity weren't part of MY training regiment, but I didn't let that stop me. I crossed the finish line, and I was filled with pride. This was something that I never thought was possible. A few days later, I was talking to my sister-in-law, and I decided to run a half-marathon. This was something way outside of my comfort zone. Once again, I decided to use Hal Higdon's training plan. Everything was going great until the week before the race. I got sick and went to the doctor; he told me that he did not think I should run. This was not an option for me. I ran the race with an inhaler and saline solution, so I could breathe. When I crossed the finish line that day, I realized that I was one tough cookie. I had overcome so many odds in order to earn that medal. Since then, I have ran four other half-marathons, and my time has improved each time. This past April I ran my fastest half with a time of 2:07.  When I first started running races with my sister-in-law, we always joked about becoming "real" runners. I always felt like a poser because I didn't have the newest running attire, the coolest watch, or the fastest time. Now, I realize that I was a runner way back when I started running. Clothes, watches, and times do not make you a runner- you are a runner when you put one foot in front of the other.