The Beginning

I have been reading running blogs for awhile and they have always inspired me. I have been a low mileage girl and never have enjoyed getting out of my box, but reading other runner's experiences and stories lights a fire inside me.

Over the summer, I was invited to run a 13 miler with an old friend and her running partner. I REALLY wanted to do this run, but doubt crept in. My highest mileage so far was 10 miles and what if I couldn't pull off 13? What if I had to pee more than them and that required them to stop more than usual? What if I couldn't get my laces just right and it drove them crazy that I had to tie them a zillion times before I started my run? What if our conversation just didn't flow and I didn't fit in? All of these things swirled around in my head and I probably thought of a few more ridiculous things that I just can't recall at the moment.

My husband Chris, who was in Iraq at the time, was excited that I had this opportunity and encouraged me to go for it. Well, I chickened out! I was so angry at myself for not meeting up with them that morning and decided to make some changes. I was sick of being a 3 mile runner and not setting goals for myself. I felt like I was running in place and not getting anywhere!

I heard about a local half marathon and decided to ask a new friend to run it with me. She was a little hesitant at first, but we decided to start meeting up and putting in some miles. It was fantastic! We really clicked and felt like we were at the same level. We trained hard and had a great half marathon. I ran it in 2 hours 8 minutes and 28 seconds, which was better than I had expected. That run was absolutely wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Over the last four months, I have come a long way! I plan on running the Nashville Music City Marathon on April 25th. Chris has encouraged me to begin lifting weights and swimming laps. We have discussed doing a triathalon in the near future. In the past, when I thought about doing a marathon it always seemed like an impossible thought. Now, I believe that it is something I CAN do and WILL do and that excites me more than anything!