In 2006 I was extremely over weight and desperate to lose the weight. It was then I convinced my Dad and a few other family members to run the KDF half marathon with me. It was my hope that the accountability of running with my family would help me to lose the weight. Not only did I lose the weight, I gained a new love for the running community. Since then I have ran four marathons, eighteen half marathons and helped to lead a training group with my son for many years.
A few years ago life took a turn and I had to put running on the back burner and put a lot of the weight back on. However, this year I was able to see my Dad complete his 10th Boston Marathon and I remembered how much I loved that feeling of crossing the finish line. Still I struggled as a single Mom of two athletes to find the time to train consistently. Then I met a couple members of the Moms Run This Town/She Runs this town group that encouraged me through the struggles. Now not only am I back to hitting the pavement, I have also started lifting with the awesome crew at Area 502 MMA gym. Adding in strength training with my running has really helped me physically and emotionally. The weight is coming off, I’m getting stronger, and I am improving my pace little by little.
Everyone likes a good come back-story!
I am so thankful for the Run the 502 challenge, put on by the River City Races. Nothing motivates me more than a cool medal. This challenge has been great for me, getting back into running and being able to complete several different races with different distances.
The best advice that I would give to any run/walkers out there is to get involved with the different groups in the community. I can tell you I’m not one of those people that loves to go out to get a few miles in just for fun. For me a big part of running is the social aspect of it. Knowing that you have a group of people that are going to be looking for you is great for accountability and encouragement.
Another great thing about running is that it is something the entire family can get involved with. For many years my son and I would run together. He even completed his first half-marathon at the eight years old. Now, my 12-year-old daughter is getting into it, too. Not only are we working on our health and fitness, we are creating memories together.