I started running in Feb 2009! People often ask me why I started running - I was just looking for something different to do. All my life I was a complete couch potato. I had gone to weight watchers in 2006 and lost weight. They introduced me to exercise. So, I was doing 30 minute video workouts a few times a week. I walked almost every day for about a mile or two. But I was getting bored of my routine. One day I was at the gym walking on the treadmill, and some guy got on the machine next to me and ran real fast for 30 minutes!! I was shocked - I had never seen anyone run before. I guess I never paid attention to people running on the streets. And, I knew nothing about races. I thought marathons were just for professional athletes. I never knew “common folks” did races.
After I saw that treadmill guy run, I started paying attention - lots of people were running. I was curious, lol, so I thought I’d give it a try. I couldn’t run for 30 seconds, LOL. But I didn’t give up - I was determined to conquer the beast.
I started using “mind games” with myself. I would use my music as my guide. I would run for a few words, then walk a few words. Got to where I could run a whole verse and walk the rest of the song. Then one day I was able to run the ENTIRE song!! I was SO proud of myself!! Then I would run a song, walk a song! And I progressed from there. I entered my first 5K race in May 2009. It was a trail race of all things, lol. I had never been on a trail in my life!! I didn’t know what a “trail” meant. I figured it couldn’t be too much different from the treadmill??? Boy, what an education I got that day, LOL!!
I stayed around to see the awards after the race ended and turned out I had won 1st place in my age group!! I was beyond shocked!! Then, I found out I was the only one in my age group, LOL!! But still, I was SO proud of my trophy!! Still have it sitting on my dresser to this day!
SO... needless to say, I was hooked!! I’ve been out running ever since. I’m one of those crazy people that will literally go out and try any distance. The longest I’ve run is 75 miles, in my 2nd attempt at the Indiana 100 Miler. I’ll get there some day.
My favorite distance is the Marathon. I think because it’s never the same, and it’s always a challenge to finish - no matter how many you’ve run, it somehow always seems brand new. Or, maybe I’m just doing it wrong, lol. But the accomplishment of finishing brings joy to my soul!
I am new to River City Races!! I literally JUST found out about River City Races a couple months ago - though a Facebook post on my running friends page! I was like, HOW did I not know about this??? OH MY GOSH, I have had so much fun doing the Run the 502 race series!!! River City Races is like a community of friends running together. I LOVE that! I have met a LOT of really great folks while at these races! I keep looking forward to the next race! And all of the races have been very well organized, and just fun!
I love having fun - it’s why I run!! I love playing my music while I run too. I was apprehensive at first, because I don’t want to annoy anyone or ruin their race experience. But I’ve found that people seem to really enjoy to music. I love hearing folks singing along to the oldies - as they “pass” me on the course, lol.
My running advice... “Keep it fun”! I run for me. Even if you like setting goals training hard, don’t ever allow your running to stop being “fun”. With all the “stressors” in life, we don’t need to let running become one of them. Life is short - go out and enjoy a nice run!!