Growing up, I was a fairly active child. I played softball for about nine years competitively. The only running required in softball were short bursts running to bases or to catch a ball. Just the right amount of running for me.
I dappled in soccer for a season before I quit. Too much running for my taste.
I was on the drill team (or dance team depending on where you live) for awhile. Loved it. Dancing was fun. I was kinda sorta coordinated. I can still do the hammer to this day. I know, right? #canttouchthis
After high school, my activity level just completely dropped off the chart.
Then, I started having babies. Lots of babies. One. Two. Three. Four. Five.
I would have short bursts of motivation to try and get in better shape and lose weight. I did TaeBo for a while when my husband was deployed. I had a few Denise Austin and some Leslie Sansone workout DVDs, too. I either became bored or just gave up. Years of inactivity added up.
After initially losing somewhere around sixty pounds, I decided to step up my exercise routine during the summer of 2011. I had been alternating riding my husband’s recumbent bike and lifting weights. The beginning of August 2011, my god-sister competed in her first triathlon. I remember how I felt when I heard about what she was doing. I was over the moon proud of her and excited for her. She inspired me. She made me want to try something I never thought I could do.
There are times I go back and read my initial message to her on Facebook about running and all the subsequent follow-up messages with loads of questions. She was so patient with me. She gave me a gentle push and the encouragement to get out there.
I laced up my Easy Spirit walking shoes (the only athletic type shoes I had at the time), pushed play on the C25K app and started shuffling forward. If you are new here and haven’t read my Couch to Half-Marathon post, I would encourage you to read that. It details my thoughts during those first weeks of getting out there.
Fourteen months, eight 5ks and two half-marathons later . . . .
There are days I feel like I need to pinch myself. In fact, I took the plunge and registered for my first marathon and I told my husband, “I feel like I’m living out a dream.” It’s true. Running is something I always wanted to do, but never in my wildest dreams thought I could.
Today, I call myself a runner.
Dreams really can come true.
But not by wishing for them.
By working for them.
Love. You. This. Running. That you love running. All of it.
I have a college friend who asks me to do the hammer every time I see her. She thinks it is hilarious.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!!
It’s that working part that is so hard. You continue to push me with your story. In the best possible way.
Isn’t running the best?! I’m registered for that same marathon. Love your blog, found it by googling for blog posts about the Bentonville Half Marathon.
You are so inspiring! I just commited to doing my first half marathon after reading your half marathon blog post. I’ve been running since the middle of August and am getting ready to run an 8k in November. Keep up the hard work and all the inspiration!
That is awesome!
i love that you run. i love that you write. i love that you love your family. i am so blessed to call you friend and am continually encouraged by the way you share your life and embrace each new passion fully. from homeschooling to baking to photography to sewing to being healthy and running… wow.
i <3 you!
So, so true…hard work pays off!!! Just ran a 12k with my hubby last weekend averaging 9:20 miles! On the way to running my 2nd half marathon on Dec. 8th (& down 50 pounds since starting last Sept.). It’s about finally, for a small period of each day, saying yes to me…and thus becoming a better wife, mom, sister, daughter and friend! God is good!