Tuesday, April 5, 2011 marked my one year "runner-versary". And what did I do to celebrate? I drank beer. Seriously, no running. But only because I was on a 30th birthday northern California beer tour with my mister. (And let me clarify - HIS 30th birthday, not mine. Not yet.) And then, the next day, I went for a run. 4.5 luxurious, sunny, riverfront California miles, far away from the dreariness that has been Chicago spring so far. And I loved every minute of it.
I began my running journey in a very different place - both physically and mentally - than I am today. A year ago, my first 3 mile half-marathon training run was daunting, to say the least. Prior to that run, I hadn't run more than a mile (maybe) since my freshman year in high school almost 15 years ago. Sure, I worked out. Inconsistently, maybe, but the gym was at least on my radar and a semi-regular part of my routine. Running, however, was a different beast. I really didn't even like running. What was the point? I was running to nowhere, out of breath and, quite frankly, bored. And what else is there to do when bored but think about how awful running is? Out of breath, sweaty, a little achy...why put myself through that? "Well," you might be asking, "why, indeed?" In a word (or three): The Biggest Loser. Yep. I figured if the Biggest Losers could run a marathon at the end of their time on the ranch, then surely I could run a half-marathon. That was my logic. So, on April 5, fresh off the heels of a week long trip to Jamaica, indulging in rum-heavy drinks topped with little umbrellas and lazing on the beach all day and armed with Hal Higdon's half-marathon training program, I put on a brand new pair of running shoes and hit the pavement. I'm not going to lie, that first run was a little brutal. In fact, many - maybe most - of the runs while training for that first half-marathon were brutal. But I'm nothing if not determined, and I had already committed to running my first half on July 3, so there was no stopping me once I got started. And over time, I came to appreciate those brutal runs. They became a part of my regular routine - an "event" I added to my Google calendar - and I found that not running was more brutal than actually going out and doing it. If I skipped a run, I felt like a slug, like a let myself down. I missed the freedom that comes with throwing on my shoes and a baseball cap, grabbing my iPod, and just running.
Since that first run a year ago, running is definitely a part of my regular routine. The 3 mile dreaded run that seemed almost impossible then is an "easy" run now. A year ago, I never would have dreamed of taking running shoes anywhere with me; now I can't imagine going somewhere without them. I've lost (and never found again!) 10 pounds and several inches, become a healthier eater, and made exercise a priority in my life. I've run two half-marathons, have two more on the calendar for this spring, and am looking forward to beginning marathon training in June. I'm more confident, not just in my running abilities or physical appearance, but in my ability to take on and conquer any challenges that come my way.
Today, I'm celebrating my one year "runner-versary". What accomplishments are you taking steps to celebrating? Leave a comment and let me know!
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