For as long as I can remember I hated running. I dreaded the first week of basketball practice when we conditioned and had to run a mile. I dogged it every year! In softball I developed into a sprinter, making long distances even more treacherous. During college I had a few runner friends, but when invited to join I always said, "Running is punishment. When we played bad coach made us run. I only do it if I have to." And that's been my motto until recently.
I started running for my workout routine, because our dinky gym only has treadmills and bikes for cardio. So I'd drag myself on the treadmill, run 2 to 3 miles and watch Ellen. Not too bad! Then I discovered a running trail from our house that goes right to Eastlake. The whole trip is 4.4 miles, so I started motivating myself to do that once a week. Once a week turned into my usual workout, and I became a little addicted.
Steve and I ran in mom's work's 5K at the end of September, and I knew it'd be small, but I was hoping to place. After being in 3rd place (for the women) for the majority of the race I kicked it into gear and sprinted the last 1/2 mile hoping to win (and maybe score a prize). I kept thinking "when will I ever have the chance to win another race?" I won the race (for the women), although my mom didn't believe me when I told her. Steve ended up in 4th for the men (next year he'll win)! I couldn't believe that now a 5K was a breeze for me, when I could still remember hating the 1-mile run in my prime.
When Amanda (my superhuman workout robot friend) asked me to do a "big" race with her, I knew a goal to get me running more would even be better. So we wussed out of the half-marathon but signed up for the Hot Chocolate 15K (or 9.3 miles) through Denver. My runs became more frequent and longer, and I was ready! We rocked the race, running a 9:17 pace mile and finishing strong! So now I am officially addicted and plan to do a half-marathon next summer. I guess running can be therapeutic and enjoyable when coach isn't screaming in your ear!
After winning the 5K
My running scenery at the lake. Who wouldn't enjoy running here?
Amanda and I ready to go!
Enjoying our hot chocolate and fondue afterwards. No guilt after running a 15k!
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