The Beginning

Running has never been something I have been particularly good at or had an interest in. In high school, I never understood the appeal of being on the track or cross country team-all you ever did was run. When you practiced you ran and when you competed, you ran. There was no variety for me. Now, I did run, to keep in shape, but that was strictly it-and it was at most, maybe 3 miles.


College came around, and my running efforts went out the window. I did, however, continue to stay in moderate shape by participating in intramurals and having an overall active lifestyle. As college continued, I became more and more stagnant, drank more beer, and was completely useless after such consumption!


Now, here I am, 24, and in the worst shape I have ever been in while I should be in the best shape I will ever be in and I am confident I can get to that point. I have been inspired by a good friend of mine who, spontaneously, last year decided to run the Kansas City Half Marathon. She had never been a runner before and it seemed as though something lit a fire under her and she got the motivation and determination to just do "it."

There are several reasons why I want to do this and there inevitable bi products from this as well.

-The camaraderie that is felt among a group of runners who have accomplished something that not everyone is able to accomplish astounds me.

-The people I know who consistently run are consistently in great shape.

-My husband and I are planning to start having children in a few years and I want to be in great shape for when that happens. I want to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Talk about advanced planning!

-Lastly, the ability to say that I have ran a half marathon (I could care less about the full) would allow me to cross one more thing off my "Bucket List."

So, come May 7, 2011 I will be participating in the Door County Half Marathon with my good friend, VM. Door County has always had a special place in my heart. My grandparents have a summer house there, and there are very few summers that I don't remember going there. When I was up this summer, I read an article about it, told my friend about it, and she is pumped to do it and has been my biggest supporter and will continue to be. So I said, why not? If I am going to run my first half marathon, is there a more perfect place than the place that gives me so much peace and relaxation?

http://www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com/

So I am asking you, as my readers and followers, to give words of encouragement and advice, as I expect the next five months to have its fair share of ups and downs.

Let the journey begin!