I began running for weight loss purposes in March of 2011. When I started, I could not run a half mile without stopping to walk. I set a goal for myself to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. In a few weeks, I was running for 30 minutes without stopping ~3 times per week.
Shortly after I achieved that goal I decided to train for a marathon...I know...this girl is crazy and obviously doesn't have any concept of gradual short-term goal setting. I decided that the first step in marathon training would be to pick a marathon and then tell everyone I knew that I was training for it. So...I picked the Disney Marathon and then proceeded to tell my entire family. They were very supportive, but I could tell by the tone in their voices that none of them actually thought that I would do it. I DID do it. And, along the way, I ran two half marathons on two consecutive weekends.
So, January of this year marked my marathon completion date. I ran it with my step-mom-in-law, Marcia. She was incredibly encouraging the entire time I was training and is one of the many reasons I was able to make it through. After the marathon was over, I went through a major slump. It took me a long time to recover from the marathon and by the time I actually felt like running again, I had gained a few pounds and felt like I was starting over from scratch again.
Since moving to New York, I joined a running club that has been so supportive, encouraging, and challenging. I've regained my fitness and am starting to hone my sport. I've become faster, leaner, and I feel more in shape now than when I left Georgia (still not where I was at the end of marathon training, but getting there.)
After breakfast this morning, Andrew and I were discussing fitness and nutrition (a common morning conversation for us...I don't know why) and I realized that my running has gone through many stages and I realized that all runners evolve in some way over time.
For me, I started running as a weight loss effort. I then transitioned to marathon training. After training, I was running more for leisure than anything else, and now I've evolved into running more as an athletic endeavor. When I started, I never thought of doing speed workouts or hill repeats, but now I do these things at least once per week in addition to my regular running.
Running with other people has been very beneficial for me. Have you ever heard of "Cat Runners" and "Dog Runners?" Well, cat runners are runners who like to run by themselves, in their own head, with no noise around them. Dog runners like to run with other people around. I used to think I was a cat runner, but since moving to NY I realized that I am definitely a dog runner. Having the encouragement of others will keep you running when you REALLY want to stop. It will also make you run faster to keep up with people who know where they're going so you don't get lost in the city you just moved to. :)
Anyway, I know this was just a rambling post. I hope it encouraged someone to go out for a run today...I promise you won't regret it!
~Angela
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