About Running

Last May, I started running (as in 2013).  It was an attempt to be outside and to try to get "myself back" after having a little one.  At first, it was just us, as in F and I...but about July, after being able to run at the beach with the promise of Lizard or Scott as companions, I realized, I needed more incentive and frankly, accountability.  This realization came mid-August and I found the Fleet Feet Sports' running programs about the same time.  In addition, I was fitted for the correct size and fit of running shoe.  I'm telling you people, DO THIS!  If you have never been fit by a professional, DO IT NOW!  Huge difference in how I felt and my little feet still thank me...daily.  Thankful God worked out the timing and the money (Scott was still looking for my 2012 Christmas present...life had made it hard for us to nail down time to shop.)  And so, it began...

For the first time, I trained with a group of people, on a regular schedule, with a Coach...and my little boy, in a stroller.  It was good, so good.  I ran with my group on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.  Mostly, we ran the Roanoke Greenway.  We stretched before and after running, shared our frustrations, our excitement, and just ran.  And...I loved it.  Overall, I felt better.  SPK did cover for me on Saturday mornings because strollers weren't allowed.  And, for this, I am entirely grateful.  The time running on my own, was delightful.  We trained for the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day.  I ran with my friend TL, we left our group a mile in and finished with a  respectable time. 

Over December and January I continued to train with Fleet Feet, up to 4.5 miles.  AND it was freezing cold.  We ran Tuesday/Thursday evenings...a few nights the temps were single digits and I ran through snow.  Winter running, though cold, is absolutely beautiful.

In February, I signed up to train for the Blue Ridge 10k.  I DID train.  Hill training on Thursday nights.  Let me tell you, hills around our area are called mountains.  It was challenging.  I never thought I'd train that hard for a run.  Running the same .5 mile hill three-four times in a row...each time I learned how to push past the "this is impossible" or "I can't do this".  I ran up Mill Mtn.  I ran up to seven miles on a long run.   To top it all off, I ran the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC with SPK by my side & Auntie Liz pushing F in the BOB the entire way!!

I've kept up with running until the last few weeks (end of June).  I miss it but for now the heat & my exhaustion are too much.  I'm looking forward to starting up again in October.

   "If you run, you are a runner.  It doesn't matter
how fast or how far.                      

There is no test to pass,
no license to earn,
no membership card to get.
You just run."
John Bingham