Why Run?!

Last year, I made the decision to get in shape. The thing is, I don't like gyms. I have belonged to a couple different gyms, and I just don't go. I say I'm going to, and I just don't get there. It's too far away, it takes too much time to get there and get back, it's smelly, the locker room is dirty. Excuses, excuses, right? So I decided I was just going to start running. There is no drive, no locker room, and it's just me and some quiet time. And, it's inexpensive, except for new running shoes, gps watches, race fees...haha, probably evens out!

I am extremely self motivated. I am always trying to beat myself, whether it's grades in college or something fitness related, I want to do better the next time. So, the logical step was to sign up for a race.  Gotta have a goal right? Something to keep me motivated to get out there and run because I definitely could not be unprepared. That would not be like me. And it wouldn't be like me to start small for my first race. Start with a 5k? maybe an 8k? Nope, let's just jump right to the half marathon.

To back track a little bit, I have always thought runners were insane, especially half marathoners and marathoners (and I still do think marathoners are insane, but hope to be one some day)! I mean, who just runs for hours at a time for fun? As a PT, I would always say runners were wrecking their bodies, they were going to be knee replacement candidates before they knew it. So what happened? I fell in love with running. I haven't changed my mind about runners being insane, I really think I am crazy sometimes, but I love it. At one of the races, lined up in the corrals with my running buddy, we just looked at each other and said, "What are we doing? We are lining up with hundreds of people to run for more than 2 hours straight, and we paid for it!! Who tortures themselves like this?"  But, getting outside, getting lost in my own head with some good tunes, forgetting about miles and just running has been such an amazing stress reliever and given me some "me" time. It has also given me this amazing realization of what my body is capable of. I never thought I could run 6 or 7 miles, let alone 13.1! And I have done it three times in the last year!

When I was training for my first half, I was worried that I would not do well, that I would finish and not want to ever do it again. Was I ever wrong! As I approached mile 10, there was a large crowd cheering me (and everybody else) on! They didn't know me, but they were throwing high fives and giving me words of encouragement. I'm not sure what happened, but I totally choked up. I think that I realized what I was about to accomplish. To me, it is such an amazing physical and mental feat and I had this overwhelming sense of pride. It definitely takes physical strength and endurance, but there are points where your legs are tired, your lungs are burning, and it's your mind that takes over and pushes your body to it's limits. When I crossed that finish line and got to see my hubby (who finished ahead me), I was just overcome with so many emotions. All the hours spent training, and it's done. What I had accomplished. What my friends accomplished that day. What all the other random people there were accomplishing. I was tearing up watching other people crossing the finish line. It's not for everyone but if you have ever considered it, give it a go. I promise you, the end result, whether you finish strong or you have to walk most of the way, when you cross that finish line, you are a new person. No one can take that medal away from you.

On that note, I wanted to give first time runners (as I was, started with a 12 minute mile) some tips for success:

• Proper shoes! So, so important. Go to a specialty store, learn what type of shoe you need, and get fitted. This will prevent overuse injuries and allow you to progress your training plan.
• Follow a training plan. Doesn't matter which one. Use Google and find one that fits your goal race, time availability and fitness level. This will help you give yourself enough time to be properly prepared.
• Find a running buddy. It is super hard to get up early and get your miles in, especially if it's cold out, but if there is someone out there waiting for you, you have to go. I have been lucky enough to have a super awesome loyal running buddy for training for all 3 of my halfs!
• Good nutrition. Make sure you are getting a balanced diet with healthy proteins and complex carbs for good fuel! And of course, hydration is also key.
• Start with a good base. If you decide to train for a half marathon, make sure you can run 3 miles without much difficulty. This will save you frustration and keep you from increasing your mileage to quickly and setting yourself up for injury.
• Sign up for the race. If you don't sign up, you will procrastinate your runs. You will say I can do it tomorrow, which will turn in to next week. If you are registered, you will be so much more likely to get out there and train.

I am in the process of training for half marathon #4, the Scotiabank Toronto, where my husband will be running his first full. I hope to one day run a full but it just didn't work out for this year. Training is time consuming and I have lots of other things happening, including 2 amazing kids, one starting Kindergarten and one starting Pre-K! My goal for this next

half is to break 2 hours. I missed that by about 30s at my second half and I really think I can do it. I think I could go on and on about all the great things running has done for me, but this is a good start! Thanks for reading and I hope I may have inspired you to get out there and just run.

This photo was my last half, hubby waited for me to cross the finish line with me for our anniversary. I never thought that would happen as he is so much faster than I am. It was the best gift he could have given me, such an awesome moment to share and memory to cherish :)