My passion for running happened by chance. I had a few months to prepare for a 3 minute belly dance audition and was worried about how I'd be able to dance continuously for that long. I knew I had to work on my endurance and running seemed like the simplest way to do that.
I would walk my daughter to school and run the long way home. It was only for 8 minutes and I did it 3 times a week. I hated it! Seriously hated it! I was winded and sweaty and couldn't understand why people would choose to do this willingly. But I pushed on. I'd go for longer. 11 minutes, 12, 13, 15. Then I discovered mapmyrun.com and saw that I was doing 2.5 km!! I was amazed, I had no idea I could run that far (Haha, it's funny looking back now that I used to think 2.5k was far). It motivated me to see just where this running thing would take me.
My belly dance audition came and went and still I found myself pounding the pavement 3 times a week. Running was quickly becoming a very large part of my life. I would stare transfixed in the mirror, mesmerized with how quickly my body was changing and responding to it. In awe of ab muscles that I never knew I had or ever could have, especially after 3 children. I also have to thank Jillian Michaels and her 30 Day Shred for helping in that area ; )
With winter fast approaching I was saddened by the thought of hanging up my runners for the season, especially when I was just starting to really get into this thing. I wouldn't run out in the cold (I'm a huge baby when it comes to the cold.), and I couldn't justify spending money on a gym membership just to use a treadmill. Then my father-in-law told me about the indoor track. It was as if the clouds parted and the song of a million angels filled my ears! A what?! And it's free?! Oh thank you sweet baby Jesus!
So that's where I've spent these last few months. My husband comes home from work, I give him a quick kiss and tell him I'm off to the track. I bring my daughter at times and she tells me how she did 50 laps. "Oh really?!," I say. I'll sneak off here and there throughout the week, forcing myself to go even though the couch is looking extra inviting at the moment and I can faintly hear my slippers calling my name. What they say is true, the hardest step is the one out the door.
And for someone who started out saying she wasn't going to turn into one of those "crazy marathon people," I actually signed up for my first half marathon. It's on May 20th here in Penticton and I'm so excited, and maybe a teeny bit nervous. I made a New Years Resolution (my first in 3 years) to run two half's this year. I'm now on the hunt for another. Suggestions are gladly welcomed : )
My longest run so far is 17.5 km. I did it yesterday in 1:23:53 with an average of 4'48/km. I was so excited that my long run for the week was under 5min/km. See, now it's little things like that that get me excited. Well that and my new gym bag that came today. It's so awesome!
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