Running History 101

For those of you who are unaware, I have been running for 11 months now. I never ever considered myself a runner. Let me start with some background information.  In high school, when I was forced to run on the track during gym, I detested every second of it. My gym teacher told me that I needed to sign up for track. I said no thank you. My fastest mile was 5:21. Everyone said it was a big deal, I said it wasn't. I only ran fast to get it over with. In the back of my head I was always scared that if I joined the track, I would fail and be made fun of ultimately. I wanted to be "cool" so didn't want that kind of disappointment to deal with. After that gym class ended I was so glad I wouldn't be forced to run anymore. I would go to the YMCA to run on the track or run outdoors, but nothing spectacular. Just for exercise. That lasted for only a short time as I would get bored with it. I always wanted someone to run with, but none of my friends were in to running. I quit running all together and started gaining weight slowly.

I met Tyler in 2004. We got engaged 6 months after we met and were married a year and a half later. To get in shape for our wedding day we started jogging a little bit together. I loved it because I had him to run with! That was so fun to me. We continued and got in to shape for our big day. The running ended after that! We wanted to, but were content and lazy just staying in and gaining weight again. When we moved to Martinsville (aka Martintucky) I would see Brent C. running down the streets. I knew that he ran miles and miles. He was a huge inspiration to me. That definitely sparked a small thought in my head that I wanted to run again. Little did I know what was heading my way a couple months after that.

2014 was a turning point in the road for me. I was trying to battle depression on my own (I do not recommend) from the passing of my beautiful Mom in November 2013. My friend Jelayne encouraged me that running would help me with some of those feelings. I had been at the gym for a couple of months doing some cardio workouts, but doing very small runs sporadically. Instead of hitting the road to get in some long runs I ran to the doctors for help. Immediately I was prescribed anti-depressants (which was best for that moment & a huge shout out to my sister for flying in and helping me during that time.) I decided it would be good to start taking running seriously and listen to Jelayne's advice since I had signed up for a 5k (Chocoholic Frolic).  I became discouraged because when I ran I would not feel well at all.  I had some side effects that were not good. I called my doctor after a week of that and she said to taper down the dosage. I did and the same side effects were continuing. I made a decision to wean myself off of the medication and lean strictly on my running to help me feel better. A month later I was feeling so much better.  I continued running for fun and to live a healthier lifestyle.  I would feel like a new person after each and every run.  I then decided to run not only because I enjoyed it and was becoming more healthy, but I wanted to inspire others to do the same.

A quote from my first 5k blog: "I learned that when you decide to do something you can motivate yourself and do it. No excuses. You will get sick, or get an injury and have to take a break, but the important piece of the puzzle is to not give up.  Pick yourself up and keep going. I look forward to more races in the future :) I hope to inspire someone to do something out of their comfort zone like I did. It is very rewarding!"

So, there you have it. I ultimately wrote this blog for me to remember how and why I started out on my running journey. God has had a plan for me and it's awesome to see how far I've come. I look forward to where my journey is going to take me. I look forward to seeing other peoples lives changed from making that decision to step of our their comfort zone and to never give up on something. Please don't ever judge someone about their journey. You never know how they got there or why they do what they do. God has a plan for everyone. His plans are ALWAYS better than what we think is best for ourselves or for anyone.  I hope you all enjoyed my post. Next up: all about my first half marathon! Yipeeee!!! 

{Philippians 4:13}

Until next time, 

A running momma!