The year I become a 'runner'

I have always loved to run. 
I just never thought I could ever be a 'runner'.

When I played soccer, the coach always yelled for me to 'run back quickly'.  In high school, I played field hockey, always on defense since I wasn't known for my speed.  I never tried track or cross-country. I never felt like I could run.  During college and my first years in the working-world, my workouts were few and far between.

And then marriage, babies...life happened.  Allie was born in November 2003 and Ryan 19 months later in July 2005. I didn't have the energy to walk up the stairs, nevermind exercise!  When I came out of my fog of having 2 under 2yo, I started working out regularly.  I took a variety of classes but really loved zumba!  I also started taking a class called Tread Ahead.  The class is like spinning but on a treadmill.  You are running at different speeds and inclines during a 45minute class.  At first, I could barely make it through the class. My wonderful friend Susan teaches the class and she made it so much fun. Even though it hurt and it was difficult, I kept coming back.  That class reminded me that I love to run.

After another (not so little) bump of Baby Sean arriving in May 2010, I made a decision.  I decided that 2011 would be the year that I become a runner.  I want to run for me. I want to feel better about myself. I want to run for my family. I want to be a good example for my kids.  I want to run to be healthy.  To be happy.  To be a better me.

I have run over 300 miles since January 1, 2011. I started out on the treadmill...mostly running 3-4mi. After a month, I ventured outside and stretched the runs to 4-5mi.  I started adding 1 mile for a long run once a week and hit 10 miles on April 1st.

I ran my first 5K in November (Mt. Bethel Fun Run) in 28:10.  My 2nd 5K (JFBC Polar Bear in Jan 11) was 26:51.  My original running goal was to train to run the Peachtree Road Race (10K) in July.  I was able to run my first 10K in February (Chatt Road Runners) in 52:56 and my 2nd 10K in March (Choate Run the River) in 53:09.  I am now training to run my first half-marathon (Worcester 1/2 Marathon) on June 5th. 

I am completely and totally addicted to running. There are worse things I could be addicted to, right?