why i run . . .

Here at the Berra's Beach House we take working out pretty seriously. Wait- rewind- we take earning medals pretty seriously. I'll do just about anything for something shiny and a free t-shirt. Last year marked the year of running. As of this week, it's been a year since I committed myself to becoming a runner.

I was an overweight teen who dreaded running in P.E. class. I remember the dreaded mile run. Walking down the the track I had the feeling in the pit of my stomach not unlike that feeling you get when you've been pulled over and you see the policeman walking up behind you in your side view mirror. I survived the 10th grade mile run and it was all over. No more P.E. for me! YAY! I'd never had to run that stupid mile again.

Fast forward to college and my first years out of college. I was active but only with walking. I never felt the need to run. I loved walking and felt so at peace. I love walking with my mom at the school track and talking about our days. I think it's still funny that although we live in different states we still "walk" together on the phone.

August 15, 2009 I made a decision. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I had thought about doing it, so I did it! I registered for the Ft. Lauderdale 13.1 marathon (they call it a 13.1 marathon because 13.1 isn't half of anything). I loved the thought of this race. Matt did too and signed up later that evening.

I started with the training plan from Hal Higdon and just plugged away. We ran, walked, cross trained, and just generally stuck to it! No excuses! Just do it (yes, Nike has it right)! Matt and I ran the long runs together on the weekends at the Aventura loop. We finished in 2:16. Matt was a great motivator throughout the race. That was my first race ever!

After I got my medal I was hooked. It's amazing what a medal does to the psyche. I was already thinking about what I could train for next. It was such a feeling of accomplishment and it keeps you honest during the week (well, at least on Friday nights when you know you have to bang out 8 miles on Saturday morning). I started running with the running club, Miami Beach Fit, and an addiction set in.

medal for the 13.1.

I can't tell you the peace that running with the club gave me. Matt was traveling quite a bit the first half of 2009. Running with the group gave me something to look forward to in the week. I also found some of my best friends through the group. I cherish my morning conversations with Alta and Adreinne. Because of the amazing support system that running gave me:

I ran the Miami 1/2 marathon at the end of January

the Gasparilla Team Marathon with Matt, Michele, and Pat

and then I ran the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon with Michele in March.

You can see I'm partial to the medals with some bling. :-)

Truth? I do love the medals. I always have. I think it goes back to my years of baton twirling. There is something more though. Running challenged me. I'm not fast, I'm not breaking any records, but I am challenging myself every day to try something new and push my limits just a little further. I'm learning to overcome.

This year I plan to run the Ft. Lauderdale 13.1, the Disney Half Marathon in January, and the ING Miami Marathon. Yes, it's the year of the full marathon for me. I can't wait for the medal!!

:-)