I never would have considered myself a runner.  I have short legs.  I don’t like exercising outside.   I hate running.   Ha, I guess that last one is the kicker!   But, it turns out something you hate can become something you absolutely adore!

I started running with my Aunt.  A few years ago she started running, then added triathlons to her repertoire.  When she was in LA visiting, she really wanted to run a 5k, so I joined her.  My goals were to 1) finish the race, and 2) don’t die.  As long as I was standing when I crossed the finish line, I would chalk it up as a win!  But something kind of odd happened.  I liked it.  A lot.

So, that 5K was a bit of a gateway drug.  I started running more, adding it to my daily workouts, but only a few miles at a time.  I never planned on running more than the 3.1.  And then, I decided to run a 10K.  Because, well, I needed more of a challenge.  I needed the structure that a training program gives to my regular workouts.   I used the Bridge to 10K app for the iPhone, and it couldn’t be easier.  It beeps when you run, beeps when you walk… running intervals that get longer and longer over the six week period.

So, on Saturday morning, bright & early, my husband drove me to Long Beach and I finished my first 10K!   yaaah!  It was fabulous.  I felt good, I even had fun!  (what!?)  I turned the final corner, saw the finish line in sight, and I sprinted for it.  My body straightened up, my arms pumping so quickly in front of me, my legs seeming to run independently of my body.  I may have accidentally gotten a teeny bit too close to one of the other runners… but what’s a little shoulder check among friends?  And I crossed the finish line at 1:03:54.  My goal was 1:10.

So, when we get back from Italy, I start half marathon training.  What’s another 6.9 miles!?