Because I Can!

Running has been a part of my life for over 17 years. I played basketball in high school and my first year in collage, I was lost....I had no practice to go to, I had no goal to shoot for. I had classes and freedom and nothing in between. I needed something active in my life! That's when I found running! A pair of shoes and comfortable running gear and out the door I went! And I never looked back! Running provided me something that no other activity could.....peace, solitude, but most of all.....a sense of accomplishment! I'm not a great runner! In fact I started out as a recreational runner. But I soon found out that just going for a run began to loose its motivation! I signed up for my first 5k....a goal to work toward....something to get me out of bed and out the door. Though I can honestly say I don't remember my first race, I do remember my nerves, my lack of knowledge of what it takes to train properly for a race of any distance, and looking at other runners and doubting myself....I don't belong here.....look at her....look at him.....they LOOK like a runner....I don't! But I ran the race.....and years later, I still run races, I still get nervous and I still look at other runners and think.....I don't belong here....look at her....look at him....they LOOK like a runner! But what I didn't know then and now know....I AM a runner! I DO belong here! I train smarter, run smarter and though I may not look like runner.....I believe I am a runner...because the same injuries I have suffered, the same highs and lows I have had, the same mantras I repeat, the same goals I have, the same pace charts I study, the same roads I run.....are the same experiences ALL runners have had, no matter their level or experience!

Any athlete will tell you that their sport is the best because....... But as a runner, I have to say that runners are a unique breed of athletes. And with that comes a unique sisterhood/brotherhood. Runners are competitive and determined, yet supportive, optimistic, and enthusiastic! They love the camaraderie, but love the solitude! This is a group of athletes that fits me! I may not look like a runner.....but I AM a runner at heart and I LOVE every mile of it!

So why the blog? Really it's more for me....a place I can journal my runs. A place where I can leave my pessimism and check my ego. A place I can log my favs amd raves (I have too much going on to try to remember the details...like the type of socks I just bought and love!),the courses I've ran, a place where I can journal the comical things that ALWAYS seem to happen on training runs! And as much as I see myself as no professional source of information or an inspiration.....I know that I possess practical, everyday experiences! I'm just an ordinary person with extraordinary goals! I work full time, am a full time mom and wife and somewhere have to fit in training runs! At best...I will provide myself and others with a sense that we are not alone. That no matter your experience.....good, bad or embarrassing.....chances are I have and others have had the same! Remember....you are what you think you are! If you run, think of yourself as a runner! Be proud of your accomplishments...no matter your miles logged! Be true to yourself! And PS......you LOOK like a runner....no matter your size, your pace or the gear you wear or own! Thanks for joining me on this "run".