One Year A Runner

This is a picture from my first 5K race, the EF 5K/Ed Thomas 10K in Parkersburg, IA, back on May 25, 2013. I had registered for one in KC the month prior, but bad weather had deterred me from participating (a big regret because I think my backing out doomed me into having incredibly cold and wet weather for some of my future races last year! Kharma.) I ran this race with some good friends from high school, Brandi and Jen. It was a freezing cold, wet race, but a fun first-race experience for me. Nostalgic because two of my first friends in life were there to run with me.  My goal in this race was to finish without walking. Which I did!

Later in the summer on July 20, 2013 I raced a color run (Color Storm 5k)  back in KC with my good friend Amy. This was my first time trying to get a good time. Which I did. I didn't place but improved my time by over 4 minutes!

 In the fall, Gus had a color run, Walk Like a Panther, for a fundraiser at his elementary school. He and I ran in it, and the family was there to cheer us on! It was about a half mile, and we had so much fun. He has been really interested in running since, and a few months ago ran over a mile with me- no stopping! I am really proud of him. I told him we would try to find a race for him this coming or summer.

My most recent race was last November, so it is definitely time for another. Amy and I ran together again (well she is much faster than me, so not 'together' per say). This time we ran a half marathon called the Gobbler Grind, and oh boy was it. It was 14 degrees. It was miserable, but I did it. And I ran 9 minute miles, under 2 hours total, which for me, was impressive for a 13.2 miles race.  

Today is my one year anniversary of being a runner. To celebrate I registered for another half-marathon in April, the Garmin: In the Land of Oz, which has been ranked in the top 50 half-marathons in the U.S. 

They say for something become a life change you have to do it consistently for 6 months. I've doubled that, and hope I stick with it. I really like running (well on pavement and trails anyway- I despise the dreadmill).