Fast forward to January of 2010. The Houston Marathon had just taken place and I had the itch to run it more than ever! It was quite nasty outside so I jokingly told my family I was going to run the loop inside of our house that connects our kitchen to our living room. As I was running the loop, I couldn't believe how much I loved the motion and the feeling I was getting. I ran the loop for over 30 minutes! What started out as a joke, ended with me having a major crush on running!
The next day I decided to take it outside and see if I felt the same. Oh my gracious, did I ever! It was so exhilarating and I felt so alive! My only goal was to enjoy each run and have fun. I began to look forward to my daily runs. In the back of my mind, I wondered if it was a quick high that I would grow tired of. Before that happened, I decided to sign up for a half marathon. I know, not a 5K or a 10K. I jumped right into a big race!
I had so much fun training for that race. I no longer had a run crush. I was deeply and madly in love with the activity of running! I could not get enough of it!! When race day came, I clearly remember driving to the race with tears streaming down my face. I was so excited and proud of myself. I couldn't believe I was actually going to run a race. The race went so smoothly and fantastic. My family came and cheered me on. It was so much fun and I gained so much confidence in myself and abilities.
Since then, I have run a number of 10K's and half marathons. The Houston Half Marathon continues to be my all time favorite race to run. There is something so exciting about that particular race. The energy, the people, the fact that my daughter runs it with me are all factors in my love for the race. In truth, it is one of my all time favorite days of the year. I get giddy the night before and struggle to sleep. I feel like a child trying to sleep on Christmas Eve knowing that Santa will deliver gifts at any minute.
As I sit here injured from a terrible fall I had during a run, I have even more goals for myself as a runner. It's time to fight the full marathon fear and begin training for a 26.2 mile race. As I have learned during my love affair, one never regrets the miles. Training can be hard, but it is always so worth it. One will never regret the strength gained mentally when running the miles.
Beginning something can be difficult. We come up with so many reasons why we may fail. But what if you actually succeed and change your life for the better? I would love to help you begin your journey. I am beyond passionate about finding oneself on the pavement. As you run, you truly find out who you are and what you are made of. I have never regretted a run.
Move with joy-
Marci
