Running & Me

I've recently recommitted myself to running. Here's a little history on me and running...

I remember being in school and hating PE when we had to run the mile. It was TORTURE for me...ya know, being overweight and all. In junior high, instead of running the mile, the challenge was to run 10 minutes straight around the gym. No one thought I could do it. I have a tendency to like to prove people wrong. So, I did it. I was so proud of myself, but of course, didn't keep it up. So, as I got older, the mile run became more difficult.

Anyway, in 2008 when I first joined weight watchers, I started running to compliment my healthy eating. Got off the wagon of course when my life went a little crazy. Last year, an ex-coworker (who is a marathon runner) encouraged me and a few others to do a 5K with her. I decided to do it. I wanted to get in shape. So, I did my first 5K (with very little training) in February of last year with a time of about 45 minutes. I wanted to do better. So, Sean and I signed up for a few more 5Ks and my time improved. My best time to date has been 36 minutes.

(btw...I usually detest matching shirts/outfits with couples...but runs are one of the few exceptions)

Then...Sean and I got married, went on our honeymoon, moved and it was all over. We got back in our lazy rut and of course I've gained all of my pre-wedding weight back. Last month, Sean and I participated in a relay marathon, where we split a leg. Essentially, we each did a 5K, which was sparked our interest back up. We're signed up for a 5K next month and I plan to sign up for 2 more this summer. I've lost 14 pounds so far and my stamina is improving once again.

There's a quote from Forest Gump that I *love* which is "I used to run to get where I was going...I never thought it would take me anywhere." I want to continue this lifestyle. Not only is heart disease extremely prevalent in my family, but in Sean's as well. I want to live a long, HEALTHY, life with him. I don't want to be overweight anymore. I don't want to have to worry about high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, etc. I want my children to be active and healthy. I want them to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise and not go through the stuff I had to go through with the teasing. I want to be able to play with them and watch them grow. This is where I want running to take me.

So...here's to continued weight loss and running!