So...It has been a while.
Not only has it been a while in terms of time (over a year! I know, I know, I'm bad)-- but it also has in terms of how far I've come as a runner.
Since my last post, I ran a host of themed 5k's with the RACC winter running series in southeastern Wisconsin, which was wonderful. I ran almost all of them the first year, shaving minutes off my time, though running slower than I could when I was with friends and family to keep it fun for everyone.
March 31st of 2012, I ran my first half marathon with my brother, Ben. Ben had not been strictly a runner before (though involved in sports with lots of running, such as rugby and soccer) but had started training so he'd be able to run with me. He and I completed the half marathon in 2:19:11, which is a 10:37 minute per mile pace. What's especially impressive to me is that I was reading one of my old blogs on here, and saw that I was impressed with myself for keeping the pace of around 10:30 for two miles.
The next big milestone was that after that, I went out and ran the Chicago marathon in 2012, at a total of 5:45:11 :] It was a super incredible experience that I can hardly even describe in words, though I wrote down (in a notebook) my entire experience which I'll have to transcribe here at a later date.
After that, I've since run two more half marathons (one with a new runner and friend, the Rock 'N Sole half marathon in Milwaukee, with a time of 2:43:26, and the Madison Mini Marathon with the same friend, at a time of 2:19:11...again!) and am training with my husband to run the 2013 Chicago Marathon!
Not only has my running life changed, but being able to run what I did and as much as I did completely changed my view of myself. After realizing that I could honestly do anything I set my mind to, I went out and auditioned for a play, and got a lead in a musical, which led to a wonderful run of wonderful roles in shows that were just a blast. I had more confidence in everything I did, not just my body or running ability.
Honestly, and this is where it borders on unbearably cheesy, running has COMPLETELY changed my life. I have become such a different, better person, who challenges herself at every opportunity I can, rather than hiding from the possibility of change.
If I were to give any advice to any one who is even thinking of taking on the challenge of running, I'd say: GO FOR IT. Just be prepared for your life to get a whole lot better :]
Not only has it been a while in terms of time (over a year! I know, I know, I'm bad)-- but it also has in terms of how far I've come as a runner.
Since my last post, I ran a host of themed 5k's with the RACC winter running series in southeastern Wisconsin, which was wonderful. I ran almost all of them the first year, shaving minutes off my time, though running slower than I could when I was with friends and family to keep it fun for everyone.
March 31st of 2012, I ran my first half marathon with my brother, Ben. Ben had not been strictly a runner before (though involved in sports with lots of running, such as rugby and soccer) but had started training so he'd be able to run with me. He and I completed the half marathon in 2:19:11, which is a 10:37 minute per mile pace. What's especially impressive to me is that I was reading one of my old blogs on here, and saw that I was impressed with myself for keeping the pace of around 10:30 for two miles.
The next big milestone was that after that, I went out and ran the Chicago marathon in 2012, at a total of 5:45:11 :] It was a super incredible experience that I can hardly even describe in words, though I wrote down (in a notebook) my entire experience which I'll have to transcribe here at a later date.
After that, I've since run two more half marathons (one with a new runner and friend, the Rock 'N Sole half marathon in Milwaukee, with a time of 2:43:26, and the Madison Mini Marathon with the same friend, at a time of 2:19:11...again!) and am training with my husband to run the 2013 Chicago Marathon!
Not only has my running life changed, but being able to run what I did and as much as I did completely changed my view of myself. After realizing that I could honestly do anything I set my mind to, I went out and auditioned for a play, and got a lead in a musical, which led to a wonderful run of wonderful roles in shows that were just a blast. I had more confidence in everything I did, not just my body or running ability.
Honestly, and this is where it borders on unbearably cheesy, running has COMPLETELY changed my life. I have become such a different, better person, who challenges herself at every opportunity I can, rather than hiding from the possibility of change.
If I were to give any advice to any one who is even thinking of taking on the challenge of running, I'd say: GO FOR IT. Just be prepared for your life to get a whole lot better :]
