Ten on Tuesdays - Running

I am in training for a half and full marathon so I have a lot of time to think while I do these longs runs and I thought I would list my top ten things about me and running.

1.  I hated to run growing up!  I didn't like it and never thought that I would run very much.   Even before I got married I ran at the McClintock track and still hated it,

2.  In February of 2009 I went to cheer on Kim and Kris when they were running this Ragnar thing - had no idea what it was about, but saw them along with a long lost friend Julie - and it really hit me how much I needed to run.  Let me just say that there were tears involved - not quite sure if happy or sad tears.

3. The next week I started running and training for my first race in years!  Kris provided me with an amazing schedule and motivation and I ran in Pat's Run in April of 2009.  It was 4.2 miles and I never could have imagined that I could have ever done it.

4.  After that I was running more but not during the summer - it was way too hot.

5.  Next came So Cal Ragnar in 2010, Del Sol and NW Passage in 2011 with Del Sol in 2012.  I also ran a half marathon in 2010 too.

6.  Looking back, I realize how happy running has made me become.  I now know why Julie always is smiling because she runs and is an amazing runner.

7.  Running has increased my self confidence - it has taught and is teaching me that I can do hard things.  I sure hope I learn the lesson well in March of 2013 with my marathon.

8.   It has made me feel better about myself both physically and emotionally.  I love the "long runs", it gives me time to think (which can be scary) about things that I normally don't think about.  I like how I look when I have been running and running makes me want to eat better because I don't want to undo all of my hard work.

9.  I have realized that it truly is a Sherwood family thing - my dad and mom run/walk all them time.  Of my siblings at least 6 of us run on a constant basis and the other 3 do lots of other outdoor activities (hiking, soccer, chasing after kids etc).  

10.  The best thing of all is the Bryant is starting to run with me and I love it when we run together, he pushes me and I push him.  I have met the most amazing people because of running and I am a much happier person today because of running!

Next week - conference and October break!