Here is my story of how I started running. I wanted to write it all down so I never forget because these past 6 months have been some of the best. Joining the backroad bandits group has saved me. I had a really crappy, degrading friendship for far too long and it took these 6 amazing ladies to get me past it all.
Not too long after she invited me over to have some lasagna. I must say that that lasagna was the start of our friendship. Good choice Megan. She talked about this running thing a lot and I felt left out, Even though I don't like running. So I asked to get added to the running group.
I still remember that first run with Emily and Evelyn. 5am is early. So early. I hauled myself up that massive hill on fort sidney road. I felt so defeated after that run. I didn't want to go again. I couldn't give up though. I needed to run with Megan. Then I did. Then I did again. It was rough, I was so slow, I had to walk a lot. Good thing these girls were so nice and patient with me or else I would have just given up.
The running was hard, but the company made it so worth it. I had only been running for about 4 weeks when the warrior run in scottsbluff had a 5k and 10k that the girls were going to. I had to join except I decided to run the 5k while they all did a 10k. I enjoyed doing the run, but I didn't feel a part of the group yet. They were all such fast, experienced runners and I felt like a snail. I didn't run much the next month because I traveled to california for 2 weeks and then Brian had surgery over christmas.
The beginning of January came and I decided to commit to the half. I needed a goal to train for or else I wouldn't stick with it. I was scared and I completely doubted that I would be ready in time, but Megan assured me that I would be and I trusted her. I feel like January was the true start of my journey with running. I had a goal and I really wanted to accomplish that goal.
I remember the first time I ran 3 miles without stopping. That morning felt so good. That morning was also the first time that I had really talked with Rose. Actually, she talked to me since I'm unable to talk while running. Her talking to me totally got me through those miles.
When I did my first 6 miles I ran it with Emily, Kelly and Alison. I was nervous especially because it was cold and there was snow everywhere. I loved that run. I hurt so much at the end, but accomplishing that felt so good.
The pirate 5k I had a goal to run it in 33 minutes. My previous 5k at the warrior run was a 44:?? That was a huge amount of time to cut off for me, but I wanted to push it. Megan stayed with me and pushed me. I was not allowed to walk at all. I tried at one point, but she pushed me and I finished that sucker in 33:30. Not quite my goal, but I was proud of it.
My 8 mile run was a rough day. That run was full of emotions and crying and wanting to give up. I gave up at one point, but Megan reminded me of my goal and the disappointment I would feel if I didn't reach that goal. She was right, she was so right. I finished those 8 miles and it was rough, but I did it.
My 9 mile run was fun. That day we did the 10k leprechaun leap in sidney. I spent the first half of that run with Rose and I just love talking with Rose. I could talk to that girl all day. She pulled ahead of me at about mile 3. As she was pulling ahead her sister called and she's just chatting away on her phone while running. She cracks me up. Since the 10k was only 6.2 miles we had to add 3 more miles. Those 3 miles were full of hills. Crappy hills, but I sprinted the last little bit and that felt awesome!
10 miles...that one was rough. Double digits is just scary. The whole group was there except Emily. My goal was to only walk at the times where there would be water stations in the half. Mile 4.5 was where it got tough. I kept asking myself when would it end. That last mile was brutal. Once I got to the end I just sat in the road. It felt so good to be over. I ended up passing out 30 minutes later because of who knows what. Karen, Megan and Rose were all there to help me out. After that run I started to get anxious for the half. It was one week away and I felt like I needed another month of training.
The half marathon was today. I was so dang nervous. 7 of us were all running and there was so much support for me and I just wanted to do so well for them. I completely psyched myself out. At mile 2 I was already wanting it to be over. Which was way too early. I run 5 miles twice a week at 5am. 5 miles should be a breeze. I wish. It was hard the whole time.
Megan had told me before that she was going to stick with me the whole time. I felt bad because she's so much faster than me, but I was also so glad. I knew I would do better with her next to me. She talked to me, she put up with my quietness, my evil looks, held my gu, pushed me, encouraged me, sang to me, danced for me, she did so much. I was not a fun person and I felt so sorry that she had to put up with me. Especially those last 2 miles. I was done. I was beyond done. After hitting that last water station at 12.5 miles I felt like I could finish this. Then not too long after I saw Rose coming back to run the last bit with me and I so needed that. Then I saw kelly who has just been so nice to me from the very beginning of this. She is one fit, tough woman. She is way too cool to be friends with me. Then Alison was there who has been encouraging me on this whole journey and reassuring me that I can accomplish this. The feeling of running the end with these ladies was what I needed. Then crossing that finish with Megan at my side holding my hand was just the best feeling. All that anger, all the pain from running 13.1 miles just disappeared and all that was left was the feeling of accomplishing something with the greatest group of friends I could ever ask for.
I AM A RUNNER!
