On November 22, 2015 I was browsing Amazon looking for something to read. I typically prefer to read science fiction or fantasy books - things that take me a way from this world and make for forget about my troubles. However, this time, I wanted to get something different. So, I bought a book about running. BORN TO RUN is an epic story about a race and about how humans evolved to run. Reading that book changed my life. It made me, an un-athletic band geek who never played or sport in her life, want to run. So I did. I downloaded a free running app. I wanted something fun and different. I got ZOMBIES, RUN! It was pretty much like most beginner's 5k apps but with a little excitement. I ran in the dark, in our unfinished basement. I stared at the wall and concentrated on my breathing. I focused on doing just a little bit more. I like running because you can measure progress in seconds and in tenths of miles, both small units. "Today I ran 30 more seconds more than 2 days ago." It makes you feel good to be able to say you're better than before. But you don't have to be THAT much better, and you can see progress faster that way and stay motivated. I kept going and in August 2016 I got up enough courage to run in my first race - the BUBBLE RUN. It was an untimed fun run. I was so nervous. The course was straight up hill the first 3/4 mile and I choked on soap suds as I ran through each bubble station. I finished. And I never looked back. Running has shown me that I am strong, that I can persevere, and that I can do anything I set my mind to. It has shown my children what it is like to be active, and have fun. It has brought be closer to my son who now enjoys running with me. I love to run!
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