Run It!

I started running after Halloween.  This is my second attempt to run.  I was motivated by my son, who kicked ass on his first 5k with my long-running, accomplished, marathon husband.  My first attempt  at running was two years ago.  It started with a run and stride assessment at Fleet Feet Shoes in Nashville.  I walked out with a great pair of shoes, inserts, socks and a deer in the headlights feeling.  My first attempt found me on the treadmill at our apartment complex and every now and then at the local track.  It wasn't fun, didn't feel good and I wasn't feeling it.  So I stopped.

This summer, my son - motivated by my husband who had completed the Richmond Marathon and the National Half Marathon - decided he wanted to do a 5k.  They started training in the summer and all through fall.  I was so proud to watch my fit husband and my fit kid getting their run on.  On race day, I took my position of bag watcher, sign holder and finish cheerer solo.  My son who usually assumed the race position with me, now got his own bib and was running with his dad.  I was left in my race position solo, while my husband got the benefit of my race partner.  My husband's Half and Full Marathons have brought me to tears so you know when my son crossed the finish line of his first 5k, I was so proud and motivated. 

Not too long after my son's first race, hub's Runner's World article came.  Jay Jenni's brilliant piece on "Why is Running So White" spotlighted running groups for runners of color across the country.  I decided to get off the couch and reach out to the Black Girls Run chapter in DC.  Next Saturday I joined them to walk/run...mostly walk.   I LOVED it.   This is the most positive group of women, knowledgable runners, interesting folk and really affirming for runners at all stages of their journeys.  If new runners like me can connect with ultra marathoners and find some common ground, you know the group is fabulous.

So here I am today.  10lbs lighter than this Halloween.  My bank account is also lighter thanks to new shoes, bras, gear, gadgets and race fees.  I LOVE it, though.  Ran my first 5k on the coldest Sunday of the year.  My hub will be running the Boston Marathon on April 16th and I'm running the BAA 5K on April 15th.  I'll have to dust off the sign for him to hold up for me on the 15th!