I am a runner... I think

How did this happen? One year ago I signed up for a Learn to Run clinic offered by my local running store, The FootZone, and now I am training for my first 1/2 marathon and full marathon. So again, I ask, how did this happen?


Let me back up a little. When I first signed up for the Learn to Run clinic, my running regime existed of running from my car to my house if it was raining. I am not exaggerating people! On the first day of the 8-week clinic I could run just over a minute and then was forced to walk. It was embarrassing and humbling, but I came back the next week and every week after. By the end of the clinic I was able to run my first 5k without stopping. I am not saying I posted record speeds, but I did it without stopping. I was thrilled. I was proud of myself. I was a runner.


Fast forward almost a year, a couple of 5k's, one 10k, and three Learn to Run clinics later. Now I am training for The Dirty Half, a trail 1/2 marathon, in June and the Portland Marathon in October. And quite honestly... I think I have lost my mind! I am not even sure I have it in me to do these things. This brings me to the purpose of this blog.


My goal is to write down my triumphs and my uncertainties as I train for these two events. Through these postings I hope to finally find out why I am attracted to this thing the scares me so much. Also, it is my goal to share the stories of other "real" runners. After all, I seem to grill everyone I meet who has ever run a 10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, or ultra marathon. Maybe I should put it to good use and share their stories. After all, it is these stories that have inspired me to run... something I never thought I would do.