To all the runners out there, Happy Global Running Day! How many miles will you be squeezing in today?
When someone asks me what I do for fun, running is the first thing I tend to say. But it wasn’t always the case. In fact, back in grade school I used to walk during track and field day! Looking back, it was so much lost potential, since I’ve found out I’m actually rather good at pacing and pushing. I discovered running late in life, only after the birth of my daughter. To say running changed my life is an understatement.
So today I am running a mile and reminding myself how thankful I am to be a member of the running community.
Early Days as a Cardio Bunny
Back in the day before my fitness knowledge bloomed, I believed the lies about cardio. Cardio was said to be the best way to get in shape. Lies. I took to the treadmill for hours each week trying to tone and tighten, but saw little change to my body. Despite that, I felt inspired to run my first 5k.
I actually ran fast, but since it was such a huge race I had no idea. Hundreds of runners finished before me, and I knew nothing about pace or good time. I just knew that I could check it off my bucket list.
Becoming a Runner
As the story goes, I accidentally became a runner two weeks after my Sassy squish came into this world. We were looking for a group to join, and I wanted a place to walk with her in the baby carrier. Jonathan, accidentally implied he was much faster than he was and ended up running top speed with some of the crew. Who then talked him into registering for an abundance of upcoming races.
Not wanting to miss out on the fun, I signed up for the Turkey Trot 5k and walked with the stroller. Skipped the Pleasure Island 2miler, because rain and an infant was a horrible idea (Jonathan ran the 10k!). My first race as a new runner was the YMCA Marci Gras 5k. I pushed myself, but understood my limits. I was shocked when I received an Age Group award!
From there, the bug had bitten. We ran with the Golden Triangle Strutters twice each week, signed up for at least one race each month (winning multiple age group awards). I began to focus on my form, we bought real running shoes, and even served on a running club’s board of directors for a year or two!
Global Running Day
Global Running Day is exactly what it sounds like- a worldwide initiative to celebrate running and encourage people to begin running. The organization behind the day partnered with Million Kid Run, to get kids running!
Many runners use this day to run at least one mile, and share their passion for running. Others use it as a platform to fundraise for their favorite running based charity (such as Million Kid Run).
Whatever the reason, Global Running Day is a great excuse to get outside (or on a dreaded treadmill) and run a mile or more.
My Running Story in Pictures:
First solo race (Jonathan stayed with CA). Award and a PR
