In high school, I used to run track. I wasn't very good, but I was the best at the 3200 m run in my school. In fact, for several years, I held the school record, which wasn't very good, but it was mine. Then I made some really unfortunately decisions, including starting to smoke and I stopped paying attention to what I was eating. Running stopped being a part of who I was and I didn't really miss it. Running was never fun for me and track meet days always made me nervous and a little sick to my stomach. I was okay with giving it up.
Flash forward 24 years and I'm making much better choices. I haven't smoked in nine years, as of December 1, and am eating healthier and working out more. In August, with the encouragement of friends, I started racing again. This time I started as a walker and still got some nerves on race day. The biggest difference this time is that I really enjoyed racing and found it to be less about stress and more about accomplishment. When I finished the Glow Run in August, I felt so powerful and capable and proud of what I had just done. It was amazing!
Now I do at least one race a month, though November has been a loaded month with three races. Each time I feel the empowerment of being able to do this. With my last two races, I added some running with my walking and have been able to improve my time with each race. It makes me so incredibly happy and proud!!
These feelings are things I wouldn't know without having made the decisions I've made. Just one of the many benefits of being on this journey!
Running can be so addictive when you're in the right place in your life. Keep 'em coming!!
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