All this started about 17 years ago, when Sam took Jamie to run in a 5K. As I watched everyone come across the finish line all flushed and exhausted, I wondered, “Why?” Nobody looked like they were having fun.
Fast forward! After being a “walker” for several years with the Hash House Harriers, I decided to try a little running during the walks. Not too bad, and a little running led to more and eventually brought me to AREC (thanks to Bernard Dean Mills). At first, I just walked the route, but “thanks” to Bernard, and his nickname for me, “JIT,” I was motivated to increase the time I ran and decrease the time I walked. It came as a big surprise when I ran the entire distance (with no short cuts) with Emmett and still had the ability to stand up afterwards.
With lots of encouragement from all of you, I entered my first running event ever...starting with a 10K. Dream big! Wow! What a rush! I finished 1st in my age division. Laura and
Barbara talked me into a 5K, and later I entered the LB Marathon...5K. I chickened out for the 1/2 marathon. I had set myself a goal of under 30 minutes and did it in 28:05. =) All the team support really made a difference. By now, I was hooked. The more often I ran, the better I understood “Why?”
Sometimes when I lace up my shoes, I am amazed that I am actually doing this. All during the first mile I wonder why I’m doing it and by the time the 3rd mile has gone by, I smile and know why.
This month, when the Brooks bunch goes to Las Vegas and I attempt the 1/2 Marathon (no, I won’t chicken out this time), I will go knowing that running with all of you on Wednesday and getting your advice and encouragement, is what turned me into a runner and helped me find out the “Why.” Thanks, guys and gals!