Saturday, March 5, 2011

"Me a runner? You are full of...!!!"

The title reflects my thoughts last May. I had begun to meet with Beth and we started walking/ jogging around her neighborhood. Words that I said to her in the beginning she still to this day will not let me live them down. It's funny how we grow and change over time. In all aspects of life.
I had been overweight since I can remember. Like I said before it never was an issue really. I do, however, remember being in lifetime wellness in high school and having to do a number pull-ups and run a mile under a certain amount of time. I took that class with my sister. Man, if I could only go back now to redo that class I would kick it's butt! I hated running then. I absolutely found no joy in running at all. Until now...
Many of you know my running addiction. If you read this blog or even it you are my friend on facebook then you know. Sorry to post on there so much but it helps to hold me accountable when I let people know. :) Between May 2010 and September 2010 I had a mental break through when it comes to running. If you are a runner please share your thoughts! In the beginning I hated it. I felt like it was worthless. Yeah I sweated and ultimately felt better after doing it, but honestly felt like it was a waste of my time, like I could be doing something more productive. It wasn't until the Fall that it became so much more. I can't remember if it was a stressful period of life, but I began to use running to escape. I now know that that is what I use it for. Stressful situations... I go run. Upset... I run. Super happy... running! It's the only time I can either quiet my thoughts, or I can think more clearer. It's weird, but good. What I can hnestly say is that it took a loooong time to get here.  
Which brings me to the point of this post. I ran my first 5k last September (if i remember correctly) and have ran 3 other since. Here is a pic from my first 5k! Menche's South Nash Dash!-------------->
One of the main reason's why I began running races was, and this is gonna sound really stupid, but it was for the free (but not free) t-shirts! I live for a new shirt!! After doing these 5k's and feel pretty good about it I decided it was time to move on. I have decided to try my hand at my first half marathon! 13.1 miles freaks me the freak out, but something that I have on my bucket list to do! After cheering on many of my friends here locally it was only fitting that the first 1/2 i do would be the race I know in my own town! So April 30 I will be running the Country Music Marathon! When making my decision to run this I knew that I wanted to do it with a purpose! I recently became a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Nash. I 100% believe in what they do and if you are looking to get involved in your community check out one in your area. So that is why I have committed to raising $500 for this organization. I ask as you read this that you consider partnering with me for this cause. $1, $5, $10... anything! Click here to donate.
This is definitely something that God has laid on my heart to do taking what I love to do and doing it for a cause. 
Also, it isn't too late to register! Wanna run with me? LET'S DO THIS!!! It could be a nice little vacation weekend in Nashville :) Free place to stay!!! (Can you tell I want visitors?) Thanks for reading my story and for caring about me. Much love to everyone of you!