I started running when Asher was 6 weeks old. I was looking at people run on the treadmills and thought, "Why not? It has to be better than my feet going numb on this elliptical."
...yeah she says many miles, injuries, scars, blisters, heat rashes, and yes, chaffing, later...
I remember being scared of what people would think as they watched me waddle along, doing my version of running there on the treadmill for all to see. I worried that my butt would wiggle and look big. I worried that my top half didn't wiggle and look big. (that's another story)
I grunted, sweated in unfeminine ways, and even fell of the treadmill once. Better than all of that though, was the feeling of accomplishment when I ran my first mile. I was so proud of myself, and literally could not believe I had done it.
Now, thousands of miles later? I am still proud of myself. There is nothing like seeing the look on my boys face when see mommy cross a finish line. Running is my time. I don't scrapbook, stamp, watch TV, do household work or other hobbies. Running is my hobby. After spending all day with either my children or my students, my running time is my time alone. I can listen to music, a book, or just look at the beauty surrounding me.
For my record keeping purposes, as my head is not highly reliable, here are the races I've done since beginning running
Local 5 mile Rodeo Days Run- 7/2007
Local 5 Mile Rodeo Days Run- 7/2008
Mora 1/2 Marathon - 8/2008
City of Lakes 25k - 9/2008
Earth Day 1/2 Marathon - 4/2009
Mother's Day 5k - 5/2009
Stillwater Marathon - 5/2009
Twin Cities Marathon -10/2009
Earth Day 1/2 Marathon - 4/2010
Minneapolis Marathon - 6/2010
Red, White & Boom 1/2 - 7/2010
Ragnar Relay - 8/2010
Twin Cities Marathon -10/2010
A friend asked me, about 3 hours post marathon, if I had more marathons in me. My husband interrupted my answer and said, "Why not, she's only 30?"
Perfect answer.
42 comments:
Just plain ole awesome! Keep it up!
Sincere question here- how do you keep your knees from going bad? I had taken up running and had finally gotten to a mile w/out stopping and now my knees can't handle it anymore. Pain- crazy pain.
Way to go girl. THat is awsome!
Happy Runniversary! That is an amazing thing to have accomplished.
@Foursons - I'm not sure what Sara would suggest but from my personal experience, I would say try a different pair of shoes if you can. Different shoes are well, different, particularly on the knees. Also some cross training helped me too.
I wish I could run. Everytime I try, I get realllly bad shin splints and then I quit because obviously it hurts and I don't wanna be in pain. :/
Do you have any tips for this?
Thats super cool that you have done all that in such a short amount of time. Maybe you will turn into an ultramarathoner. What was the time on your first mile?
You are amazing! I was doing the elliptical today for a warm up and totally thought of you when my feet started to go numb!
Happy Runniversary! You should be very proud of yourself! But, how in the world did you run 6 weeks after having a baby?
I know about the jiggles. I can't run because I would jiggle so much I'd get black eyes.
Oh wow, that is so cool Sara.
Hey guess what! You won my giveaway!!! yay for you :) I just need your shipping address and I'll send it off.
You are a running rock star.
Really, only 4 years? That's so impressive I thought you'd been running forever. You look like a runner.
Happy Anniversary Sara! Keep running, xoxo
Congrats. Keep going!
Wow, that is really something to be proud of. :)
Happy Runniversary! It's kinda comical that you posted this blog because I was literally thinking about you the other day while I was driving home. I was thinking how interesting it would be if you tracked how many miles you ran throughout the year and then gave an end total. In my brain I of course decided that the number would probably be in the thousands each year. Anyway, thought I would expose my stalkerish ways (seeing the fact I am now thinking about you when I'm driving my car) ;) Congrats again, I promise I'm not really a crazy person
Congrats! Keep it up. I'm proud, wish I could do it!
I've never thought of listening to a book while running. That's an awesome idea.
Congrats! You've come a long way in a short period of time!
Again, you put me to shame.
But I can bench 150#. Do I get points?
You are such an inspriation to me!! I am still woggling and who knows where I may be 4 years from now.
Thank goodness that I don't have alot of neighbors cause my caboos shakin is not a pretty sight!
Congrats - you have a LOT more marathons in you!! :)
Congratulations! You're awesome, Sara! Keep on running.
Great job!!! Congratulations on your runniversary! Very cool!!!
Congrats! That is an incredible accomplishment.
If I could just make myself get started in a habit of running again I think it would be great for me. Oh the motivation....
Congrats on your runniversary!
You really are an inspiration. Happy runnaversary!
Congrats that is so amazing.. I am very proud of you...
you have come a long way in 4 years...
was it worth every second?
I'm betting it was...
Happy runniversary! You've come a long way in those 4 years!
I started at about the exact same time. Although I have only done two half marathons, one full and various Ragnar. I bow to your awesomeness.
Holy wow!
Girl, you are amazing. Let's just say we will leave the running to you and the cooking to me. I think we would make an unstoppable team.
Have a great weekend!
I am going on Sunday to support my sister for her first ever marathon. She says I will get the itch, lol we'll see about that.
You're amazing!
Wow you've accomplished a lot!
Happy Runniversary!!! :D Keep it up!
So excited to follow your running journeys! I love that you're a teacher & a runner- two of my fav things!
You inspire me! I will never be able to run a marathon or even really run period {unless someone is chasing me?!} but I walk and walk fast and you remind me of why I do it...For Me! Keep running my friend! ;-)
That's amazing and you've done so many! I have a place in next year's London marathon (again) but I don't know if I can put myself through the torture! Just looking at the route makes me feel sick!!! xx
Awesome. But is it a teeny bit wrong that I would almost pay money to see you fall off a treadmill? Obviously knowing you would be okay!! :)
Congrats! Now go eat a cupcake. HA!
Wow! Good for you - that's amazing!
Girl, you are totally inspiring me to continue running! I am so impressed with your race schedule - it's incredible!
Happy (late) Runniversary! I think I need to start celebrating my own runniversary! I'm glad I found your blog that writes about running too! :-)
Hi Sara,
I was just reading about all the running you've been doing. What an amazing story! I am working on running long distance, and building my way up to a 1/2 marathon. What made you make the leap to the full Marathon? My husband has done two and says that he feels great at the 1/2 marathon distance, but by the end of the full marathon, I have to throw him onto a push cart to get him home. Is there a training schedule in your blog somewhere I could follow?
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