Running

WHEN YOU’RE MEANT TO DO SOMETHING

Running is a huge part of my life. The combination of clearing your mind and applying self-discipline is a wonderful formula for self-growth. I am a certified RRCA running coach and I love helping people discover the bliss of running. I have run several half marathons (13.1 miles), full marathons (26.2 miles) and one ultra marathon (50k). Soon, I will start my training for the California International Marathon (CIM). Shamefully, I have had to defer this race three years in a row! I have paid more to defer than I originally did for the race. So, out of principal, this year I WILL RUN THAT RACE. Check back soon and I will share my training plan.

If you are searching for something – a routine, motivation, hope, love, whatever it is, you have to say yes eventually.

I wasn’t always a runner. I used to hate to running and I was horrible at it. I couldn’t run 10 feet without feeling like I was going to throw up or pass out. It wasn’t until I was in my mid 20’s and a friend reached out, “Want to go for a run?”. Ummm… “No?”. I thought, “Why would he ask me that?”. I shut down the idea about 3 or 4 times before I finally threw my hands up and said “Fine!”. I got out the only pair of old tennis shoes I owned, some basketball shorts and a cotton tee shirt and I was off. The thing is, it wasn’t the running that I loved. It was the trail. My first ever running experience at Sugar Creek Metro Park in Bellbrook, Ohio is the reason why running grabbed my attention. The run itself was a huge struggle and wasn’t even really a run at all (definitely more of a walk). After that day, I found myself sneaking out alone to go back to this trail to “run”. Eventually, the actual running part became easier and easier overtime. The beauty of the trail combined with the excitement of trying something new was the perfect combination that I needed at that point in my life. I hadn’t developed a healthy fitness routine and this was… catching on. So I ran with it – literally! Very soon, I started to have some pretty bad knee pain and decided I needed actual shoes for running. This led to my first pair of running shoes – The Mizuno Wave Rider (not sure of the version). If you are new to running, I highly recommend investing in a pair of running shoes. Find a local running shoe store and have them measure your feet and give you a recommendation. There are many types of running shoes and not all of them will work for you. Once I had my new pair of running shoes without the knee pain, I developed a true love for running on the trail. It was time for me to focus on me and to just think.

A parting thought for you. If you are searching for something – a routine, motivation, hope, love, whatever it is, you have to say yes eventually. Saying yes to running changed my life forever and for that, I’m so thankful.