Do you run??

I began running in 2009. Before that, I never dreamed that I would become a runner - or even a jogger. I was the child who would get *plenty* of doctors notes in gym - especially every time the Presidential Fitness tests would come around. But, in 2010, when I started running, I realized I had to. I was bored of going to the gym and just doing the elliptical or the recumbent bicycle. So, I signed up for a sprint triathlon. Why not, right?

To do a triathlon, I had to run - just a 5K. But at that point I couldn't run 30 seconds. And I'm not exaggerating. I was a mess physically - and in turn, psychologically. I started training and trained for 4 months for my first 5K. I ran that 5K and have kept going. I managed to get that euphoric runner's high. 3 months later, I rocked that sprint triathlon. I came in dead last in the swim (with people asking me, "Red cap, are you okay?") but I made up for it in the bike and decided I wasn't too bad in running. After the race, I was so excited, I literally said to a friend, "I don't know why people do drugs, when they can run." So, I signed up for a half marathon! The Disney Half, in January 2011. And then the New York City Marathon in November 2011. And kept going. Since then, I've run 7 marathons, 19 half-marathons (20 this month), and umpteen other races.

Not only did I shed weight and become physically healthier, but mentally, my mind shifted. I was more positive, had less anxiety, and stressed less. All in all, I was a happier and felt like a better person. Unfortunately, due to both a broken wrist and a fractured coccyx, I had to take breaks in my running and exercise. When I did that, I noticed that I experienced depression, more anxiety, and didn't feel like me.

So, I'm back running (and biking and doing yoga and just in general being an active me), and the more active I am, the better I feel. To make sure I feel like myself, I got out for World Running Day. (with 4 dogs!!) Did you??