Running

My first Texas race. Oh what a feeling!

I'm not sure if I found running or if running found me.

The first time I found running, I was casually strolling to my uncle's house when a mad dog came running furiously after me. I ran so fast to his house! I discovered I could actually run that day.

The next time I found running, I was living in the mountains of North Carolina. I noticed a lot of people around me were runners. A close friend ran as a hobby so I asked her how I could do the same. She told me to get out there and give it a try. She said I'd love it. She was right.

I started considering myself a runner when I was 5 weeks pregnant with my firstborn. I trained for a 5K and then I stopped running until after he 6 weeks old.

I repeated that rhythm twice. Run, get pregnant, take a break, start running again.

Running is a gift that keeps on giving. I was on cloud nine when I discovered the wonder of the running community.

The community is encouraging. One can develop strong friendships quickly. Is it the pain that bonds us or do we choose to bond over pain? I don't know. What I do know is I love being part of such a supportive tribe.

I know that to outsiders, running can be intriguing. What motivates people to do something most people despise? What motivates people to wake up early, run a ridiculous amount of miles and only have a banana and a medal to show after all is said and done?

Grit is my "why." I remember getting ready to move to Texas. I remember the uncertainty that preceded our move. Running gave me the strength to carry on. I remember climbing the hills around my neighborhood and thinking, "if I can do this, I can do anything."

I discovered quickly that running adds much-needed grit to life, no matter the season. I learned that running adds balance to my busy life. I'm never too busy not to run. I make time because running is a reward in itself.

I'm trained to tell you about the technical part of running as a coach, but my favorite thing is to tell you that running found me.

It found me nervous about moving to Texas and it gave me courage.
It found me grieving after losing my two beloved grandmothers and it gave me a way to process my loss.
It found me dealing with everyday life issues and it gave me perspective.
Running found me and I won't let go.
I hope something as powerful as running will find you too.