I have been a runner for about 20 years. The first 14 years, running was just something I did either before or after weight-training. I would just lace up and run; I didn’t know anything about cadence, speed work, or getting fitted for the right shoes.
In 2014, I signed up for my first half marathon with the goal of completing the race without any walking. There is something extraordinary about training for a race. It is a chance to overcome all obstacles, to fight through pain and suffering to test your emotional limits and boundaries, to experiment with the potential of the human body, and to feel the determination, the tenacity, the pure and simple commitment to yourself for success. When I crossed the finish line, I was so proud I met my goal.
Since receiving that medal, I’ve finished a few 5K, 10K, and half marathons. Even with the new bling, I didn’t have the desire to run a full marathon because of the time commitment. I was happy running 25-30 miles each week because it brought me joy. But then something changed, and I wanted to go for something bigger, so I entered the lottery for the Chicago Marathon and got in! After completing my first Abbott World Marathon Major, I went on to crossing the finish line at the NYC and Berlin Marathons. My goal is to become a six-star finisher!