In Celebration of National Running Day

Tomorrow is National Running Day! Wow a whole day dedicated to one of the great passions in my life.

Now as a child, young adult, and adult well into my thirties I was not remotely athletic, I hated gym class, so much so that I took summer gym to avoid it in High School. I can vividly remember in HS having to be able to run a mile in 15 minutes or something like that. Believe me that was the LAST thing I wanted to do, so it's amazing to me now how much I love running.

I also remember getting started with running- a program called Couch to 5K, I had decided that I wanted to challenge myself and a friend suggested this program to me. I remember that first walk/run I ever did- how hard it was and how I was sure that I was never going to make it even one mile. Suprise of all suprises I did make it, ran my first 5K and I was off so to speak.

In 2006 I trained for and ran my very first half marathon and from then on I was hooked. Now running isn't just something I do- it's a huge part of who I am. Running has become a way to soothe stress, ease a broken heart, spend time alone or with others and just to stay fit and active. Now I am not breaking any land speed records out there, but I'm out there doing it.

I have gained invaluable friendships through my running, and have had the privelage of cheering on others as they have started running.

So tomorrow in celebration of the abilty I have to run, I will be enjoying a run. And for those of my fellow runners out there- Celebrate tomorrow- celebrate YOU! Whether you have completed a 5K , 10K half or full marathon or many of the above- you are runners, some of the most wonderful people on the planet. I'm blessed to count myself am0ng you!

Happy National Running Day!