Why Running?

So it started with a dream. How cliche! But really, I had a dream where I was running...for a really really long time...and I felt like I could run forever...and I really liked how that felt! When I remembered it the next day it just occurred to me that I could work towards that. Not that I want to be able to run forever, or even run a full-blown marathon, but maybe I could train and run at least 5k. Maybe from there I could work on running a 10k. And who knows from there!

I don't come from a running family. My husband just told me today that he has no desire to run...ever. He says that that's why he has a car. My dad has been heard to say that if human beings were supposed to run we would all have 4 legs. So needless to say, it isn't in my blood. I have one lone aunt (shout-out to Janet!) who has done the Chicago marathon and as I read more and more I realize just how awesome of an accomplishment that really was and just how underwhelmed most of the family was when she did it. I'll take this moment to say AWESOME JOB Janet! But other than that, not much running in this family! I've even had a physical therapist tell me I might not be able to run. Something about soft knees or soft cartilage or soft something (Yes I am an RN, no I do not deal with knees or cartilage. I work further north...) So these are all the reasons that I shouldn't run, with the biggest one being that I have always said I couldn't run.

Let's just forget all about those and move on to the reasons I want to run. Okay, I admit, I feel like runners are in an elite club and I really want to join. They seem to have their own language, way of moving, body type, etc. I've already mentioned my desire to be healthy. This will only help! I didn't mention how much I want to set a good example for my kids by exercising and eating right. That is a huge motivation to me. Plus, and this is a big reason, I am turning 30 in September! THIRTY! Yikes! So I've got a career I love, co-workers I also love, my wonderful husband and kids, what else do I need? This is it, this personal goal that first and foremost I am setting for me. Time set aside to focus on me and something that I want to work towards.

I know this is going to be hard. I also know that I'll probably never feel the way I felt in that dream when I run. I'll be breathing much heavier, be more red in the face, and way sweatier than I was in that dream. But I know that the sense of accomplishment that will come with achieving this new goal will be huge and that is why I'm running!