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Running for me hasn\u2019t always been a passion. The act of lacing up my sneakers and taking a half hour to let my mind wander used to feel like work. Having been a multi-sport athlete my entire life, running was always a means of getting in-shape to excel in another activity. I never ran for fun. In fact, I found it really challenging, both physically and mentally, to run more than a couple miles at a time. The first time I went for a run just to RUN, I had recently moved to a new city and didn\u2019t know my way around, or how to use the public transportation. I decided navigating by foot was a great way to learn the lay of the land.<\/p>\n
I had no plan as to how far I would go, what speed I would run, or where I would go, I just put one foot in front of the other and focused on the new scenery. I felt this rush of adrenaline (also known as runner\u2019s high) and wanted more. I got home, and realized I felt energized and accomplished. And it was so easy\u2014no gym membership or expensive equipment required… Which was perfect for a recent college grad like myself! My head felt clearer, I felt satisfied and I wanted more.<\/p>\n
A few months later I witnessed the start of Boston Marathon training. There were so many runners, all bundled up and running in groups. It looked like fun. I thought, what better way to meet new people than to join a charity team and take on this huge goal of running 26.2 miles together?! It was a HUGE leap from where I was fitness-wise at the time, but I realized I needed to take a chance, to do something that was far outside my comfort zone, and embrace the challenge.<\/p>\n