Have I always been a
runner? No. I was actually an inactive, shy girl growing
up. I was intimidated by trying out for
sports or extracurricular activities.
So, I didn’t. I was that kid that
dreaded the mile and fitness tests in gym class. When I entered middle school, I struggled
with self-esteem images and an eating disorder.
I battled my weight throughout adolescence and beyond. My weight fluctuated with a weight loss
support group for years. And, it wasn’t
until after the birth of my first child, that I decided I had to do get active
and balance eating well – and being active.
I wanted a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.
The first step is the
hardest. I watched a friend compete
in Ironman Wisconsin in 2005 and I thought if he could swim, bike and run 140
miles – I could get myself off of the couch and run around the block. I looked up a couch to 5k program online and
trained for my first 5K that fall. It
became the one thing that I did for myself – and I enjoyed it. Nine months later, I ran my first half
marathon. And, nine years later I have
completed 45 half marathons and seven full marathons.
Over the past three years, I have developed Running Diva Mom, a community for
Madison-area women to get themselves off the couch and enter an active
lifestyle. My gradual walk/run programs
have given women a gentle introduction to running. It’s been amazing watching these women
transform their bodies, minds – and wardrobes – during a short nine weeks. When they enter the couch to 5K program they think
that it is impossible to run three miles, but I prove to them, with a little
commitment that they are capable of doing anything. It’s been amazing sharing my passion with
others.
Still think you can’t
run? Well, maybe you should
reconsider.
- Running can be a great social activity. It’s a great way to reconnect with your girlfriends
or your spouse. These can be great mini
dates. It’s also a great way to meet new
friends through running groups, like Running
Diva Mom.
- It’s a great calorie burner. You can burn approximately 11 calories/min running
vs 5 calories/min walking alone.
- When you are running solo, it can be great time
to be alone with your thoughts. A
morning runner can plan their day and review to do lists in their head. An evening runner can clear their mind and
remove frustration from their day.
- Running can be a pretty affordable form of
exercise. If you are a recreational
runner, your solo investment is only a good pair of running shoes.
- Explore your community. Running paths are everywhere. Running is a great way to explore your
hometown and discover new neighborhoods, businesses and parks for your family
to visit.
- You can literally run anywhere. There is never an excuse to skip a
workout. You can use a treadmill, run
laps around the soccer field, run in place with your kids and the wii and explore
new places on vacation.
And remember – Don’t
fear moving forward. Fear standing
still.
