Running and Racing

I started running in 1996 – 9 minutes to the end of the road and back. Slow and steady. I wasn’t sure I could do this. In 1979 when I had my first knee surgery, the doctor told me that I’d never be athletic again. In 1995 when I had my second, the doctor told me that running wouldn’t be a good idea. So, I don’t know.

Finally, I decided to go for it. It was addictive. I ran almost daily until about 2000, when we moved to a new area and my running options were more limited. As my life evolved, I dropped off even more and finally, by 2002, I was more a walker than a runner.

Then, I had two kids. Between them, I tried to pick up running again, but just couldn’t do it. After #2 was born in September 2006, I was determined to get back on the road. And so I did.
After an 8-year racing absence, I sucked it up, trained and ran the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. I loved it. I had a great race, setting a PR…well, I never ran a half before. But I ran 10:11s, which considering my training was phenomenal.

Now I’m striving to stay there with my running. We run as a family and our little guys are growing out of the stroller…so what will happen next????

PRs

Marathon – 4:23:27
Half – 2:13:18
15K – Need to look up my time…
10K – 51:11
5 miler – Have to look up my time…
5K – 23:48

Other -
I ran almost 2000 miles in 1999, falling short when snowstorm hit VA Christmas week, and I couldn’t get out on the trails.

I’ve run tons of races – lots of 5Ks and 10Ks, but I love the long runs. I hope to run more half marathons and better my time.

My favorite post race snack is cold watermelon.

I’m a pronator with a bigger roll on my left side because of two knee surgeries.

I have a bunion.

I hate my bunion.

My first race was an 8K. I wasn’t really a runner then. I wore the race t-shirt to run in. It was purple. I have never run an 8K race since.

I never played any sports in high school.

I still have my first pair of real running shoes, and the shoes I ran my marathon in.

I should have run a faster marathon.

My stopping point for running is considered a finish line, and I usually cross it just like I’m racing.

My 3-year-old runs sometimes. He thinks it’s cool.