One year ago today, I started training for my first marathon and had no idea what I was getting myself into. After a few weeks of running I was HOOKED! I never enjoyed running as a child or in high school. I would always try to find a way to not run. I never thought I would one day call myself a runner, but I am so proud to call myself a runner today and for life! I wish I would have realized what running could do for me --- emotionally, mentally, and physically!
I started running one year ago today, haven't stopped, and don't plan on stopping ever! I want to be running until I am 100 years old! In one year, I have gone from running 12 and 13 minute miles to 8 and 9 minute miles for most of my runs. I can't believe how much I have improved in just one year!
In one year of running I have:
~ Ran a marathon (26.2 miles) in 5:07:17 and am currently training for #2!
~ Ran a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in 1:55:31 to celebrate my 30th birthday!
~ Ran a 5K (3.1 miles) AFTER running 13.1 miles!
~ Ran a total of 1,161 miles (including today's mile).
~ Lost 28 pounds just from running and eating healthy.
Since it was my one year anniversary for running, I decided (even though today is not a normal running day) to run 1 mile to celebrate! I didn't get out as early as I would have liked to, and it was already around 86 degrees with 66 percent humidity when I headed out for my workout today.
I knew I was only going to run 1 mile today, so I gave it everything I had. I was hoping for it to be a little faster than this, but it was already pretty warm out there for this mile, so I will take an 8:16 mile! Granted it is only for 1 mile and it was a pretty flat mile, but I know I wouldn't have even been this close to an 8 minute mile 1 year ago!
Happy with this 1 mile run, and how much my love for running has grown over the last year!
