Why 26.2

I touched on this a little bit in my previous post--but I will go in depth here.

Why do you ask? Well, because I have always been intrigued by the thought of running that long and because--no matter the mileage, the determination it takes to complete those 26.2 miles will never compare to the determination Grandma showed when she was battling her cancer. NEVER. 26.2 will never compare--BUT--it will give me a sense of determination to not only RUN and be HEALTHY but to do something I never imagined. All the while supporting a cause so near and dear to my heart!

I started running a mere 6 months ago. In high school I played soccer and was extremely busy with a million other extra curricular. In College I played soccer my freshman year--and I did cheerleading--but never any running. Running has always been something that I have been intrigued by. I NEVER in a million years would have invisioned myself going out and running 4 miles. When I started in July of 2011--I could barely run 2 minutes! Let alone 4 miles! Tonight--I ran a total of 4 miles--running 90% of this--and taking a few short walking breaks! If this hadn't been my 1st run in 3 weeks--I think it would have gone much better--BUT, it was and well...that's just how the cookie crumbles.

I remember the conversation with a former boss of mine--he ran marathons and loves them! It was so interesting to me when I said to him "One of my life's goal is to run a marathon" and he looked at me and said "Really?? Most people think I am crazy!" To which I replied that I didn't think he was crazy!! This was the "Spark" talking to him--and seeing how it can truly change your life started that initial spark.

Then last year--a good friend of mine started running--and interesting enough RAN his FIRST marathon last year! I was so surprised--but SOOOO encouraged! It was amazing to "watch" as he went from non-runner--to a marathon runner! It was awesome--and such a motivator!

On top of all of that--I found an amazing program through the American Cancer Society called "DetermiNation" A program focused on raising money for the American Cancer Society through endurance events! All the while encouraging you every step of the way!

When I started running last July I had signed up for my 1st 5K and needed to get moving! I started with the Couch to 5K program. I had bought the app for Justin's ipod a LONG LONG LONG time before this, and had used it a time or two but never got past the first week or 2. This time I was DETERMINED! The race I chosen was close to my heart. It was called "The Race for Hope" Hope was what I needed. Hope for future cancer patients and that was exactly what this race was for. It was for ALL types of cancer's. It was to raise money for a local cancer center to bring more advanced cancer treatments here to Sioux City.

I raced this race on September 17th--clocking in a 34:28 time! A time, I NEVER thought possible! I am NOT a fast runner and honestly I just wanted to finish! I wanted to get through the entire course and do it well! I didn't run the entire thing, but I did finish faster than I imagined!! (Especially with the walking I did!). This was just the beginning of my love for running!

I continued training--and ran another 5K race in November that I found through the American Cancer Society but didn't end up fundraising for. It was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed it! I clocked a 5K time of 33:31!

The best part of it all--I am not alone in this running journey! This summer the boys' and I took a trip to my parents house--and because I was DETERMINED to stay on track--I needed to run at their house, but I am quite "big town" phobic and running alone was not really something I wanted to do! So--I begged and pleaded for my dad to run with me. He agreed--and has become a great running partner! We plan to run 12 races this year--2 of which are ESPECIALLY for Grandma! (I don't think he is doing the Marathon--but, possibly the 1/2).

My dad is NOT the only person who runs with me--my wonderful husband Justin has started running! Originally he was (and still is) training to participate in a crazy race called the "Urbanathalon"--I have convinced him to run the 1/2 Marathon with me in July that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society--in memory of Grandma! AND my brother Sean has taken up running (also starting with the Urbanathalon training)--and will be joining me running the 1/2 Marathon in July! Both Justin and Sean plan on completing the Urbanathalon again this October--as well as a few races here and there! :)

Running has become such an amazing part of our lives. I find that running for Grandma completely different than "running for fun" or "running to loose weight" When I get tired or weak or just want to STOP I remind myself--that this is NOTHING compared to what Grandma went through! It is a great motivator and I can see Grandma smiling from above! :)