4 Year Running Anniversary

On August 30, 2015 I went on my first run. A ran because I was angry, because I needed to get away. I was going through my divorce and I was dating someone I thought was perfect for me. That day, I realized neither relationships were going to work out. So I ran to just be alone. I finally realized the person I needed to be with was me. I wanted to push myself harder than I ever had before. For a happier life and to feel something new.
And guess what, I felt better. From that day on, if I was feeling down, I ran. I made time for it in the morning, I made time for it after work. And every time I felt a little bit better.

2015 - 53.36 total mileage - JUST DO IT!

In 2016 I deiced to move to Denver. My life still wasn't in the most stable place, but I could see that it was getting there, slowly. I focused on getting my career and new home life settled and so, my mileage suffered.

2016 - 5.6 total mileage - IT IS OK TO TAKE TIME TO FIGURE YOU OUT!

Finishing my first 5K ever! (Steph is the blond in the front of the photo!)

It wasn't until April of 2017 that I began running again seriously. My new Denver friend Steph suggested I run her favorite 5K with her, The Hot Chocolate. I was super nervous to accept, I couldn't even run two miles without stopping. But I knew I was up to the challenge. I downloaded Couch to 5K and in October of 2017 with Steph by my side, I crossed my first 5K finish line...I ran the entire thing! I never looked back.

2017 - 73.82 total mileage - IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN TOO!

Finished the Rock n Roll 5K with a great time!

In 2018, Steph and I deiced to do the Hot Chocolate 5K together again. It was by this time in my running career that I was on a 5K roll and I had signed up for a bunch of 5Ks and was completely hooked. I wasn't running because I was angry anymore, I was running to see how far I could push myself. Just like what I was trying to do in my new life. It was never easy on either accounts, but I blossomed completely this year. So much so that I decided to start training for my first 1/2 marathon. I started my training cycle on Thanksgiving day.

2018 - 113.94 total mileage - GO FOR SOMETHING BIG!

My first on the ground 1/2 marathon!

2019 has been my biggest year of running yet. I ran my fastest 5K race, the Polar Bear 5K in January with a time of 31:01. I ran my first 1/2 marathon on the treadmill the day after my birthday (3/3) due to a huge snow storm and ran my first on ground, outside, heat and hills 1/2 marathon in April! I finished, I was elated and decided that the 5K was more for me. LOL Since the 1/2 marathon, I've tapered down a lot on my running. I've moved it to the weekends because of my work commute. Not a good excuse, but I just love my slow mornings. It's too hot to run after work right now, so weekends it is. I'm still pushing myself though. I want that 30 minute 5K and I'm hoping I can achieve it at my THIRD legacy Hot Chocolate race this October. Steph will be running with me again! Even with less running, I've still managed to over double my mileage for 2018 in just 8 months. I can be happy with that!

2019 - 261.6 total mileage to date - YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!

In four years of running.....

*509.6 total lifetime miles.
*205 total lifetime runs.
*2.49 miles lifetime average distance.
*11.25 lifetime average pace.
*August 2019 average pace: 10.18.

I'm getting close! 3/7 runs this month were under a 10 minute mile average. I love that I've had a huge improvement this month, my anniversary month. It continues to make running exciting for me. I'm always pushing myself with each run and most importantly, I'm still enjoying it. Thank you for always cheering me on! xx Meg