A year ago today, I took my Garmin on it’s first spin. I’d done 2-3 runs outside before that using my phone to track my distance/pace, but found the tracking to be really inconsistent, and quickly ordered a Garmin, hoping it would help me with my goal of completing a 5K. So, I took it out for a spin. I ran 2 miles at about an 11 min pace with multiple stops to “stretch” and I felt like I was going to die. One of my favorite things about my Garmin is that I can look back and see that this was my first logged “official” training run.
Since that day, I have completed 13 races including 4 half marathons, and in exactly 39 days (omgomgomgomg commence FREAK OUT because that is soooclose) I will cross the finish line of my dream marathon. It seems almost unreal, like I have never had a life without running, and like I just started yesterday, all at the same time. I do know that I can’t imagine my life without running. It has given me happiness, crazy runner’s high endorphins, friendships, and a crap ton of pain and frustration, but most of all, it has given me freedom. I am beyond grateful that I developed this passion, and for the journey that has just begun.
Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane to celebrate, shall we? 😉 Here’s some of my favorite running moments from the last year:
- Completing my first race.
Those 3.1 miles seemed so long. I’ll never forget the first moment I discovered what it felt like to cross the finish line. Ummm, addicting. - My first “speedy” run with Kara followed by our first trip to Bosa Donuts!
It was our first training run at a sub 10 pace. We were OMG-SO-EXCITED, and it was the first time I caught the “I WANT TO BE FASTER” bug. Also, donuts are awesome. - My first double digit run.
It was the first long run (other than when 4 miles was my long run) that I did solo. It was Thanksgiving day, and I had so much to be Thankful for. I finished strong, shed a few tears, then hosted one of my favorite holiday for many of my favorite people. - My first half marathon.Â
Training for PF Chang’s was one of my favorite experiences of my life, and as it gets to be that same time of year again, and I am training for an other huge goal, it’s really nice to step back and look at the beginning of my journey such a short time ago. I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes, took out my phone and it was ringing. My best friend said “Where are you?” “I’m at the finish line. I did it.” Then I cried more, and wore my medal around for about a week.
- My favorite half marathon.
 The stars aligned. I had the perfect race on the perfect day with the perfect friend. I loved 2 hours 4 minutes and 59 seconds of it.
- My first track work out. GUESS WHAT!!! The track is awesome. It’s become my new favorite.
- An amazing, probably best run of my life time trial with Tali and Camille. This was the first run in oh so long that I got out of my head, trusted in how my body felt, and just ran. I had amazing company that kept me going, and I ran faster than I have in any long run, or long race for that matter. A perfect day in Portland to wrap up a summer of marathon training with people not actually training for a marathon 🙂
- The first new distance of marathon training. New distances are the only thing I love more than track. I have 2 left to tackle before the marathon, and unless I die, they will also be in my list of favorites. This was a particularly awesome run with Nicole and Stacey that was exhausting, but incredibly rewarding, and a big step in the direction of 26.2.
What’s your favorite running memory?
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb says
Love it! I have many favorite moments. I think my most favorite is the first time I was able to make it around the block without stopping =)
Ari says
I love stories that begin there. Whenever I read running blogs of people who have just always run, I’m never as impressed as I am by people who made their first milestone by making it to the end of the street. You’ve come a long way, lady!
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed says
My favorite running moments have to be finishing my 2 long races – the Broad Street 10 miler in Philly and my one and only half marathon! Such a great feeling when you finish 😀
Ari says
Absolutely!! One of my very favorite feelings!
Iris Lee says
Wow – what an inspirational journey in running! I can’t wait to start back up after my sprained ankle heals completely. Question though – how do you run in the Arizona heat (not so much an issue now that we’re heading into the bliss that is Arizona fall)?
Ari says
I get up reallllllly early (like sometimes 3:45 early), carry water, and try not to cry because the pace on my watch is so slow. I’m not sure I would train for something this big again this time of year, but it’s definitely made me tougher! I always said I couldn’t run in the heat, but then I had to, so I just made it happen.
Stacey @ Pugmamastace says
It’s really hard to name a favorite running moment of mine…most of them have been during and after training runs, because I have run my fastest and had the most success pace-wise during those. I do have to say that PR’ing at the Firefly Run was pretty awesome, but I felt like death warmed over crossing the finish line! I really loved the feeling of accomplishment after we ran 14 that one Saturday morning, and esp after 17! You have come such a long way in a year! Can you believe that in one yr you went from first 5k to first full marathon!??
Stacey @ Pugmamastace says
It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite running moment…most of mine have been during or after training runs, because that’s when I’ve had the most success with pace. I do have to say that PR’ing during the Firefly Run was awesome, but I felt like death wrmed over crossing the finish line! I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment when we ran 14, and esp 17! Those were fav moments, too. OMG 39 days!??? For reals~????
Stacey @ Pugmamastace says
Oopsie! I thought I deleted the first comment and was so mad lol!!!
Robin says
You’ve only been running one year?! I thought you were a seasoned pro!! Now that the weather is starting to cool down, I think I might try and start jogging a little bit again 🙂
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
Yay for running!! That’s great, you are going to kill your marathon!
My favorite memories include running my first half marathon, running my PR half marathon and hopefully finishing my first marathon on Sunday!
Nicole @ The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie says
Congrats on one year girl!! You have come so far and you should be increedibly proud!! You are such an inspiration 🙂 I am so excited for you to cross the finish line at your marathon next month!!
I’ve got lots of favorite running memories but some of my favorite are crossing the finish line at my first half marathon – then mashing my sub-2 goal just 1 year after my first half 🙂 Of course I have amazing memories from all of my races that include travel, those are always the best!
Kate says
Bosa donuts!!! When I move to Arizona, we should be running buddies and donut buddies too 😀
Lisa says
my favorite thing is when i lurk your blog and discover mention of myself in a post. looove you.