Or walk, whatever, really.
Those of you who’ve been around here for a while (bless your heart), know that in 2013 I started running. I was in the process of trying to make healthier choices and in the midst of losing about 50 lbs. when I got up the nerve (because it truly took a LOT of courage for me to actually do it) to run a short distance on the treadmill at the gym.
By the fall of 2013 I had worked myself up to running three miles and I felt on top of the world. I had never run that distance ever–it was, in all seriousness, one of my proudest moments at the time.
A few friends and I ran a Thanksgiving Day race that was 4.5 miles and in the runner’s high that followed, we signed up for a half marathon, the OneAmerican 500 Festival Mini Marathon, and kept on running. I would say training for that first half was the most dedicated I had ever been to anything in my whole entire life. When the time came to run through the street of Indianapolis that May, I was ready.
From that commitment and experience, I gained so much. I became confident in my body. I learned to see the connection between what I was eating and how my body performed. I learned to work hard physically–really hard–for something for the first time. I started and actually finished a running plan. I became mentally stronger. I became kinder to my body as well as began to work through some dysmorphia issues.
Running changed my life in more ways than I can count.
Which is why I’m so excited to share with you that I’ve been selected as one of thirteen Mini Marathon Ambassadors for the 2017 race. That means I get the privilege of sharing all the awesome things the 500 Festival does for our great state and I get to encourage you to join me in May as we run (or walk!) 13.1 miles. I know many of you aren’t local, but this is such a great destination race too–come to my city, participate in the Mini, and we can meet! How great would that be?
I mean, I’m totally an awkward introvert who would probably say something weird, but it’d still be worth it, right?
RIGHT.
Registration for the 2017 OneAmerica Mini Marathon opens today and I’d love for you to join us. Sign up and select me as your Ambassador (so fancy!). I can’t even begin to tell you how much this race means to me, but I just know you’ll love it as much as I do.
P.S. Actually, I’ve tried before to tell you about this race. Remember these?
When I Forrest Gumped a Half Marathon
The Lord is My Strength @#$%^
Lessons Learned Running My First Half Marathon
Is there a campground near by??? I might be able to sell a camping trip to Indy…
Of course! It might be pretty chilly…or it could be really hot. Both those have happened on race day–but come!!
I used to be the South Carolina Rep to the RRCA. (2009- 2015). Gave it up because shortly after taking up the position, I was diagnosed with ankles that turned black and blue because i took Plavix, a blood thinner. Anyway I’ll be thinking of you while I cycle around the roads on Southeastern North Carolina the Saturday you run. You Go Girl.
Thanks, Tim! Stay safe on the roads! 🙂
I feel like you just called me out to sign up again!!
And those pictures of us are priceless! I felt like we were on top of the world!!
I AM TOTALLY CALLING YOU OUT!
Remember the feeling of training hard and finishing that first race? Let’s do that again.