If you know anything about me, you know that I am a runner. I began my running career back in the 4th grade with the annual jogathon. It was a mile race open to every elementary 4th and 5th grader. All the schools in the Eau Claire area were encouraged to bring there students. There was a since of school pride to it. It was voluntary, of course, and it was an after school event. Those who chose to run were given a school jersey. Man I wore that jersey with pride. To be honest, I really didn't like running back then. I actually disliked it a lot. I even dreaded it. It was hard, it hurt my legs and I breathed a lot. Often times my side burned like fire when I got done. But I did it anyway. I am not sure why I ran.
I got to middle school and everyone was required to run the mile for gym. Lucky me, I was in a gym class with all boys. I think there was only 3 girls in that class. The mile was scheduled in a few weeks, and I began my training. I wanted to show them boys that I could run. My Mom was my biggest help. She ran beside me listening to all my troubles, encouraging me the entire way. She would even stop and walk with me when I needed a break. I also believe there were a few mental breakdowns along the trail, where I ended up on the ground thinking I could go no further. She was the one to get me back on my feet and continue the run. Now that I look back, she taught me how to run. If it wasn't for her I would not be the runner I am today. Thanks Mom. You are the best. Up until that point, I ran just to run. It was while out on those runs with my Mom that I fell in love with it. It was no long an option or an obligation, but it was a desire. I began to run because it was something I loved to do. (I ended up beating all those boys in my gym class by the way. Well almost, there was one guy that I just couldn't catch. I pretty much blew them out of the water.)
Mom and I continued our running. Running brought my relationship with my Mom closer, probably closer to me then anyones else in the world. It is a love that we both share, and there will be a connection there until the day I die. In the summer of 2006, I believe, we signed up and trained for our first 1/2 marathon together. We both ran across that finish line and it inspired many more races to follow.
On May 3rd, 2009 my love for running brought me across the finish line of a Marathon. 26.2 miles. I ran it in 3 hours and 59 minutes. I trained hard for 3 months prior to that race. I can not begin to explain the feeling of crossing that line.
I run because I can. I run because I love to. Now I will run for my trip. I have decided to dedicate my running to The World Race. I have chosen/will choose 11 different races to run. Each of the races I run I will dedicate to a different country that I will be visiting. I even plan to run another Marathon in June. I am still in the process of finding the races, but once they are known I will post the time and dates of each. And if you
want you can come out and cheer me on.
Here is a recent photo of Mom and I. Still running! Just a couple of goof balls before a race. She ran the Wisconsin Dells 1/2 Marathon, 13.1 miles, and I ran the 5K. I love her.
.
