From Couch to 5k to Half Marathon: My Journey to Becoming a Runner

Recently, I was in a major running slump. I was burned out. I was sick of racing. I loathed the very idea of lacing up my sneakers and pounding the pavement. My passion was gone. A friend loaned me the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, swearing it would inspire me and motivate me to get back into it. I literally devoured that book and to say I was inspired would be an understatement. The stories were bizarre and breathtaking but it was the words written in the beginning pages that reminded me of why I began to run in the first place and why I continue to run: "We run when we're scared, we run when we're ecstatic, we run away from our problems and run around for a good time." 

I think many of us are guilty of picturing our lives being a certain way by a certain time in our lives. I know I did. Marriage, babies, white picket fences. I pictured it all. What I didn't picture was that at the age of 27 I would be overweight, depressed, and living thousands of miles away from my family in a marriage that was quickly approaching it's expiration date. My life had spun out of control and I didn't know how to get it back. I realized that I needed something just for me that I could feel good about. I needed one thing that I could succeed at when I felt like I was failing at everything else. 

The idea of running did not come to me in a dream, or through some spiritual epiphany. And I didn't read about its many health benefits in Shape magazine. One of the only close friends I had at that time, Molly, was a runner and suggested I try it - couldn't hurt right? I found the Couch to 5k program online and decided I'd give it a shot. To keep myself motivated, I registered for a 5k 9 weeks out. I figured if nothing else, just knowing that I had a race in two months would scare me into sticking with it. 

Training wasn't easy. I was slow. I was not in any kind of shape. I fought shin splints. I had bought cheap, crappy shoes because I didn't know any better. There were good days and there were bad days, but I never regretted getting out there. On October 2, 2010 I finished my first 5k - the Shelby Bottoms Boogie - in 33:33. I ran the whole thing without stopping thanks to Molly running next to me and encouraging me the entire time. I was so excited that I had done it but I'm not going to lie, I was not addicted to running after that - I still didn't get it. I did two more races within the next four months, each one worse than the one before. I kind of gave up and took off about 3 months off before picking it up again - and actually sticking with it - for good.

Something clicked the following spring when I started running again and I really started to love and appreciate it. My pace improved and it got easier........no........I got better! I experienced the infamous "runner's high" and gradually increased my mileage. I finally felt like I was a runner.

Fast forward three years, I've lost probably 25ish pounds and I have run 9 5k's, a 15k, 2 half marathons, and am currently training for my third. I love running. I crave it. It can brighten my mood even on my worst days and I love that it keeps me healthy and in shape - both mentally and physically. It makes me feel strong, accomplished, and fierce. Running gave me the confidence to regain control of my life and find happiness again. It saved my life and I am truly a better person because I am a runner.

L.

21 Days To Make a Habit

By Kayla, Editor

If you're like me, you're finding it hard to start running...and to stay running.  Since I was a junior in college I've had a marathon on my bucket list, but the closest I've ever gotten to achieving that goal is walking the last mile in a 5k.  Starting the Spark. Facebook page and blog are two of my most legitimate attempts at making myself a "runner;" that, and trying make it a habit. 

I have read over and over in fitness magazines that you have to put in 21 days to make something a true habit.  After doing some research (probably spending a significant amount of time on pinterest), I came up with this nifty little mind trick (pictured). I took 21 pieces of stickie note tabs and numbered them 1 to 21.  At the end of each run, I take one down.  Now granted it's only been 3 days, but I can't tell you have much pride I feel taking each tab down as I complete it.