Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org).
My Running Moment: Disneyland 2011
Last September I ran my first ever half-marathon. I had never really thought about running for fun until I made the decision that in order to stay healthy I needed to start moving! As a former collegiate athlete I always ran because I had to stay in playing shape. When college ended I felt that I had done enough running for a lifetime. After a few years I realized that I had made an unhealthy decision. I was lethargic and unhappy.
While talking with some of my friends I found that they felt the same way. We decided that together we were going to change our habits. Our goal was to train together and hold each other accountable for healthy living. With that, our goal of running in a half-marathon was born and in September we traveled to the happiest place on earth and completed our first half-marathon. Since then, I have continued in my healthy choices and have been able to run in another half-marathon and even went so far as to run a full marathon!
How I Did It:
1. Partner Up – Find support from friends and family. Having training partners is wonderful. They keep you accountable to stick to a schedule. On days when you can’t run together call a friend/family member to say when you will start, when you want to finish, and what pace you want to run at; at the end of the run check back in to share your progress.
2. Set Realistic Goals – As I trained, I set many goals. I made sure that they were attainable and would motivate me on my journey. It is really easy to just think of an end result, but you have to plan on how to get there. Each time I met a goal I made a new one. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time.
3. Make It Fun – Yes, I ran with friends at Disneyland, but that is not the only fun that I had. I ran in my neighborhood, at the gym, and also found new places to run around my community. I would also play games while I ran. Not every run is easy so you have to make it fun! I would challenge myself to run through three songs or I would set distance challenges.
I started running to challenge myself to make better choices and to live a healthier lifestyle. I found out that I really enjoy it. It challenges me and makes me stronger physically and mentally. Like most things that are hard, they have lasting impacts. I didn’t only change part of my life I changed all of it. I have been able to apply the above three steps to other parts of my life with great success. When faced with a challenge at work or home I find a support group, set goals, and make it fun. Who knew that when I started this journey I would be rewarded with so much! My “running moment” has become a running lifestyle.
Kristie Birkenstock
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