You can do it – call me a runner.

Growing up, I swore I would never be a runner.  I wasn’t very fast, I couldn’t run for a long time, and I didn’t understand how anyone thought it was fun.  I soon learned to “never say never”.  I began running a few years ago when I switched careers.  I was entering a field in which physical fitness standards were set and required to be met. 

A timed mile and a half run?  Really?  And sprints?  Are you sure?

So the running began in class.  In order to pass the class, we had to pass the fitness standards.  This was the first time I ran outside of a gym class, and I didn’t want to admit I was beginning to maybe, kinda sorta like it.  “Never” was biting me in the butt.  I ran with military cadences (thank you J for getting me started with them) to keep a steady pace.  By the time of testing at the end of the semester, I surprised even myself by beating the time required!

That’s when it all started.  I began going for runs outside, planning time after work to run on the treadmill (since I get off late – like pitch dark late), and missing it when I haven’t been able to run for a few days.

What??  Who am I??  “Never” was really biting me in the butt, and leaving marks!

I even enjoy running enough now that I am getting the itch to sign up for a couple 5ks this summer.  And I’m talking real 5ks, not ones with obstacles like the Warrior Dash (I’ve tackled that guy twice-and he liked it).

So, I’ve done it – I’ve converted.  You can call me a runner. Womp, womp…  Heck, I’ll even call myself a runner!

My next task in this running journey is to find some good running music.

What is your favorite music to run to??

** For this post, I am linking up with Amanda and Beka, and others for the Runners Tell All Monthly Link-Up!  Have a story of how your running journey started?  Be sure to link-up!