Moments of Running

Yesterday’s Workout: 2000 meter swim

Today’s Workout: 2000 meter swim

Yesterday I posted my review of The Rules of Inheritance and the book is about moments that define you.  It got me thinking about the moments that have defined me and mostly the moments that have defined the running me.  Even though the moments may be small, not about a PR or my longest distance run, the moments changed what kind of runner I am.

Running Moment #1 – When I took the 1st running step:  In 2008, I wasn’t liking my living situation nor my dating life so I decided to jump into a new hobby.  I had started running again months ago and began cruising running websites.  I came across the lottery page for the NYC Half Marathon and, on a whim, decided to enter.   A couple of weeks later an email showed up saying I won a spot.  The courage it took to sign up morphed into the courage to change my living situation and my life.

Running Moment #2 – When I knew I would cross a finish line: Instead of just showing up at the start line for a half marathon totally green, I signed up for a couple of races prior to the 2008 NYC Half.  One June 7, 2008, I stood at the start for the NYRR Mini 10k with a ball of knots in my stomach.  My first race as an adult.  How would I do?  Would I make a fool of myself?  I finished and no one could take the smile off my face that day.

Running Moment #3 – When I knew a I would run a marathon: I volunteered at the finish line for the 2008 NYC Marathon and watched as runners cried, cheered and even collapse after crossing the finish.   I wanted to feel the way they felt and signed up for the NJ Marathon as soon as I got home.

Running Moment #4 – The 2009 Philadelphia Marathon: I had the flu the week before but still had high hopes for the race.  Around mile 13 I hit the wall and the next 13 miles were the longest of my life.  I made it through but I’ve never run a race that tested my mental toughness like that one did.

Running Moment #5 – Finishing My NYC Marathon: Two years in the making and the only marathon finish that brought tears to my eyes.  I had finally run MY city.

Running Moment #6 – My last pregnancy run: It wasn’t anything special and I felt horrible the whole time but it was my last run as Liz and not as a mom.

What running moments have defined you?