Yes you read that right. I had never ran more than 3 miles and I just completed my first ten mile race back in May.
I feel as though there is a terrible misconception about running. Some think, either you have it or you don’t. That running is some sort of innate quality. I have commonly heard people say “I’m just not a runner”. If I am going to be honest, I said it too. The media shows ripped men and women crossing the finish line or teens running 5-minute miles and it steers people away. The truth is anyone can be a runner. Let me say that louder for the people in the back ANYONE CAN BE A RUNNER. Running doesn’t discriminate: no matter your height, weight, body type, experience, YOU can be a runner.
How did I get here?
I was a competitive dancer for 12+ years and I played soccer for ten of those years as well. I despised running. It was the worst part about conditioning for the seasons. I got away with being athletic enough for my sports and I’d like to say I was pretty good too. But that all ended and I went to college.
After freshman year when covid hit I felt that covid was limiting my options as far as working out goes. There were so many restrictions at gyms and at my favorite group exercise classes only allowed so many people. Additionally, I was arguably in the worst shape of my life. After leaving a sport I loved for 12+ years made me feel lost. I felt as though my identity as an athlete disappeared before my eyes.
So this year I made it my mission to become a quote “runner”. I wanted to be that running bitch you see on Instagram and Tik Tok. I had never ran more than a 5k, so I knew this was going to be a challenge. I will admit running is both mentally and physically challenging but also so rewarding. Running is not just a sport but a community and when I completed my race the support was unlike anything I have felt before.
I promise you and (I don’t make a lot of promises) that if I can be a runner you can too… don’t roll your eyes. Is it easier said than done? yes. but I promise you won’t look back.
Phew that was a lot to unpack, but basically…
In this category I will talk a lot about how to be that running bitch but also how to celebrate and move our bodies.
There is more to come on all things running, nutrition, my favorite ways to workout and more, but for now, if you need a sign to tie up your sneakers and head out the door, this is it.