In July 2009 my friend told me she was training for a half marathon. I was amazed at her ability and thought I could never do that, but at the same time, I was intrigued. I had been running for about 7 years but I never paid any attention to how far or fast, I just used to for exercise. I had always used to run with my friend at similar paces and distances, so I figured, if she could do it, why not me? On October 10th, 2009 I completed the Baltimore Half Marathon in 2:04:56 and I was hooked on racing!
In January 2010 I went to visit my friend Carolyn and we decided to sign up for the Baltimore Marathon together. It was terrifying actually signing up - I've always said I wanted to run a marathon, but the prospect of actually running 26.2 miles was a bit nerve - wracking, to say the least.
I ran the Baltimore Ten Miler on my 27th birthday (June 19) in 125:50, and the following week began marathon training!
I trained with Charm City Run's marathon group (and two years later started working for them!). After training for two half marathons completely on my own I wanted some support. I highly recommend anyone training for a race where you have to do long runs search for a local running group. It made both the training and racing experience so much better, and I have made some close friends through the group.
I conquered 26.2 for the first time in October, 2010 (4:41:52) and was already googling marathons to find my next challenge while hobbling around the following morning!
I ran the Shamrock Marathon on March 20, 2011, and once again I trained with the Charm City group. Thanks to our amazing coach (and a completely flat course) I took 24 minutes off my time and finished in 4:17:26.
Just four days after finishing my second marathon I signed up for the Northface Endurance Challenge, a 50K trail ultramarathon (31 miles), and was hooked once again, despite only ever having done one short trail run. I've now done eight marathons, four 50Ks, and two 50 mile races.
I also decided to branch out a bit into the world of triathlons in 2011. I bought a bike and I was terrified on my first few rides! I've since completed three triathlons - one sprint, one international, and one 70.3.
I love running, its my exercise, social life, and stress relief!