Origin stories are fun, but the running origin story is even more exciting, in my opinion. I love to see how people either continued a lifelong love of the sport, or stumbled upon it at an older age.
So, this is how it all began…
Once Upon A Time…
I didn’t run. Not a step. I hated the very idea of it, and was proud to say that if you saw me running, it was because something was chasing me and you should run, too. Speedwalking was way more in my wheelhouse, and I would walk miles around my neighborhood. And then, one day, Mr PugRunner, in search of a fitness regimen for himself, said he wanted to run. In an attempt to be supportive, I said I would run with him. It was February of 2013, and this running origin story had its’ (very slow) start.
Couch to 5K
Like so many others, we chose the Couch to 5K program as our introduction into the running world. We were dedicated, but we ended up training separately. Little man was a bit too big for a jogging stroller, and still on training wheels, so we couldn’t quite manage it together. It was fine and we were dedicated. We followed the program, got fitted for shoes and stuck with it.
My First Race Experience
I remember finding my goal 5K. It was a local Memorial Day race, and it boasted a medal! I wanted a medal in the worst way. My love of shiny bling is critical to my runner origin story. We ran the heck out of that 5K and I was hooked (even if I did hyperventilate and almost vomit at the finish line). Mr PugRunner, not as much, but he stayed a good sport for quite some time. As an aside, I have tried to run this same race every year, that’s how much I loved it.
And Then I Had A Tonsillectomy
Every running origin story has its villain, and the role of archenemy went to… my tonsils. If you’ve been reading along with me for all these years, you may remember that I used to be plagued by vicious bouts of strep throat. I would contract it several times a year, and often ended up in the ER because my throat would swell shut. The older I got, the more I contracted strep, the longer it would take to recover, and I hated being on antibiotics so frequently. Finally, we met with an ENT who very strongly recommended their removal, so we scheduled my surgery for June of 2013.
I’m not going to lie: adult tonsillectomies are hell. Recovery took about a solid two months and I struggled terribly with the pain. That being said, I have zero regrets. I haven’t had strep (or really any major illness) since, and I am forever grateful. The negative is that I had to start back at square one.
But I Came Back For More…
The Space Coast Half Marathon, if we’re being specific. Yes. I decided that running a half marathon would be the perfect “reward” for my recovery from surgery, and so I registered and made it happen! And you know? I loved it. In no time, I had a list of must-do races, and I planned to register for just about everything!
The Saga Continues…
That was seven years ago. In that time, I’ve run countless 5Ks and 10Ks, almost 20 half marathons, one full marathon, two trail relays, and a bunch of other events. Running and racing is my hobby and my love. Unfortunately, right now, I have been felled by my second archenemy (the stairs), so I have been out of the game for about four months, but I am working hard to come back!
It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Topics with KookyRunner and Zenaida!
Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!
What’s your runner origin story?
I love that you registered for a half marathon as your comeback after surgery – that’s how you know that you love running!
Thanks for linking up with us for Tuesday Topics.
Now I have to figure out if memphis is still a go or what my next half will be!
I started running in 2005. Ran a few races and then signed up and ran The Chicago Marathon. Not sure what I was thinking. Haha, but I have no regrets. I’ve heard many great things about the Space Coast Half Marathon. It is usually around Thanksgiving, right? So your husband doesn’t run anymore? Thank you for linking up with us!
Space Coast is always the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It’s a fabulous half marathon. Mr PugRunner will do a 5K here and there if I ask nicely, but that’s it for him. He’s done.
But you’re on a comeback and I truly believe the third time will be the charm for you! It’s a life long love affair for me…
I love a good origin story! I was the same as you, I liked the idea of running but it was so hard and doing treadmill incline walks or the stairmill was getting me a good burn. But then the recession came and I had to stop my gym membership and needed a free way to get cardio intensity, and running was the only thing that fit the bill. So I started and haven’t stopped since.
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I guess you need another half marathon for your second comeback after surgery.
I think having a comeback staged is such a great incentive š I came back so much stronger, and I can see you’re on that road as well. Full steam ahead!
You had just had your tonsillectomy when I first discovered your blog and I remember being so worried about your health. You certainly made a huge statement with your comeback half!
That seems like a lifetime ago. Still the best decision I ever made, even though it was a scary recovery.
All these challenges and yet here you are, still dedicated to running! I’m sure you’ll get to run your comeback race this year!
It was literally just rescheduled! I’m so excited!