Once upon a day, a running journey began. It wasn’t a journey I ever thought would be mine, but 11 years later, here we are! If you’ve been with me since the beginning days of Runs With Pugs, you may know the story, but if not… here we go!
Once Upon A Time…
In 2013, my husband wanted to start working out and losing weight. Several of our friends had turned to running at that time, and he thought that might be the answer. In an effort to be a supportive partner, I said I would do it, too. We went to Nike and bought “running shoes” and got new fitness gear from Target. Ready? You know it! We started with Couch to 5K and we were ready to take on the world!
We Set Our Eyes On Our First Race
I am a super goal-oriented person, so I wanted to put a race on the calendar. In fact, I wanted a race so badly that when I saw a Facebook post regarding the Space Coast Half Marathon, and the Big Bang series of medals, I wanted nothing else than to run a half marathon. I figured that could be the long term goal, with other races scattered in between. The 5K that caught my eye was more local: the Florida Striders Memorial Day 5K. It lined up with Couch To 5K and there was a medal. Bingo. We all ran it and we all crushed it, in my opinion.
The Setback
Of course, this wouldn’t be an origin story without a setback. In my case, it was a tonsillectomy. While the surgery was a success, recovery knocked me down hard. My tonsils were a pretty special case, huge and rocky, and adult tonsillectomies are rough. While everything went well with the removal, the shape of my throat and my actual swallowing were forever changed. This led to all sorts of discomfort with breathing, that still isn’t 100% better. If it was easy, everyone would do it, right? Check out my favorite nursemaid, Molly. I miss that nugget.
The Comeback
I was not to be stopped, however. Once my strength was back and I had the ok from the ENT, I was back to Couch to 5K. I trained through the end of the hot summer, with my eyes turned towards two big races: The Disney Tower of Terror 10 Miler in early October, and that Space Coast Half. The now-archived nighttime Disney race was insane, but I did it!
And then on Thanksgiving weekend, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon!
And The Rest Is History!
As I documented the journey, I was pinged for ambassadorships and partnerships. I loved representing races and brands, meeting new friends, and adding to my tally of completed events. Running takes me to new places, through new experiences, and gives me new motivation. Even when I hate it, I love it. And even though I’ll never be the fastest or the most talented, I love finding and achieving new and different goals.
Have you ever taken a walking food tour? Do you like activities that incorporate a little bit of fitness?
Next week’s topic —> Today’s the 10th day of September… let’s look at the 10th letter of the alphabet. Tell us anything with the letter “J.”
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
This year, I am joining up with Zenaida, of The Running Teacher for Tuesday Topics! Please join us every week for a new topic!
That’s a lovely story, Jenn!
Well done for persevering through the tonsillectomy. Not being able to breathe properly while running sounds challenging!
I hope your running journey will continue for many years more!
It’s never gotten 100% better, and the humidity is wretched for it, but it is what it is. I’m proud of myself for still going!
Ugh, that tonsillectomy! Yes, these things are harder for adults. If you had them out as a kid it probably wouldn’t have been a big deal.
Your husband really has lost a lot of weight! And, I love the photo of the two of you and little A with your medals.
He really has. Sadly, it wasn’t in the good way, but he’s been great about taking it off.
And little A is now towering over both of us and won’t run unless someone bribes him lol.
Love your story. I started with Walmart fitness clothes.
I still have my tonsils.
And we both continue to run after ankle surgery. Go us.
We are amazing!
Love this origin story! Mine was similar. I started with couch to 5K also, and then the next thing I knew I was running the Princess half! Sadly, I now have a ruptured ACL, so unless I decide to do the surgery I’m not allowed to run anymore. Boo!
Remember those days?
Oh, no! I didn’t know about your ACL. That stinks! And the surgery is great but it’s a lot of time recovering.