running + health

Throughout college, I was an on again-off again runner.  After moving from Georgia to North Carolina in 2010, I began running consistently.  I was not really into races and didn't have a real "plan."  Running became my escape.  I started a new career when I moved states, and it didn't seem to be the best fit for me.  My co-workers were not helpful and my bosses were not encouraging or supportive.  In 2011 with the support and encouragement of other bloggers, I decided to train for a half marathon.

 
I completed my first half marathon in November 2011.  This experience was honestly life changing.  Running was my chance to feel successful.  I proved, if only to myself, that I could be good at something.  For me, being "good" was following through with something and finishing it.  Even though that race felt like the hardest thing I had ever done, I knew that I was hooked and would have to do it again.  Since then, I've completed numerous short distance races and another half marathon.  I've persevered through injury and have dreams of completing longer distance races.

After years of eating terribly and gaining plenty of weight, I finally made some significant health changes in my life in 2012.  I threw away the idea that the number on the scale is most important, and I decided to just feel good about myself.  I became conscious of the food I put into my body and realized I feel best about myself when I sweat on a regular basis.  Finding your own balance, between eating, health, and fitness, is most important.  Beauty comes not from the way your body looks but from confidence and feeling good about yourself.  Being healthy is a balance between what you put into your body and how you decide to be active.

Running PR's//

5k:  Day of the Dead 5k, Raleigh, NC, November 2, 2013 - 33:22

10k:  Tobacco Trail Trot, Durham, NC, February 23, 2013 - 1:04:52

Half Marathon:  OBX Half Marathon, Kitty Hawk, NC, November 12, 2011 - 2:42:25