Signing up for races

In 2009 I ran ten 5K's, one 8K, and a 4.2 mile run. I've run with all 4 of my daughters and I've run alone. I have a cheaper generic version of an Ipod and running clothes. And I felt like if I wasn't signed up for a race it was hard to get out and run. My pace varies from 12:30 to 10:45 and at some point I hope to get faster but I'm just happy to complete the races.

And then there were 2

In 2008 another daughter,Eileen, agreed to join me in running. We signed up for two 2 mile runs and I had a new partner. The variety of runners is amazing and everyone is so supportive. At the beginning of a race I'd wonder what I'd gotten myself into but after I crossed the finish line I couldn't wait to sign up for another race.

When will I like it?

I ran off and on that year and struggled to get any faster or go any further. I dreaded running but was determined. I got fitted properly for running shoes and never wanted to take them off. But I still had to force myself to run. I finally asked my brother-in-law who's been running for 30 years and has several marathons under his belt, "When will I start to like it?" He replied, "Oh I hate it. I just like what it does for me." and it was like I had permission to just run and not worry about being a big fan. Because I did like how I felt afterward and it always felt good to stop running.

In the beginning

Ok, so first a little on how I got started running. I'm not a runner, not particularly athletic or should I say, active. But a few years ago my daughter signed us up for a "Learn to Run" class. Yep, they have classes for everything. She was about 4-5 weeks postpartum so I thought it would be just sad if she could do it and I couldn't. Not to mention I was the oldest in the class and nothing motivates me like trying not to be pegged as middle-aged and slow. I did my homework (ran daily) so I wouldn't be the slowest in class. And after 6 weeks I could actually run a mile. I even signed up for the second class, "Ready to Run a 5K."
I ran my first 5K (with another daughter,Kate, running every step of the way alongside) in January 2007, downtown Phoenix, and was hooked.