How did I get into running?

My running journey has had its ups and downs, with different phases along the way.

The funny thing is, I’ve always been a runner—even as a teenager. I just didn’t realize it at the time.

Growing up, I used to go to our town’s main park with my aunts. While they were working out—whether it was walking, running, or doing outdoor Zumba classes—I was right there with them, copying whatever they did. Zumba was like a dance class, so why not join in? Walking was fun too, especially since my aunts wanted me to tag along. It made me feel important. 

Soon enough, they started running. Just short bursts—one or two minutes at a time. It was fun, so I kept joining them whenever I could.

As I got older and, like any adult, faced difficult moments, running was always there for me. But I still didn’t think of myself as a runner. I never thought about the right shoes, running belts, or socks. I just went out and ran—sometimes for 30 minutes, sometimes for 60. I simply wanted to run.

This continued for a few years—on-again, off-again—until a friend asked if we could run together. I remember thinking, “Run together? I’m not a runner.” I had this idea that to be a runner, you had to look a certain way and be an “official” athlete. My friend had been a volleyball player, so I could see her as a runner, but me? No way.

But I said yes, and we went for a run. It was 2 p.m., super hot outside, and we didn’t bring any water. We had no clue about pacing and started off fast. To this day, we laugh when I see the stat on my Runkeeper app: 1.49 miles. Wow. I was a runner. That was back in 2014, and since then, running has been a part of my life.

I’ll admit, sticking with running isn’t easy. Not only do you notice your body changing as you get older, but you also have to learn how to deal with injuries, find the right shoes, understand nutrition, hydration, and more. It takes time to figure it all out. And it takes a village. I was lucky enough to have girlfriends who also enjoy running. One, in particular, has been with me through every half-marathon and even the Philly marathon. She’s fast but always slows her pace just to keep me company.

And with that it came the first 10K. 

Then the first half

The first marathon

First post pregnancy run

And a bunch of other races with the best ladies by my side. 

Happy running, everyone. 

Thanks for stopping by.

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