In 2010, I became a runner.

I had done some running back in my elementary school days via the cross-country and track teams, but once high school hit, that all ended.  Towards the end of 2009, I somehow came across some healthy living blogs. After reading about some pretty inspirational girls, I decided to give the Couch To 5K running program a go documenting my journey HERE.

I was amazed when I finished the C25K program. I honestly didn’t think that I would be able to run a 5K in only 9 weeks, but the program worked! I had the running bug!

I participated in 3 official races/runs in 2010. 

The first, a 5K in Ajax run right alongside lake Ontario. Being my first race, I was pretty scared/nervous! But in the end, it was an amazing experience. You can read my recap on that race here.

I was completely hooked to the idea of racing after that first time out and not even 1 month later I ran my second race – a 10K! I registered for the SportingLife 10K on a whim only because Chris’ work was doing the race as a team. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think I was going to be able to complete the race after only starting to run in January, but you know what? I did it!!! You can read that recap here.

There were many other races throughout the summer that I really wanted to run, but due to a slight lack in funds, I decided against it. However, when my mom had mentioned that she was interested in running the Terry Fox Run in my small town, I couldn’t say no. The local Terry Fox Run ended up being a family event!  My mom, Chris and myself ended up running the 5K portion (mom’s first race!) while my dad and their dog Charlie walked. It was a great day and the start to a new tradition I hope! You can see a recap of that day here.

I just love how in one short year I went from being a non-runner to someone who now loves running and is proud to call herself a runner!

I am just plugging away on the treadmill now that it’s winter here in Ontario, but I am definitely looking forward to warmer days when I can hit the pavement yet again.

Official Race Stats:

Run By The Lake 2010 – Ajax, ON – April 3, 2010 - finishing time: 31:41 -avg. pace 6.21/km - placing 43/117 overall (18/79 females)

Sportinglife 10K – Toronto, ON – May 2, 2010 – finishing time: 1:04:05.1 – no walking!!!