It's My Runniversary

It was one year ago that I laced up my nasty old sneakers and headed out for Day One of a 5K training program. Run a minute, gasp and catch my breath for a minute, run a minute, repeat. Two months later, I ran my first race (in better shoes), and was starting to feel the benefits of being in better shape. And I'm still running. How did that happen?! I had tried running a couple of times before I had kids, and it didn't stick - my joints got really sore and I never got into good enough condition to be anything but miserable while I was running.

Here are a few reasons I run:

• It's a very quantifiable activity, compared to mothering and managing, and gives me the satisfaction of reaching measurable goals.
• Running gives me time to be alone and think, and it's just for me. It's crucial for anyone in a relationship, especially parents of young children, to have some sacred time of their own. And I suppose there was some psychological thing about reclaiming my body, after having two kids literally devour me.
• Having some coworkers and friends who were also running and/or cheering me on, not to mention a very encouraging husband, made a big difference.
• I know that if I didn't run, I would have to seriously curtail desserts in order to maintain a healthy weight. And you know what a sweet tooth I have. Give up cookies? Yeah, not really an option.

Today, I ran mile 282 of my 400 mile goal for 2011. I'm getting ready for a 10K race on September 17th, and that will be my longest distance, ever. Wish me luck!