My Running Story
Three years ago around this time I was coming off of a 4-month weight loss journey where I lost approximately 30 pounds through counting calories and exercising regularly. I was doing an aggressive strength-training regime where I’d lift weights at the gym 4-5 days per week.
Occasionally I would walk/run the 1.5 miles to the gym or run for 25 minutes on the treadmill before or after my workout. I remember being thrilled that I could run for 25 minutes straight, but never actually *enjoying* it. I ran track in middle school and my distances were the 800 m and the 1,500 m. I was not “good” by any means but I remember thinking running was so, so, so hard back then. I didn’t think it was something I would ever enjoy!
After starting this blog in September 2008 I began to stumble upon all these great running blogs like Runners Rambles, Chic Runner and Sassy Molassy. I loved reading about how these girls would run for 1 – 3+ hours at a time and train for half-marathons and marathons. I wanted to do that. I wanted to be a runner!
I signed up for my first half-marathon in February 2009 (and ran it in May 2009) and haven’t looked back since.
Today, running defines so much of who I am. People will ask what I have planned for a weekend and I’ll say “oh you know, running!” I’ve already spent over $200 on race registration fees for 2011 and have plans of spending at least $200 more.
“You PAY to run?” –> A question I get asked a lot.
YUP! And I love it! It is by far my favourite/most fun hobby (second only to blogging!)
Since I first signed up for that half-marathon over two years ago I have had so many wonderful running experiences. I trained for my first two half-marathons and most of my third half-marathon sans Garmin – I think this was so good for me because it taught me how to run based on feel, not pace. I have ran on the trails, on the road and on the track. I’ve had really crappy runs and really good runs.
I have ran races with friends…
…and alone
I’ve ran one marathon, four half-marathons, five 10K’s, three 15K’s, one 5K and an 8K trail race.
I’ve ran when through happy moments, sad moments and angry moments.
I’ve dealt with injuries and time off from running.
I’ve ran in some really gorgeous places.
And met some super awesome people!
Running has been good to me the last 2.5 years. It might be corny to say, but it has changed my life, for the better!
It’s not just a fitness regime for me. It’s a lifestyle! And I’d rather spend my weekends getting up early and going for a run than doing anything else.
Today is National Running Day and I am celebrating by going for a trail run this morning and possibly hitting up the track for an interval workout tonight. This weekend I am running my 6th race of 2011 – a 5K Trail Race in Kelowna, B.C.
I can’t wait to see where else my running takes me in the coming years. My plan is to be 70 and still running 
What’s your running story?
Yay, wonderful story
I love all the beautiful places you have run and the awesome people you have met in particular!
I love reading about your running but sadly, for me, running has not changed my life for the better. Being a healthy person who works out consistently and eats well has, but not running. I have too much negativity associated with running because my body seems to hate it so much. I do enjoy doing it, but I’m just always worried about the next injury (or really just, my knee hurting again- as it is now of course!). For me, it’s really just more frustrating than anything else
But there is always that wish that someday it will not be!
Oh my gosh, I totally forgot today is National Running Day! Oops! And i totally am not running since I have my nephew’s birthday celebration tonight!
Love this post! The pictures are awesome – you are lucky to have so many pics of you running, I don’t really have any!!
Running has had sucn an amazing impact on my life, too! I’ve met great people, I’ve pushed my body to it’s limit, and I’ve gotten in such great shape.
And PS – maybe we can squeeze in a run along the sea wall next July when we are in Vancouver?
Running is a love hate sport sometimes but the love times always outweigh the hate times. I have been running for so long, but only in the last few years has it really become something I love to do.
“You pay to run?” is a big question I get. People don’t understand- it’s not just to run. It’s to be part of an event and join a community. And you get a sweet tshirt.
Great story, and I had no idea it was national running day! I always love your race recaps because the trail races are gorgeous routes. I started running when I was 13 with my mom, and I ran a 5K, 10K, and half marathon all in the first 6 months! I’ve been addicted ever since.
You’re so inspiring, Amber! I’m still at the “I can barely run for 25 minutes straight and I don’t like it” phase, but I’d love to be a runner who actually enjoys it.
great story. the best part is that you picked this up early in life. It took me until I was ~40yrs old to make running a part of my life.
Love this post! I started running before my wedding to help lose weight, but I could barely run a 3k loop without stopping multiple times. I remember my first 5k in October 2009, and I had to walk so many times. But I didn’t give up, I kept training and pushing myself and I just finished my first half marathon last weekend. I think I might have caught the half bug!
I don’t really have a running story… I have not really been a “runner” since high school when I played soccer. That was really when I first started running. To get in shape for soccer season I trained with the track team (and hated it) and was not good or fast at all. Now, I just jog for the cardio because I would much rather jog outside then do anything on a treadmill and I get sick of group fitness classes FAST!
Oh wow I didn’t know it was national running day but I wrote about my running journey today anyway! How serendipitous.
I had no idea today is national running day! I’m glad I know and glad I have a run scheduled for my lunch hour. A treadmill run but at least it’s a run, right? I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with running but once I start I’m addicted, as per usual.
Loved this post, the photos and of course the reminder that it’snational running day
<3
I love your running story! I’ve always loved running. I was a chubby kid. Starting in Junior High I was trying to loose weight and running was the only part of that process that I loved. But I do go through phases where I take months off at a time… but I always come back to it
Ah, I totally wish I was a runner! I know it takes a lot of time to get an endurance and all that, but I’ve just never been able to get into it. It’s one of those hobbies I just always WISH I had. It looks like it’s been treating you really well though & if you’re happy that’s so important! I need to work on getting in a bit more shape and then I’ll try and find myself an exercise-type hobby lol!
I’ve been trying to become a runner since January. I know I *can* run — in high school, I could run a 6:30 mile, but I’ve gotten lazy over the last ten years. Now that the weather is nice, I’ve been forcing myself to run or go to yoga at least 3 times a week. My question for you is this: When did you start ENJOYING it?
That’s a really good question. I’ve always enjoyed how I felt after a run – there’s nothing quite like it. But enjoying the run itself? I’d say that took a few months. Close to the end of my half-marathon training. And even now, I run 4 – 5 times a week and I certainly don’t enjoy every run. Some runs I really feel like crap. But I LOVE the way I feel AFTER a run and I think that’s what keeps me coming back to it!
I love running so much. Its so awesome that blogging lets me read about other people love for it too.
I think that its great that you are a runner. You are amazing and I love that you’ve met so many fantastic people through your sport.
Love this post!!!! Isn’t running the best?
Thanks for the link too, so honored to be a tiny part of it!
What a great post Amber!! I might have to write down my story some day. I get a lot of the same comments you do- you pay to run, you are running/racing again?
It’s awesome and I hope to run until I am 70+ also! I might win an AG then!!
What a fabulous story! I wanted to be a runner for awhile, but I’m not sure I can really get into it. I want my story to be similar though for yoga! As always, you’re a fitness inspiration!
I love reading people’s running stories. They’re so inspiring! I really don’t know exactly when I went from running because I thought I should / had to (sports) to running because I wanted to / loved it. Now I can’t imagine life without running!
I just ran across your page today (I saw your comment on mealandmiles) and you are truly an inspiration. I am 25 years old and have gained about 20 pounds since college. I have an unhealthy relationship with food. By the way, I read your “I am binge eater” blog and I loved it because now I know I’m not alone. Anyway, I’m just starting my weight loss journey and I just wrote out my goals this morning:
1) I WILL become a runner! (This is my DREAM…ultimately, I want to run in the Disney Princess marathon.:)
2) I WILL lose 5 pounds (5 times):)
3) I WILL wear a two piece bathing suit in public and rock it!
4) I will go to kickboxing CONSISTENTLY and I will be a beast in that setting!
And then I found your blog, which is very similar to the journey I WILL be having. Just wanted to let you know you have given me some hope today that I can do this. I will definitely be a reader of your blog. Have a great day!
Great post!
My running story is still very much in progress, but I like where it’s headed
oops, that didn’t link my URL!
Thank you for sharing your running story! I love when you post about running.
You have actually helped motivate me to *become* a runner; there is definitely a camaraderie among runners, and I love that. It’s like being part of an exclusive, but always welcoming, club.
My running story just started with my first race, a 5-miler, on May 22nd, so I have a ways to go… but I definitely look forward to doing a post like this a year from now recapping my first year as a “real” runner.
The transition from “hobby / exercise ” to lifestyle seems to be irreversible – once you “get” it, you never look back.
My story is long, but the gist of it being that through this lifestyle/love of running, I’ve met some of my very best friends (including D) and stepped out of every comfort zone that I once thought defined me. Like I said…no looking back!
your story is wonderful!! and inspirational to say the least! i have ran since high school…but became serious about it when my brother got cancer in 2003. it was my way to go through some pain of my own while he was going through treatment. these days i am actually taking some time off…however it still holds a special place in my heart!
I love that picture of you running in the all black – it is such a cool shot, and you look great!
I have never really liked running, because it is SO HARD! I don’t think I have the lungs for long distance running … but I want to like it.
Cool post! I didn’t realize today was the day… guess I’ll have to post tomorrow.
I was never a runner either, did a few 10Ks in college for fun but I never considered it running. When I was in Africa I didn’t have much else to do. the day I somehow ran 30 kilometers I realized I could maybe do it.
I ran big sur 26.2 a month ago today (!) and will be running the SF marathon two months from yesterday. I love running because it lets me turn of my very overly active brain.
i love your running story! thanks for sharing!
and this quote is the best: “It’s not just a fitness regime for me. It’s a lifestyle! “
I read this yesterday but didnt have time to comment. I love your story, i tried to remember you in clearview years but i don’t remember you being chubby lol or ever for that matter!! Anyway i’ve always been active and have always been a little bigger. I didnt really start running again until i met Steve and then you started your blog and the rest is history! Your such an inspiration, i love your determination and strength. The combination of Steve, you and having Taylor this past year really pushed me to complete my half training and first half last weekend. I said if Amber can do it so can I, if i can have Taylor drug free and naturally I sure as hell can do this lol and Steve by my side the whole time was amazing. I loved how he stayed back with me it really meant a lot! Running has helped me loose 52lbs this past year, it has made me more confident and i love how it makes me feel so free. I LOVE those perfect runs where your so focused your breathing and stride are effortless and every step feels as good as chocolate cake!! LOVE IT
What a great story! I’m so glad running has been so positive for you. It’s inspiring me!
This was a fun post! I love all your photos. Thanks for the linky love. Always shocking to hear when I inspire others, but I know that what’s hum drum to one can be totally new and exciting to others. Anyway, I think it’s amazing how much we all support and encourage each other. Because of this great blogging community, I keep wanting to sign up for more races that other blogger runners are doing. Good luck this weekend at the 5K!
Aw, Amber, loved hearing your running story! It’s great to see all the different reasons people are drawn to running!
What a great post! I read it the day you posted it but didn’t have time to comment
My running story is actually really similar to yours… At first it was really just way to get in some exercise, then I started appreciating running while still not actually enjoying it… Then all of a sudden I realized – I actually like this! I think the moment I truly realized that I enjoyed running though was when I went for that first run after my knee stopped hurting… and I told myself I don’t care how slow I have to run, but I’m never giving up running!
[...] So, hi! I’m Amber. I’m 23 years old and I live in Kamloops, BC. I’ve been running since 2009 and I’ve ran one marathon, five half-marathons and several smaller races including trail races and a sprint triathlon. You can find race reports from every race I’ve ever ran here and you can learn more about my running story here. [...]