Ran 8 in 66 minutes. NOT FAST FOR MOST OF YOU BUT GOOD FOR ME!!! haha! 8:25 ave. I ran 13.1 a couple of weeks ago at that pace....so maybe I am not getting faster, but it is the fastest time I have been able to run this route. I started running the first week of November and it has taken me this long to be able to just run a training run in 8.5 mm. I got a facebook message from a guy that I went to elementary and high school with. I just love it when you get a nice compliment and not the backhanded ones like having man, biker calves! ha! I had to repost it since it just makes you feel good for all of you that love running and a nice story! The Amy smile that changed a person - You would never know this about nearly a year ago I was burned out with my new job, probably somewhat depressed in life and all around kind of bummed. I was working WAY too much, and not doing anything to keep myself happy or spend time with my family. I was also at the heaviest weight I have been in my life. I knew I needed to change something, improve myself, and feel better. I was considering running since 20-30 minutes a day would give me more benefit than the same time on a bicycle (that I have always loved). As I drove in my car I started to watch for people running to get an idea of what it was like, what they wore, where they ran, how fast they ran, etc. On my way to work I saw you running along Creek Road and I would have never recognized you if it were not for Facebook. What stood out was that you were running with the biggest smile possible. Your smile was part of the trigger that motivated me to change myself and learn how to run.
That same day I started a crash diet and lost 20 pounds in a few weeks (tubby guys can do that). Then bought my first pair of running shoes, and started running 3 days a week. Starting at 1 mile, that I struggled to complete without walking, I slowly build up endurance over the next year. Being very dedicated I never missed a run, and I would always work on improving my times. I continued to lose another 20 pounds. By the end of October I was running 5 miles 3 times a week so I moved over to a half-marathon training schedule. I followed that religiously and last weekend completed my first half-marathon in 1:58:06. I still have plenty to improve on, and new goals to reach and many more miles to run. But I felt you should know that your one smile more than a year ago made a big impact in a way that you would never realize. Thanks for your smile! I guess you never know who is watching when you are out running. He must have seen me running downhill with my nephew and having a good time. I was wondering how many people I have scared away from running by the look on my face while I am trying to run up a nasty hill! ha!
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