Saturday, October 16, 2010

Girls with Goals-I'm a Runner

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic

A month ago I asked my Facebook fans what their top three fitness goals were. It was amazing reading about all of the goals and aspirations you all have when it comes to fitness. I announced that I would choose one woman and share one of her fitness goals. I chose Becca, who has been training for a marathon. Her story of how she became a runner is one that many of us can relate to and be inspired by.

I'm a Runner

My name is Becca and I still pinch myself every time the words "I'm a runner" come out of my mouth. On October 10th, it is my goal, or I should say, I WILL complete my third Marathon (I'll be running the Chicago Marathon). Prior to training for my first race, the Boston Marathon, I had never run a mile - my average exercise was moving from the couch to the TV. After moving into an apartment with some friends my junior year at Tufts University, and reading an article in Self that ultimately ended up changing my life - "How to Lose 8 Pounds in a Month" - I figured that would be pretty cool, and I decided to get my butt in gear. I started off slowly on an Elliptical machine, going for 30 minutes at a time. Boring easily, I then made the shift over to the treadmill - first walking for 2 minutes, running for 30 seconds, and gradually, week-by-week, increasing my run time, until I was shocked to find 30 minutes no big deal. Fast forward to a year later, a sorority sister of mine suggested we sign up for the Tufts University President's Marathon Challenge (each year, Tufts organizes a group to run the Boston Marathon to raise money for nutrition research). I was both intrigued, but mostly nervous (I was notorious for not wearing contacts or glasses while running at the gym to help not pay attention to anyone around me). Still though, I figured, what have I got to lose?

Well, sure enough, nearly 3 years later, two race medals, countless callouses and sore muscles, I have become a runner, as well as a Marathoner. It feels inappropriate to call myself that, as I still often feel like the chubby kid, channel surfing for the next America's Next Top Model marathon. Constant reminders though, of tubes of Icy Hot, turning down invitations to go out late with friends on a Saturday night because "I have a long run coming up on Sunday", as well as every cheesy Itunes playlist possible (we're talking the likes of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman", and Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer") I know that when I'm sitting in Athlete's Village on race day, awaiting that moment I need to line up in my start corral, I will proudly take my place amongst my peers - runners.

For more on my pre-race journey, come check out my blog Es de Lope where I'll be sharing some more thoughts as I gear up for the race.
Besos!

21 comments:

Selected Treasures said...

That is so inspiring!
www.selectedtreasures.blogspot.com/

Becca [Free Honey] said...

I'm feeling really inspired by Becca's journey. Maybe I feel a kinship because we share a name? Who knows! I've also degenerated into somewhat of a couch potato, it's hard enough to work full time, blog and have a life! I can always find some excuse not to hit the gym. I've never been a runner, but I'd love to become one. I bore easily from the elliptical and bike and no matter how much I enjoy pilates, I don't know how much my body gets out of it. Any tips on how to start a running regimen that I can stick with?

Emily said...

Oh man, I can relate to this more than you know. I started training almost 3 years ago for my first half and I've done 2 halves and 2 fulls now. Training for my next one in June.
It's amazing how you wake up one day and say "wow. I am a runner. Only 4% of the world population can do what I do". It's something to be proud of, and to keep in mind when training.
My power song: "Eye of the Tiger". Cliche, but effective.

Keep up the good work, from one new runner to another.

Kelly said...

Wow! What an inspiration!

Tanya Dempsey said...

Wow! Truly inspiring!

xx

November Grey

Anonymous said...

Great story, thank you for sharing :)

minnja said...

Thanks for sharing! I love it!

http://minnja.blogspot.com/

Kisses
minnja

Anonymous said...

Her story is really inspiring... thanks for sharing!!!

xxx
Vikki

http://stylometre.blogspot.com

FASHION SNAG said...

This story was so nice to read!


www.FashionSnag.com

Marinka said...

what a nice story thanks for sharing ^^

The Pretty Pauper said...

Great story! I'd be curious to read this article you read in Self!

-Amanda
(The Pretty Pauper)
Feel free to follow me!
prettypauperstyle.blogspot.com

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

Wonderful post! Very inspiring!

Malicious Mallory said...

That's so cool!
I'm a runner too, I do 5k's though, not marathons! :)

Charleston said...

inspired! x

www.pinstripeprince.blogspot.com

Arantxa Chavarria said...

Taylor I love this post is so inspiring and that fact that you shared it with all of us is amazing!!






http://sweetlittleconfessions.blogspot.com/

Roxan said...

Becca, your journey is so inspiring! Keep up the great work. xoxo

Priscilla Francine Makeup said...

I went to the gym tonight because of this blog ;) whew I feel so much better

http://pfsmakeup.blogspot.com/

Susan said...

so inspiring!
xoxo

Candace said...

What a great story! I love to hear inspiring fitness stories because it encourages me to accomplish my own goals. I am currently training to run my first marathon, - the Hawaii North Shore Marathon - in December. Thanks to Becca for sharing your story :)

Candace @ http://infitation.wordpress.com/

Taylor Sterling said...

I am so happy to hear that the Becca has helped inspire you all!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Taylor and everyone for such kind and encouraging words!

Next up, I'm shooting for the Berlin Marathon - my first race overseas :)

Becca

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