Despite the fact that two years ago I considered one of my runner friends crazy for wanting to even attempt a marathon, I have now come to the realization that I want to run one too.
I have never been an athletic person--as a child, the most activity I engaged in was a leisurely stroll through the woods or some swimming in the local lake. I was much more content to read a novel in the shade of a tree (or better, the soft comfort of my bed) than do anything resembling a sport. I barely ran a ten-minute mile in high school, and I definitely hated gym class.
In college, I exercised sporadically. I had one summer where I was really good about running twenty minutes every day on the track. I even ate well too. I also took a couple of spinning classes--I liked those, but I can't find a class I like now.
Just before I was married, I managed to consistently get to the gym. I mainly spent time on the treadmill and did some full-body lifting for a month or two. I got just good enough to be able to run a 5K, and then... well, life happened. My husband and I moved into our first home. I was working full time. I was going to graduate school to earn my Master's degree in English. And time for the gym just didn't seem like it was a priority.
And then I went to the doctor for a physical. For the first time ever, my blood pressure was up, my cholesterol levels were high, and my sugar levels were high. I have never considered myself the epitome of good health--but at 27, the bad report from my doctor really made me realize that I need to make some changes for my health.
And the change I have decided to make is to start running--really running, with the goal of running an actual marathon.
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