2 Years of Running Look How Far We've Come

May 6th will always and forever be a special day for me. It was on that day in 2012 that my life changed. It was on that day I knew that I was capable so many amazing things. It was the day I ran my first half marathon.

Two years ago, I decided to take control of my life, my health, and my sanity by taking up running as a way to stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Who knew that I would learn to love running so much. For so much of my life, I HATED running. I never saw the point. Something happened one day when I was out for a jog in my neighborhood. I connected with myself and with the pavement. I felt relaxed and centered in a way I don't think I ever felt before. I knew at that moment this is what I wanted to continue to do.

I signed up for the OC Half Marathon which happens in May to give myself plenty of time to train and get ready. I went to a running store and purchased shoes, some nutrition...although I had no idea how to use it properly, and spent hours and hours on Google looking into training plans, do's and don'ts, and history.

Before I knew it, I had reached the start line of the OC Half Marathon. I had on the race day tee (whoops), really comfy basketball shorts (which I still run in sometimes), and pockets full of GU. I was ready. I went out and enjoyed the scenic tour of the OC coastline. That is one of the great things about this first 13 miles of the marathon course, it is just spectacular. I saw the finish line and sprinted to the finish (word of advice, DON'T DO THAT...you'll pay for it for a week) and crossed the finish line with a baseline PR of 2:25:48. Qutie impressive for a first time half marathoner. It would be less than a month later that I would shave off 10 minutes on that time and establish a new PR at Rock N Roll San Diego.

May 6th, 2012 is a special day to me. Every year since I have returned to the OC and run the marathon. Just to return to the place where it all started and reflect on how far I have come and where I want to go. Sunday's marathon wasn't about time. It was about proving something to myself. It was about self reflection and being in the moment. It was about remembering that running is a gift and it has given so much.

13 Marathons.  26 Half Marathons. 2 World Marathon Majors including Boston & Chicago (which holds my marathon PR). Countless challenge completions. This resume is really something to be proud of. I achieved a sub 2 half in December, a sub 5 marathon in Chicago, and I plan on dropping those times to get worlds faster in the coming months through training and planning.

I wouldn't be anywhere without the support of each and everyone of you. My list of people to thank is HUGE. So I will say THANK YOU in caps and really loud, because I would honestly hate to leave anyone out. This is really special.

We have a lot ahead of us and this train isn't going to stop...well it may rest in the station for a while 3 marathons in 13 days is a killer.

Thank you all so much for all of your love and support. You have supported, encouraged, and inspired me. And I hope I have done the same for you. That's why this post is titled look how far we've come! We have done this together and none of it is possible without your support and encouragement! THANK YOU! Now let's celebrate! Where's the cake??