Runner Girl

A little over a year and a half ago, I was reading my Shape Magazine, looking for inspiration to lose those pesky 15 pounds I had gained over the years. There was a little blip about belly fat--a tiny paragraph--that said the best way to lose it is to strap on your running shoes and hit the pavement. So I did just that.

36 pounds later, I'd say that running has been a great success to me. To my body, my confidence, my health...and may have attributed a little to my narcissim, but that's a separate post entirely ;)

Over the past year and a half, I have signed up for numerous 5K's supporting any cause available--girl scouts, breast cancer, battered women--and also did fun events like the McNellie's Pub Run (where you drank a pint of Guinness after every mile) and the Warrior Dash (mud, water, obstacles...mud!)

Running is amazing. Not only for the body, but for the mind. When I am pushing through a tough run, all I have to do is think about the endorphins that come at the end, when the mission is complete, and I feel like I am on cloud nine.

It's been an incredible experience and, although I have the occasional leg pains, I am very fortunate to be able to continue a sport like this in my ripe old age of 31. My next race is in March for St. Paddy's day and I'm very excited to wear all of my green, my shamrocks, rock the green hair extenstions...and try to beat my previous recorded 5K time (which I set over Turkey Day!).

Here is a picture of me after the Warrior Dash in Tulsa on September 24, 2011. It was a bit chilly and I'm soaking wet--but look! I got a medal and a cute hat! [also...as a side note...i am over 10 pounds lighter than in this picture as well. Goodness, I love running! Wait. Re-do. I love the results I obtain from running.]