Running Down A Dream

Running Down a Dream

Running a marathon takes endurance. Sometimes it takes a few months of train to get in shape depending on where someone is at. I think anyone can run a marathon if there goal is to complete one. It's just a matter of will power and positive thinking. Our bodies can endure a lot but our minds can sometimes stop us from achieving the goals we set for ourselves.

I first started running when I was in middle school. I was awful. (At least I think I was.) I did not have the speed and the coach for the track team was also training the football players. I wish I could say that I kept training after that point but I didn't. It wasn't until I got to high school that things changed and is probably the reason I kept running after high school.

When I was a junior in high school I joined the cross country team and fell in love with running. My coach understood what running was all about and had a plan when it came to training us for races. I made so many friends in cross country who were from all backgrounds of high school, from the jocks to the nerds. During that time, I learned how to run smart and pushed myself to limits I never thought I could achieve including making it to regionals in our state. The one takeaway I got from it though is that running should be fun.

Last year I ran two half marathons and I had so much fun training for them. Running one half marathon was enough for me but deep down I still hope to accomplish a marathon someday. One thing I love is the running community. I have met people who have the same goals I did and had similar experiences with running. I think it's an important thing to have when you want someone to hold you accountable.

 Other things that help on a long run or any type of run:

• Good tunes-Don't get to crazy. Find the right songs to carry you out throughout a run. Sometimes music can make 7 miles feel like 3.
• Water-Yes it's your best friend. Sorry Gatorade.
• Quality Running Shoes-Make sure you change out your shoes every few months. It makes it easy on the feet.
• Friends-People who will keep you motivated to keep going when things get tough.
• Stretching-Yes this helps sometimes!

Anyways, what is your experience with running? Do you love it or hate it and why? I would love to hear your thoughts.