We all get introduced into the crazy world of marathons somehow… and in many different ways. Some of us start marathons as a natural next step from being in some other sport, some have always been runners, some do it because they are bored with life, some just want to be in shape, some want a sport they can be competitive in, and some, like me, started doing it to lose weight.
Here’s my “how I got stated in the crazy world of marathons” story:
Everything was not going according to plan when I was a sophomore in college. So I did what anyone would naturally do. I packed up and moved to China to go to school. (Okay… not everyone would think that to be a logical choice but it seemed right at the time) Once arriving in China I found my niche and started working hard at it. Unfortunately my niche was in the area of eating a significant amount of Chinese food without getting full. I was lucky though because I meet a girl named Glory to share in my passion for consuming Chinese food. Four months into our Chinese eating experience I noticed that I had gained about twenty pounds. While I could have slowed down the eating at that point I decided that your only young once and I loved the food so I would continue eating it and make figure out how to lose the weight once I returned home to Montana.
Glory and I, during our internships at a sports marketing firm spent a lot of time suffering the web. When we both came across runners world we got an idea. We decided to train for half marathons once arriving back to the states. I had never considered myself a good runner but was willing to do anything to get healthy again.
So we got back, trained, and on August 14, 2004 I did my first race. Americas Finest City Half Marathon in San Diego, California! It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and training for it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I ran a 1:43:00 and am so proud of that day that when you see me at the expos you will also see my Mile 22 Bag made out of the race memorabilia from that day.
And since that first race I haven’t ever looked back. I love running and now triathlons too! I race whenever I get a chance and train through the winters in Montana.
So let’s hear your stories!
Stefanie