A Long Road to Run

A lot has changed for me since this time last year; granted I'm still shooting for the newspaper, working the same old nights and weekends schedule I have been for the past 2 1/2 years.

So let me rephrase that, a lot has changed in my life outside the office.

Let me explain...

Around this time last year I was really into mountain biking and over the course of the summer I managed to rack up around 500 miles of trail riding. This year, however, I've sort of set aside the saddle and swapped it out for a pair of running sneakers. In fact, I've become so enamored with the sport that in the past three months I have run about 450 miles all with the hope of finishing the Des Moines Marathon in October.

I've set out in the dark of morning and of night. I've gone running in the heat of the afternoon and been caught in the rain once or twice. I've cruised through runs of 15 and 20 miles and struggled through arduous outings of only four or five. I've had bloody toes, sun burnt shoulders, sore knees, hamstrings, calves and of course the occasionally inflamed Iliotibial Band. As weeks have fallen from the calendar I have found my longest distances turning into "short" and "easy runs". Through it all I can't help but look back and say that I have arrived at this new place a more confident, content and happy person.

I've learned a lot about myself throughout this journey but what I've found most inspiring is that a year ago I never would have thought I'd be able to do something like this. The human body and mind truly are amazing and often are capable of accomplishing tasks we never imagined were possible.

Although these past few months have been challenging I can't take all the credit for following through with them. I have had a pretty super support system of friends from other states, fellow runners from across town, my folks who live just down the street and a very special someone who, at times, may not understand this silly thing I do, but has always been beyond supportive.

So here we go... One month from today I will celebrate my four months of sacrifice and suffering with a 26.2 mile run around the city of Des Moines and a couple days of post run fun around the rest of the state of Iowa. Am I excited? Of course! I'll try to continue to post my progress as the race day nears.

As always, thanks for stopping by!