I decided this would be my challenge and I would step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I sent an email to the running club, Sonics Steppers and so my journey began.
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| Morning of Kingston City Run |
Monday September 3, 2014 at about 4:30 a.m I was at the Manor Park gas station to join the other members. The 5KM run that I would embark on would be like no other experience. Firstly, I quickly lost my breath before I had even reached my 1KM mark and by the time I had completed the 2.5KM turn I would throw up the lovely banana I had at 3 when I woke up. I remember Andy who had volunteered to run with me, kept encouraging me and letting me know I would get better, just keep at it. Patrice who also joined me on my return, gave me tips on what to eat and how to improve. Almost a year later, running is my drug.
DRUGS 101
Have you ever taken drugs? The happy kind? Running releases not only endorphin's but all the happy and feel good hormones that leaves me on a cloud # that I have literally become addicted to. I have watched myself, I dislike days when I didn't start it running. My co-workers have become very aware of the days when I do not run, and have even encouraged me to not return to work without a run.
FYI I think this is a great method to overcome depression and handling stress.
It is my ME TIME, I unleash, release and recover from anything that angers, weighs or hurts me. I use this time to refocus on my goals and clearing myself of anything unwanted.
Not to mention the health benefits- leading a sedentary lifestyle due to my job, I have found that I have been the healthiest since I started running. My lymphatic system gets a kick when I move. Sure I have had some injuries a long the way due to improper form and shoes, but what's a challenge without some hurdles?
I know for a fact that running helped me to get through one of the most intense years of my life. And I have watched myself grow as a runner and as a person. Running has also taught me much about myself that I didn't quite know for certain, like the fact that I suffer from shortness of breath, or exercise induced asthma, and how to overcome these one breath at a time. Breathing has been one of my biggest challenges since I started running. As I would learn over the course of this year that developing a pattern is crucial and the growth becomes apparent in the constant ebb and flow of pushing myself and being gentle with myself.
Being a part of a running club has opened my eyes to a whole new world of fitness and happiness. I have participated in road races and obstacle courses, I have watched what my body can do with some training and a goal in mind. I'm preparing for another year, and aim to compete in my first half marathon this December, I am excited about this journey and look forward to the growth that will take place.
If you are interested in joining a running club, please check mine out at sonic.steppers@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing you on my next run.
