Sometimes, you just gotta run...

And by sometimes, I mean always!!
If someone had come up to me in high school and told me that I would become an endurance runner, I would have laughed in their face. My, how things have changed! OK, well, I wouldn't classify myself as an endurance runner just yet, but I'm on my way!

After I accepted my job in Columbus, I decided that this was going to be my chance to make a change and finally achieve a goal I've been wanting to accomplish. I was going to run a half-marathon. For a few years, I have thrown the idea around and made attempts at sticking to a running routine, with many fails. So, I finally decided that I would sign up for the Nationwide Children's Columbus Half-Marathon. This happens on October 19th, and I knew that almost 8 months would be more than plenty of time to train if I would just stick to my guns and do it.

I signed up, and immediately went to the web in search of places to run and what trails might be near by. Little did I know that I was moving to Columbus, which evidently has an area code of 6-run-4.
I came upon Columbus Running Club's website and decided to go ahead and sign up for a profile. After browsing their site, I found a group named "Turtle Thursday Group Runners", which sounded perfect for me, as I am and always have been a slower runner.

So, I showed up at the meeting spot my first Thursday in town, and was greeted by a group of friendly people who were decked out in cold running gear and excited to be running. I didn't know what to expect, but I had a good feeling about it based on their smiles and laughing...oh, and the fact that they start every run(or almost every one) with a selfie!

I set out with the group on the trail, and not long into our first mile of running, I realized that I was incredibly out of shape, and probably started out way too fast if I was going to make it for three miles. Also, it was already starting to get dark, and being a new runner(or not really a runner at all), I had no headlamp or glowpack to keep me visible. Luckily, one of the guys(and the token male for the evening) stayed back to run with me at a pace slower than any turtle, that's for sure. I was incredibly embarrassed to be so out of shape and had NO idea I'd be running with half-marathoners, marathoners, and even ULTRA runners. He explained that they try not to leave anyone behind when they're running, and that everyone is at different paces and endurance levels. That night, I ran 3.1 miles(that's a 5K), and it took me 39 minutes, and it probably would have taken me longer if it weren't for Stu's encouragement and company.

After running, I learned that the group often goes to dinner and sometimes for ice cream. I was a little apprehensive at first, but shoot...I had just moved, and I didn't really want to go eat dinner by myself at home.We had yummy food and I enjoyed listening to the group's conversations about running, children and their craziness, and really, just kind of initially meeting everyone.

So...I went back the next week...and haven't missed a Thursday since.

They've even convinced me that it's FUN to get up and run at 4:30 and 5:00AM...I've only done it twice so far, but I think I'll be joining them more often. Just over 2 months since my first Turtle Thursday, I ran 6 miles in just over an hour, and there's no way I would have made this progress without the inspiration, encouragement, and help(and by help, I mean dragging me along) from Jamie, Laurie, Annette, Stu, Angela, and the entire bale(that's a group of turtles...yes, I looked it up) that runs on Thursdays(and now sometimes also on Mondays...or Wednesdays).

It feels incredible to be making progress in my fitness and weight loss goals(I've lost 10 pounds since my move!), and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. I am so thankful that I have found such a friendly and welcoming group of people that all share a common interest in running, and I can't wait to celebrate more running successes with food and of course, Jeni's!

Now, I just need a hydration belt, new running shoes, a Garmin watch, and Laurie says I need to get out of the cotton shirts...THEN I'll be on my way! No one ever told me how expensive it is to be a runner!!

In any case...
It feels good to have finally found the push I need to accomplish a long-time goal, and I think maybe, just maybe, I am becoming a runner...for life.

Until next time,

Ashley

Post 5-mile run with Laurie on a Turtle Thursday