Monday, July 09, 2007

Who is Cherl...?

Thanks for bringing me on board. I'm excited to be here!

I started running about 11 years ago right after college. I did a little running prior to that time, but I was always very self-conscious and never enjoyed it. After college, I found myself becoming more sedentary in the working world and knew I needed to do something about it. I liked running because it was something that challenged me as an individual and I was inspired by the runners I saw in the late years of life still out there doing their thing. I had always been active, but really wanted something that I could learn to enjoy and continue doing for many years to come. In the late summer of 1996, I signed myself up for a local 5 miler and I was instantly hooked.

Why I run is always changing but it all comes down to me. As a stay-at-home mom with two young children, it's really the one thing I do for myself. It refreshes me. It keeps me sane. It provides me with an outlet when I need one whether it be to vent or to simply clear my mind. It connects me to other moms who also love to run. It challenges me both physically and mentally. It makes me feel alive.

I've run every distance from an 8K to a full marathon. My favorite distance is the half marathon. I've never been a fast runner, but I have steadily improved my time and will hopefully continue to do so. I'm coming back from a second baby so my runs are really slow and short right now. I have dreams of running Boston in 2012 as a 40th birthday gift to myself.

Upcoming races? None at the moment. I have my eye on a local half marathon in mid-October, but have not registered yet. Maybe Kelly and Suzie would like to join me for it??

[Note: Cherl is really Cheryl, sans the "y". They have reasons for doing this, but my theory is that my parents simply spelled it incorrectly to begin with.]

4 comments:

Kelly(M&M) said...

Cherl,

I love learning more about you. I think it is great that we met through Cool Running, and I was drawn to the fact that you and I had such similar 1st marathon experiences and times. Being a stay-at-home mom, I think it is easy to bond with other moms who use running as their "me" time. What half are you running in October? Are you considering running the Best Dam Run 10k in September? Thanks for joining us!

cherl said...

The Run Like Hell half marathon downtown. I'll have to think about the 10K in September.

Do you still look at the CR website? I haven't in months. I just don't have the time these days. I always found it very motivational and checking in made me accountable. It made me want to run more, but I think this blog will do the same.

I do love the fact that our first marathons were so similar. And, it's also great to see both of us improve that time with our second (and third for you?) marathons. Both of our times will only continue to drop!

Suzie Petunia said...

I love learning more about you, too, Cherl. Thanks for joining us!

Chelle said...

Cherl,

I just knew we would be bosom buddies when I saw your name.

My name (Chelle) is pronounced "Shelly". I, too, marvel at my parents attempt at creativity. ha ha. In revenge, I have given my children very basic, traditional, easy to pronounce names.

I loved your running bio. I will post mine soon. After I get through the post vacation laundry pile (middle of next month, maybe?) : )