Thursday, April 10, 2008

Why walk when you can run?

Like Wind Runner- I finally have a quiet moment to introduce myself. I found this site through Kristi and lurked here for a while, off and on. This has been such an inspiring and awesome group to look in on. I have learned a lot in my novice stage- so thank you for putting it all out there!

As far as I go…I have always wanted to be a runner, but last year I almost gave up that feeling because of health problems. Then Kristi ran her marathon and posted about the experience and her process and thoughts. Because of her, I decided that even if it wasn’t my time- it was still a goal of mine. It is really because of Kristi that I am a runner- that girl is inspiring and after I sent her a letter she sent a reply that was all the motivation I needed.

When I was pregnant with my baby last year, I suffered from facial paralysis, loss of taste and smell, and nerve paralysis in my arms, hands, legs, and feet. Luckily (sort of), the only thing that remained post partum was the nerve paralysis in my extremities. After months and months of tests and scans and doctors with no answers, I was to the point where I either had to keep searching, or come to terms and just adapt my lifestyle to whatever condition this was. It was around this time that Kristi posted about her marathon and I felt so inspired to keep looking and not give up. Last fall, I finally found a doctor that helped me and as soon as I could stand to wear shoes, that day, I went out running and just cried and cried I was so happy.

A couple days ago I posted about why I run- there are so many reasons. I have enjoyed reading the links that others here have left with their thoughts and reasons for hitting the pavement. Running really feels like a gift to me. I may be new to this whole world, I may be a slow runner, but I am a runner and it feels good to say that. Thanks for having me.

8 comments:

Jessica said...

Thanks for sharing...that is really inspiring. Definitely something I needed to hear today.

Kelly(M&M) said...

Welcome to Marathon Mommies. I love your story. Kristi has definitely inspired many, and so have you! I have lurked your blog for a long time(I am not crazy, I promise!) and I have enjoyed learning more about you.

Suzie Petunia said...

I am so grateful you are here and sharing part of yourself with us! You may have been inspired by someone else, but now it is your turn to inspire others. Welcome.

Charity said...

I'm so glad I'm not the only lurker...looks like Kristi is the reason a lot of us made it to this site...Thanks Kristi!

I just realized the other day as I commented on someones blog that I have been lurking on for a while, that she probably has no idea who I am and I acted like I knew everything about her...(sorry Polliwog...)like M&M...really, I'm not crazy...

Thanks for giving me the ability today to be inspired!

Polliwog said...

Running is certainly all about the journey and I'm inspired by yours. I'm back at square one--23 weeks pregnant and haven't run since week 9. I'm so excited to dust off my shoes and start over in 4 months, I can hardly stand it. And this is the place to get motivation. Thanks for your post.

And Charity, as soon as I figured out you were from the Marathon Mommies site, I felt like I knew you. :) I love lurkers, especially when they make themselves known.

I've been a quiet participant on this blog since I've quit running, but I'm still here reading. :)

Ang said...

Wow. Wow. Wow.

What a story you have! So awesome to hear about why you run and why it means so much!!!

I left a message on your other blog about how I grew up in Washington too, still live here. :)But, we are actually moving to Provo in the fall.

Team Hanni said...

Inspiring story! I'm so glad you have caught the running bug. I have had several conversations with people in the past year (since I learned I was a runner too) where they ask what I like to do. When they hear I love to run I usually get the "are you crazy" response.

Our bodies were made to run, I wish more people could experience it. My first half marathon was SLC last year. What a life changing experience it was for me. I wanted so badly to be able to pull all of the people cheering on the side up with me to experience what I was feeling.

I am so proud of your huge accomplishments! I can't wait for you to experience SLC - there's nothing like it! Way to GO!!!

So glad you are here!

Anniebananie said...

Welcome! Your story is inspiring! Happy trails!