Addicted to Running and loving it!

There are so many things people can be addicted to that are bad.  I don't think running would be one of those "Bad" addictions.  But I don't know, you tell me.

Here's my running story:

6 years ago my sister and I decided to train for a half marathon in Columbus, Ohio.  My sister had run a marathon a few month prior to us deciding to do this Columbus race, so I figured a half marathon was totally doable.  I started to train, as best as I knew how.  I didn't know what I was doing, but ran anyway.  I developed horrible shin splints in both legs and running was massively painful.  When I arrived in Ohio a few days before the race, both my sister and I decided that changing our race to the 5K would be best for both of us.  For her it was best because she hadn't trained much and didn't feel ready.  For me, the decision to change races was because of my shin splints.  Race day arrived and it was super cold out.  It was 32 degrees and snowing of all things the first weekend in April of 2005.  Both my sister and I were miserable and the rain/snow was hard to run in.  Neither of us had proper clothing, but we ran the race anyway.  After the race I said I'd never do it again.

5 Years went by and I didn't run at all.

Then in February of 2010, my friend Stephany  asked me to do a 5K in her hometown of Burlington, Iowa and I told her I wasn't a runner, I didn't enjoy running and didn't want to ever do it again.

She asked me why.  I told her the story above.

She didn't take No for an answer, instead she said that we could train slowly so I wouldn't get injured and she would teach me how to love it.  We ran 3 days a week usually and within a couple months of training we did our first 5K together.  I loved the race and couldn't wait to do another race.

This I would say would be where the addiction to running started.  I signed up for a couple races a month, but craved many more.  By the end of the year I had run in all kinds of weather conditions (rain, snow, extreme hot and extreme cold)  I did 17 races in 2010.  I ran in many 5K's, then I even did an 8K, 3 10K's the 7 miler Bix race and two half marathons.  I was sad come December because I really didn't want to run outside in the cold, so the last race I did in 2010 was a Turkey Trot in November.

I figured I wouldn't be running again until Spring because of the weather, however the bug of running bit me once again.  I was at my parent's home in Ohio visiting when an e-mail came through on my computer about a race on New Year's Day.  First on the First.  I checked the weather and it was due to be in the 50 degree range.  So I signed up for the race.

The weather ended up being perfect.  Cool and misty out.  Perfect day for a run.  I ran a great race and placed 4th out of 44 in my age group.  From that moment on I decided to do at least 25 races this year.  I'm at 14 so far, but have several scheduled for July.

On July 2nd I will be running with my son Brenden a 5K in Dixon, Illinois. This race is on our way to Midway airport.  I just happened to stumble across this race online and it's perfect because it's right off the freeway and we have time to do the race, stick around for the post parties, take a shower at the local YMCA and still make it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Then on July 4th I have race in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  It's an 8K race.  (5 miles if you want to really know).

July 9th I have a 5K race in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
This same weekend I have a mini triathlon that I'm doing which consists of 5 laps in an outdoor pool, 6 mile bike ride and a 2 mile run.  It's a Mini Sprint Triathlon.  Super excited to try this out.

July 16th a 5K race in Solon, Iowa

July 23rd a 5K in Coralville, Iowa  (for only $5.00)  This is the cheapest race I've ever signed up for and it's only 2 miles down the road!!!

Then lastly for July on the 30th the Pickle Days 5K race in Walker, Iowa.  I did this one last year and it was so fun.  My friend Stephany and I even went to a Pancake breakfast after.

You may ask, how do you find all the money to do all these races?  Well if you really care that much.  I donate plasma twice a week.  At the first donation of the week I am paid $20 and the 2nd donation of the week I get $40.  My first donation of the week pays for my entires to races.  The 2nd donation goes to the family.  When you donate plasma you are getting paid for your time (according to them), that's why you get money when it's really a donation.  Since plasma regenerates within 24 hours, that's why you can donate twice a week.  I'm glad I'm healthy enough to both donate plasma to earn extra money, and also healthy to run.

So there you have it.  I have officially signed up for a race every single week in July.  What a great month this will be!  I guess because of signing up for a race every week means I'm addicted to running!