One year ago today, I stepped out my front door and completed my first day of Couch to 5k. Little did I know at the time, but that day I was beginning a journey that would ignite a passion in me and change my life forever.
If you haven’t caught on by now, I have fallen head-over-heels in love with running. In a relatively short time, it has become a great passion of mine and one of my main focuses – after my family, of course! Before that fateful day one year ago, I had never run before in my life – or at least not running just for the sake of running. I played football and basketball in high school, which obviously involved plenty of running. And I suppose there were those times back in school where you had to run a mile in gym. But aside from that, I had never woken up thinking “I’d like to go for a run today”.
When I went out for that first run, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t plan on falling in love with running. At the time, it just seemed like the thing to do. I was hoping it would help me continue to lose the extra weight I was trying to shed, and let me get in some good cardio time each week, but that was really about it. I can still remember how hard those first runs were. Running for only a minute or two at a time left my lungs feeling like they were on fire, desperately in search of more oxygen. Each week I slowly built up my endurance, until I could finally run for 20 minutes straight. At the time, those 20 minutes were huge, and I felt on top of the world. It wasn’t long after that when my real attraction for running began to form, and I could see myself wanting to continue doing this for more reasons that just trying to lose some weight.
Before I knew it, I had run my first 5k. Not long after that, I was running a half marathon, and then another. Finally, in December, just 8 months after that fateful day in April that started it all, I completed my first marathon.
And now here I am today, back into the swing of things after suffering what I’d call my first “major” running injury. I’ve got my 2nd marathon lined up in June, as well as a slew of other exciting races planned for this year.
When I first started running, it was just about losing weight and getting in shape. Now, I’d consider it an essential part of my physical and mental well-being. As the saying goes “running – it’s cheaper than therapy”. It seems that no matter how bad or a stressful of a day I’ve had, I can go out for a run and come back a new man, refreshed and rejuvenated. There’s something about the simplicity of just you and the road – or trail – that’s very zen-like. It’s peaceful, calming, and immensely therapeutic.
It’s been a great first year of running, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how my relationship with running grows and evolves in the (hopefully many) years to come.
That’s incredible. I realize I’ve only “known” you for a year, but even then, it seems like you’ve been running for much longer than that.
For those of us just starting out and not sure if we’ll ever develop a true runner’s passion, it’s nice to see somebody talk about how it was in the beginning.
So awesome! I hope the second year is even better than the first!
Happy RUNIVERSARY! Keep it up!
Happy Runiversry!! I can only hope to run those distances some day. I’m a budding runner and am excited for my races this year. I may still had a Marathon in the fall depending on how my triathlon training goes.
Happy runiversary!!!!! Wow, I cannot believe it’s been such a short time. Really it’s been that way for both of us because I started C25K around January 2010. My goodness. Reading your blog always encourages me. I hope this second year of running brings you new (and exciting) challenges.
By the way, I love the new blog design. I haven’t stopped by in awhile so it may not be new but I really like it!!!
Love the new layout of your blog, love the success. Very awesometastic.
Missed this one, but happy belated! You are an inspiration! I am a few steps behind you, but encouraged by your ability to endure! Way to go!
You’ve come a long way in a year. That’s pretty awesome. The blog is lookin fly too.
Thanks Michael. Glad to hear you like the new blog design. I had been feeling the need for a facelift for a while, and finally got around to it this week.
How brilliant is this post?!! Very. Congratulations on your runiversary, Brandon. I catch up on all the fun blogs on the weekend and this was easily my favorite read. Keep going, brohammer!
Thanks Jim, I’m glad you enjoyed it so much – that definitely means a lot!
Look at me running (get it?) behind like always. Love the new look Brandon!
More than the look though is the ridiculously amazing year you’ve had. A year of consistency like that is about the best launching pad ever for a lifetime of success.
Congrats on all of it! You’re the man!
Thanks Ryan! Glad to hear you like the new look, means a lot coming from you! 🙂
Happy Runiversary! Keep going : ) Wishing you miles and miles of healthy & fun miles! – Aimee
I started running on April 6, 2010, for the first time in 17 years. And while I haven’t lost as much weight as you have, it’s been a great year for me, too. I’m glad to have stumbled upon your blog, and will gladly follow your continued progress. Blessings!