It's time to lace up those running shoes and hit the road. I'm introducing a new section on my blog and issuing a challenge to you! Use hashtag #runwithdara on social media.
Everyone deserves to give themselves a gift every now and then. While there's something to be said for a rockin' pair of new shoes or a fabulous necklace, there are certain gifts that touch your soul and keep on giving well past their shelf-life.
You see, today is my birthday, and this post...and the introduction of this new section on my blog...are gifts to myself.
Running is the thing I do for myself, early in the morning, with my wonderful friend and running partner - before the emails start, before I start working down my to-do list, before I dive into recipe development for the blog, before the pressures of the day steal away any chance of "me" time.
There is something I discovered along the way, after many footfalls, after piles of clothes drenched with sweat and even tears, after enough miles to take me home to Vancouver and back again. It is this:
Running is more than just moving my body from A to B.
It's community, it's friendship, it's self-confidence, it's mental fortitude, it's physical strength, it's pure elation, it's my sanity...
Running took center stage in 2012 in the most horrifying way, with the bombings at the Boston Marathon. As many of you know, we were there to watch my husband cross the finish line and cheer on the other runners, including my friend Cindy. I told our story in A Personal Account - The Boston Marathon: Grieving...and Looking Ahead. Since then, I haven't written about the experience again on my blog. It has taken some time to heal, but I meant what I said in that post. We are looking forward and finding the positives that need to be dug out from beneath the surface of a tragic event.
We will be returning to Boston again in April, to cheer on my husband and all of the other runners who are coming out strong to run the marathon. The running community is strong.
A Personal Account - The Boston Marathon: Grieving...and Looking Ahead
And with the turn of the new year, I am laying down my own running goals. What do I want to accomplish this year?
That's where this new section, Run Like a Girl, comes in (you can find it in the dropdown menu under Tidbits in the header above).
And that's where you come in.
The challenge
I want you to join me. Do you need to run a marathon or even a 10k race to participate? Of course not!
"What if I've never run more than a block?" you ask. That's okay!
If running has never been your thing but you'd like to start, be sure to check out Cindy's post on my blog, How to: Train for a 5k Run. She breaks down everything you need to know, from choosing shoes to resting your body. Cindy was the coaching brains behind the Red-Faced Runners Challenge that we did with an amazing group of food bloggers.
When I first started running, I couldn't run for more than 2 minutes without walking or gasping for breath. It's a process, and each run or run/walk moves you closer to your goal.
I've learned a little something over my running years.
There's no such thing as a bad run.
That doesn't mean that every run feels great. In fact, sometimes you'll question why the heck you're doing it. But each step makes you stronger, both mentally and physically. And those hard days make the easy ones feel so good!
A little over a year ago, I ran my first marathon and then proceeded to fall away from races altogether.
I need a goal again!
My First Marathon: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
As I work towards a half-marathon in June (I'll be accompanying my 12-year old son, who has resolved to run his first half-marathon) and my second marathon in the fall, I'll be writing about my experiences each weekend.
And I would love to hear about your journeys. We can be virtual running partners, if you will.
This is not a place for comparison, only for support. Whether you made it around the block for the first time without stopping, or you are training for your 10th ultra-marathon, we can all support and learn from each other.
And of course, I'll still be posting several recipes each week to help you fuel your bodies and feed your families.
So, what do you say? Are you in?
Let's lace up and hit the road!
Ty
Hi Dara! This is just what I needed. I've just started up the Couch to 5k program again and need all the motivation I can get! I haven't run since I had tendonitis long before I was pregnant, so it's been a while. I so miss the feeling you're describing though! I can't wait to get it back :).
Donna
I'm in. In 2011 I reached my goal weight in spring, did the couch to 5k program and ran a 5k in October of that year. Then things fell apart. I stopped running over that winter, didn't go back to it and in the following years put on 60 pounds....again. I've started with the exercise bike and will start the c25k program again when we start Daylight Savings Time and it is lighter at night. My goal is to run the same 5k this year, eat healthier and lose whatever weight comes off. I'm focusing on moving and being healthy, rather than the number on the scale (but I'm hoping to wear smaller clothes). I miss the endorphin high that you only get from running/jogging. That feeling is sooo addictive.
Thanks for your blog and the focus on healthy foods, it really helps (especially the breakfast ideas).
Debbie
I am so in too !! Since last August I've lost 40 pounds & have 20 more to reach my goal. I don't have the desire to run marathons, but to do a few KM four days a week to get my blood pumping as part of my journey back to health.
I'm starting today ... 2 blocks at a time 🙂
Theresa
I hate running but I'm committed to running two half marathons this year. One in April - training starts today - and one in September. I do it because it challenges me mentally and physically...I do it because I LOVE races...I do it because it makes me feel healthy, strong and proud. I needed to write these things because I will need to remember them in a couple months when I'm dreading my long runs and questioning why I'm doing this!
Teresa
Hi Dara!
Thanks for the inspiration.
I've signed up for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon Seattle in June!
CraZy thing is.
I can't run a MILE! But I SO want to!
Starting to train this week. Just subscribed so I can be part of this community!
Thanks for the motivation!
xo
Trish @infinebalance
Great post. And Great timing. I still call myself a new runner - even though its been about 3 years since I did Couch2 5k, and I ran 2 half marathons last year -- my first 2 ever. I still feel like such a newbie.
I haven't run since the last half in September. I've been looking for a way to get started again. I've jumped on the treadmill a couple of times since New Years but your right, it's time to set some goals. And its time for me to write about running again. And since I have a headband that says "Run like a girl" ...
Kirsten @ Comfortably Domestic
Yay! I must admit that I was kind of bummed when #rfr5k died down because it was such a fun and inspiring group. I'm so excited to join you in the new challenge. After a wicked case of shin splints that would not go away, I've got the "all clear" to lace up and start again. I'm frustrated to be "starting over" but I'm looking at it as an opportunity for a clean slate--no comparisons or obsessing over PRs. Just making time to do something for myself. So I'll start with a 10K in May and take it from there.
Amy @Very Culinary
Okay, so I'm a day late to wish you a blog Happy Birthday, but I didn't forget on Facebook. Whew! I remember when you were at the Boston marathon last year - we were all so worried. You're brave and committed to go back.
I've been running 4-5 miles a day off and on for a few years, but this past November is when I started to run every single day. I treat it like brushing my teeth now. And I feel awesome afterwards. "I'm really sorry I exercised today" said no one ever!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you so much for your support, Amy! You're so right...I've never once regretted exercising. It's a fantastic way to start the day. Good for your to log all of those miles. You're a machine! 🙂
kelley
Happy belated, dear friend. I can't (read: won't) join you on the running but you bet your buns I'll be riding, biking,hiking, yoga'ing and tennis'ing my way along with you! Love the inspiration! xo
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Kelley, you always inspire me with your tennis-playing, yoga-posing and snowboarding ways. Thank you for your support! xo
Nikki
I will lace up with you too! I've been running since 2008 after a few yrs of physical therapy from a horrific car accident. I was told my pain would be so great I never would run again, but I do and I am thankful for every step I take no matter how slow it is. Will definitely follow along (from just outside of Vancouver in fact!)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Nikki, I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. It takes a strong person to push past those doctors' predictions and get yourself moving...and running...again. Please check in and let me know how your running is going along the way. And yes, I'm a bit envious that you live in the Vancouver area. How I miss it! 🙂
Niki
Thank you for your blog post, I will definitely lace up with you 🙂 I have been running since 2004 mainly running 10 km races and sometimes 15 km but this year I will run my first half marathon in October. To be honest I'm really scared but my theme for this year is to embrace being out of my comfort zone, so I will do this!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Niki, that's so exciting! I love the half-marathon distance. If you already have all of those 10k and 15k races under your belt, you're golden. Please check in on these posts and let me know how your training is going.
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Happy belated birthday! I love reading about your journey of running. You are so right that running is so much more than getting your self from one point to another! Looking forward to following your training!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Jessica! I'm so grateful to have running as a part of my life. It truly is something that makes me stronger...physically, emotionally and mentally.
Laura @ My Friend's Bakery
Happy Birthday Dara. I'm not a runner but I admire those that can and do run for their health, both mental and physical. Congrats!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you so much, Laura! Running isn't for everyone and I love to see others finding their own ways to move their bodies and strive for better health.
Christi in MA
I found your blog and this challenge from Sarah's (WillRunForPasta) instagram.
Adding you to my Feedly and looking forward to making 2014 the year I really finally feel like a runner.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Christi, I'm so glad that you are joining in on the challenge. If you run, you're a runner...don't let anyone every tell you otherwise!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
Happy belated birthday, Dara! I love the new addition, I think it's amazing & so inspiring! Absolutely in! I started running almost 10 years ago and joined a local running group 7 years ago. One of the greatest things about this (which never even crossed my mind way back when) is the sense of community and friendships I've made through this sport.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're absolutely right, Kelli. The running community is a group of truly amazing people. I have some of my best chats with friends when we're out on runs, and the feeling of "togetherness" at races is indescribable. I'm so glad you're in for the challenge!