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!
Maria @ The Good Life
Hi! I found your blog via Instagram of all places and love this challenge and would love to join you! I love running but after foot surgery I'm finding it hard to motivate myself and this sounds perfect. So excited!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Maria, I'm so glad that you popped over from Instagram and even more excited that you're joining in for the challenge. Let's do this running thing together!
Karen Petersen
I love running. Just got some new shoes today.
My goals for this year are speed. I can run long and slow. I want to run short and fast. My ultimate goal is to run 3 miles in less than 20 minutes. It will be hard, but I'm excited to try!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
There's nothing like a new pair of running shoes to put a spring in your step! That's a great goal. I've heard people say before, "I'm ONLY running a 5k." But, honestly, a 5k race can be really tough. It's finding that balance between picking up the pace and reserving just enough energy to make it to the end. High-five to you, Karen!
Kelly @ Kelly Bakes
First and foremost: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What a wonderful gift to yourself!
I don't like to make new years resolutions, but I read this great piece on resolutions vs. identity and changing the way you view yourself to make changes in your life - for example, instead of saying "I will run 5 miles a day to lose weight," or "I will lose 10 lbs this year," it's better say, "I am the type of person who makes time to exercise because it's good for my body." So, with that in mind, I say it to myself every day and make sure that I find time to get up and move--whether it be hula hooping or old school sit ups, push ups and squats. And, on the same token, I've taken a more forgiving attitude towards myself when it comes to being on my treadmill. I don't have to run 8 miles on the first go because a) I've never been a runner and b) it's a goal to work up to. I see your #rfr5k photos on instagram and knowing that you started off not running more than 2 minutes has definitely helped reaffirm the idea that it's okay to take it slow and walk more than you run. I'm excited to follow along and share too. Thanks for being such an inspiration, Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
That's a great way to think about things! And yes, setting smaller, measurable goals for your running is really smart. I'm looking forward to running alongside you virtually, Kelly!
Tammy J
Happy ♪ ♫• *¨ *• .¸... ¸ Birthday ♥ ¸¸. •*¨*•♫♪ To You...♪♫• *¨*•.¸¸Happy ♥ .•*¨* • ♫♪ Birthday ♪ to you ♫ •*¨*•. Happy Birthday¸¸ ♥ ¸¸.•* Dear¨*•Dara .. ♫♪ Happy ♥Birthday ♥ to You! ♥Happy ♥ .•*¨* • ♫♪ Birthday ♪ to you ♫ ♥ Happy Birthday!!! Have a great day!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Awww...thank you, Tammy!
Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta
You know I'm totally in! I was so sad that RFR5k kinda died off, it's so much easier to stick with it when there's a community of like-minded support!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I'm so glad you're in, Sarah. You're someone that took the RFR5k challenge by the horns and really made things happened for yourself. I'm looking forward to watching your journey to your next race.
Carolyn
Great post, Dara! Love that you're still running, still looking to motivate others. I did 6.5 miles today in the weirdest, foggiest, slipperiest weather!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Carolyn! Those foggy, slippery weather can be tough, but they feel so fabulous in the end. You are always such an inspiration with your running!
Liz Cullinane
Happy Birthday!! Running was always on my bucket list and I am proud to say that there is a big check beside that one. I started running in 2012 and then really took it seriously in 2013. I am so lucky to have found a really great running group, Sole Sisters Victoria. I have logged a few 5 Ks and 10 Ks last year and signed up for my first half next October in Vancouver....very excited and nervous. Love your site and your blogs, the running site is a great idea, really looking forward to reading and the support.
cheers
Liz
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
That's fantastic, Liz! Finding a running partner or group is such a great way to stay motivated and keep yourself accountable. As for the half-marathon...you can do this. Just take your training one long run at a time and think of the next one as just "one mile longer" than the previous one. Nothing feels as good as reaching a goal that seems unattainable at first glance. I can't wait to hear about your training along the way!
Becky
I love seeing the number of people that are excited about running! I have a half in February and a full in May that I am training for.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I know...it makes me so excited to see so many enthusiastic runners. It motivates me even more! It sounds like you have a full racing year ahead of you. Please leave comments along the way to let me know how your training is going!
Tracey
Happy Birthday!! And thank you for this. It's perfect timing because I just signed up for a 10km run in April (in B.C.). I've run sporadically over the last couple of years and did a 5km last year. I'm getting married in July and thought signing up for the run would be extra motivation to be wedding dress ready!! I'm looking forward to your posts on this subject. Thank you 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Ah yes, the fit-into-the-wedding-dress motivation...I've been there! 🙂 That fantastic that you already have a race on the docket. I'm looking forward to hearing about your training progress.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Hooray for running! Such an inspiring post, Dara! And you can totally count me in. I hope you have a wonderful birthday too!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Lauren. And "hooray" to you being in for the challenge!
Holly
I am in! Great post and well-timed. I've been admiring the runners I've seen out in the snow this past weekend instead of getting out there myself! My beginner goal is to run twice a week this month and hope to increase it to three times a week next month.
Happy Birthday! I'll look forward to seeing what the year ahead holds for you on your blog and I am excited about your new running section too.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Holly, I'm so glad to hear that you're in! Your goal sounds like a great way to start. We each need to choose what is realistic for our schedules, our bodies and our minds. Slow and steady improvement is so much better than going "full on" at the beginning and risking injury or burn-out. You can do it!
Brenda
TOTALLY IN!! Just coming out of a stress fracture in my foot and I have run exactly twice since October. But I am ready to go, even if it means hitting the treadmill during these cold snaps. Looking forward to it!!!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Love the idea. See----we do get WISER with age! Keep those healthy recipes coming.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
LOL. Yes, let's hope that wisdom keeps coming and that I can slow down the aching body part! I'm sorry that you had to deal with a stress fracture. I've been through that too and know how frustrating it can be. Be sure to comment on future running posts and keep me updated on how the running is going!
Jacky
Well Happy Birthday to You! I applaud you for starting this challenge. I didn't become a runner until after I turned 50. In the last 2 1/2 years I have gone from couch potato to half marathon instructor. I love helping people reach their goals, and I find it very motivating to myself when they do! I look forward to reading your comments!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Wow, Jacky...that's wonderful! It must be so satisfying to seeing your runners work hard to reach their goals, and to be a part of the process. I hope you'll comment on future posts...I'm sure you'd have plenty of words of wisdom to contribute!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Such a fun post, and happy birthday by the way! I start training for my 5th marathon in May and a 1/2 in April next week! Excited to see all your posts! xx
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Katrina, you are a machine! I had no idea that you had run so many races. What marathon and half-marathon are you training for?
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I'm training for the Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon in May and the Scotiabank 1/2 in Montreal in April! Fingers crossed!!
Cindy @ Kicking it In
Thanks for making me BAWL on my iPad!
Look at you, birthday girl; a rose in your hand and the world on a string.
You're on the road again, now, and 2014 is going to be an awesome journey WITHOUT tragedy! Bringing your son into your running world (and helping him build his own) is just something I can't describe, having done it, myself. And the 'you' part, and the community aspect. So much soul food in one place, as you well know.
I'm honored and tickled absolutely pink to be a part your butt-kicking 2014. You enhance everyone you come into contact with and are one of the most genuine people I know. You're a natural inspiration to everyone around you. You deserve everything your heart desires, birthday girl!
Lead the way, my friend.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, my friend. You have been such an integral part of my journey, and I'm so happy to have you on my team and, more importantly, to call you my friend. You never cease to amaze me with you accomplishments, your strength and your words of wisdom.
Jess
I was SO excited to see this post!! I had been wondering if you were planning on racing anymore. I can't wait to hear about your journey, and that is awesome that your son will be joining you for a half! I started running in Feb 2013 with couch to 5k, then completed my first and second halfs in Oct and Dec 2013. I am racing my third half at the end of march and am hoping to break 2:30 (my second half was 2:31:18).
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Jess, you are amazing! What a year you had in 2013! I'll be cheering you on in 2013. I hope you'll check in on my running posts along the way and leave comments to let everyone know how your training/racing is going.
kita
I'd like to tackle a marathon before the year is out. Ran several races last year, but ended up with a torn groin mid season. Now back to the routine and kicking booty!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Ouch, Kita! That sounds painful! I'm glad to hear you're back on you're feet and knocking off the miles. What marathon are you thinking of doing?
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Happy Birthday Dara!! This is such an inspiring and motivating post!! I can not wait to get my doctors approval to start exercising again - desperate for those endorphins!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks so much, Liz! Those post-baby weeks are tough, aren't they? Let's hope you get the thumbs-up from the doctor soon.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
Happy happy birthday!!! I love that you're doing this! I'm really hoping to get the "yes" from my doctor to start running again soon. I have actually had to grieve not being able to run. I really want to complete another half in May so wish me luck... And good health!
I'm so proud of you and your husband for passing on the running bug to your kids. What a great gift!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Katrina! I can only imagine how much you must be missing it. I'm crossing my fingers for you that you get that "a-okay" from the doctor soon. And someday we need to run together in person!
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness
First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!
I love this post. I am going to be honest, I hate running. I am all about lifting weights, and I avoid any sort of running-esque thing at all costs.
However, it's a new year, and this is an inspirational post! Maybe I will just have to re-visit my hatred of running and try something new! 🙂 Great post and challenge Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Taylor! I adore lifting weights too and find it a really good balance for running. Believe me, I get the "hate running" thing. I felt the same way for years. It wasn't until I really put my head down and started doing it really consistently that I started to enjoy it and it got easier. I hope you'll join in...there's nothing like virtual running partners to keep you motivated. 🙂