Remembering how it began

Back in 2000, I attended an actuarial exam preparation seminar. While it didn't help me pass the exam, I did discover the joy of running. I was already a weight lifter and did aerobics, but the gym at this hotel was lacking in those amenities. Instead, they had a ton of treadmills. One of my seminar mates talked me into trying running on the treadmill. So, I banged out my first mile run in many, many years. It took me 14 minutes, but I did it.

Fast forward a few months to June 2001 and I'm still going about 1 mile, maybe 1.5 on the treadmill with an average speed of 11-12 minutes per mile. My friend, Nicole (DWD buddy), talked me into trying a 5k. We signed up for the Ambulance Chase run that wound through downtown Cleveland. I hadn't run more than 1.5 miles, so I was nervous, but her husband said he'd stick with me. And, he did. He kept me distracted and helped me finish my first 5k ever in 31 minutes flat. I almost threw up at the end, but I was so hooked. Of course, another friend talked me into triathlons that next summer and the rest is history.

Why am I going down memory lane? Well, two of my friends are running their first 5ks this weekend and I get the pleasure of escorting them for it.

Kristen and I are doing a 5k in downtown Cleveland tomorrow morning. She is my wonderful friend and also a damn fine massage therapist. She keeps me running each month. I know she is nervous, but she will be great! She has prepared well! Here is a picture of us at her birthday party this summer.




Jen and I are doing a 5k in Toledo on Sunday morning. She has been my friend longer than anyone I know and is one of the kindest people I've ever met. Now, she can be a runner pal as well! I get to visit her and her family on Saturday night, so that is an extra bonus! Here is a picture of us from September 2002 (I'll get more current pictures this weekend, I promise).




I'm very proud of my girlfriends. I know they will run strong and hope they will get hooked on the finish line rush also. I can never have too many running girlfriends!

I leave you with a moment of zen (Jen, I know you love John Stewart, so this is for you). It is a picture of me at a costume biathlon 5 years ago.