An Introduction

I've been a runner since I was a child. It started when I was old enough to participate in the annual cross country training at my elementary school. I'm not sure what pushed me to join, but I did. I don't recall ever finding it a daunting experience, so that's probably why I'm still doing it today. I found that I excelled every year, always making the cut-off for the following meets. I wasn't one of those people who came in first or had a huge lead (except that one time at a track meet!), but I like to think I was good enough. I got a C in Home Economics because I missed classes to go to meets. HOME ECONOMICS!! So, if you know me, you know I love running as much as I love sewing and cooking. AND, I think that C was totally uncalled for. I made killer pizza, pretzels, rearview mirror dice, and a bag!

I didn't join the team in high school, I'm not sure why. Maybe it was intimidation. Maybe it was because I thought I wouldn't have time. Maybe because I didn't have anyone to join with me. Maybe it was because the thought of running through Brimley Woods wasn't too appealing. I did, however, take Phys Ed all the way through high school and loved it -- even when it was co-ed and the boys didn't want to pass the football to me. But when they did, they saw I could run, I was fast, and since I was small, I could get through most of the time.

Then, when I got to university, I started running again. I think that's why I never saw the "Freshman 15" take effect. I actually started losing weight -- fast. I think it was my metabolism and my genes since my sisters also experienced the same thing, but I found that my stamina hadn't died as I thought it would have. I took advantage of the tuition fees I paid to Athletics at UofT and used the gyms all over campus. I ran in the mornings. I ran between classes. I ran after classes. I ran with my brother, Paul. I ran.

I started running to raise funds for charitable organizations years ago. I did a few walks in high school, but my first run was the CIBC Run For The Cure. It was an amazing experience. It felt amazing to be with so many people, in unity for a wonderful cause, and the spirit of the crowd was exhilarating. There was support all around. Since then, I try to do at least one event a year. Why not, right? I have legs, I'm capable, and I believe that I was given this ability and this strength for something good.

Paul could testify I don't run as much as I should or like, but that doesn't mean I don't love it. I admit, it's difficult to start again when you've been off it for a while, but the reward is great when you're back to a routine.

So now, why the blog? Why now?

Well, I'm planning to run my first marathon next year. I'm participating in the marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, and I'm dedicating this run and this effort to my Mom, who passed away from Leukemia almost 20 years ago. One of my sister's friends ran this a few years ago, and I was so inspired.

I have officially starting my marathon training and I decided to start a runner's log. Here, I'll log my distances, my times, my progress, so that I can come back and see how I've developed...and if you're interested, you can see too.

Thanks for stopping by!