About

The so-called running boom of the past two years has affected the lifestyles of many Americans- but not me. I started running at the age of 13 in 1997 for my junior high school cross country team. I was never the team star, but I captained the first state-qualifying girls’ team from my high school in four year. College brought me out of the fray a bit. I was consistently holding down two jobs and a boyfriend while maintaining a solid 3.5 GPA at one of the top five journalism schools in the country. But something was missing. When I graduated in December of 2005, I realized I’d gotten complacent and overweight. Going into graduate school I tried everything to make myself happier: working less, breaking up with the boy, finding time for myself. Relief came from an unexpected source when my brother’s friend asked me to come out for a run with him. One run turned into hundreds, complete with shin splints, sunburns and the breaking down of several pairs of Asics.
I completed my master’s degree in December of 2006, and moved to Chicago sans running buddy. But now my running is really my own. I may not be the fastest, the strongest, or the most attractive runner on the Lake Shore Path, but getting out there is one of the few things I do for myself and by myself. Running, and the Asics I’ve purchased every 500-750 miles since I was 14, are two of the only things that I know will be consistent.
I think many runners share these same feelings. I hope I can provide insight into my own experiences and a forum for other runners to share theirs.
Thanks for reading.