Running Again

As promised, this is guest blog two of two written by my friend Kat Fehr. This post is a great inspiration for all runners; especially beginners or those coming back to the sport. Enjoy! 

Hi everyone! I'm excited to be doing a guest blog post here on The Clydesdale Challenge. A little info about me: I'm a quilter, sewist, photographer and a runner. I also love to read and spend time with my husband and our two dogs. Oh and I can't forget my love of ATVing! You can follow me on twitter at @calicocalidsgns or visit me at my blog: http://calicocalidesigns.blogspot.com 

Running Again - by Kat Fehr     
When I was a teenager I used to run to reduce stress. I never measured how long or far I ran; I just ran. I stopped running in college but picked it up again in my mid-twenties to reduce stress. At that time I was running approximately two to three miles a day. At some point, life got busy and I just stopped running.

Now in my mid-thirties, I've started running again. This time I'm running for fun. Yes you read that right; fun. I love the feeling I get after completing a run. I love the energy I have for the rest of the day. I love it when I complete a run where my pace was perfect for the full duration of the run and I did not struggle at all. Running makes me feel good.

But here's the thing; I'm only running 1.6 miles a day. I'm working my way up to three miles with a goal of participating in my very first 5K this summer. This time around I have a good friend who runs marathons.  It's because of her that I've gotten back into running. She reminded me how great it feels to run and introduced me to a professional running store where I was actually fitted for sneakers that work best for my stride. I had no idea such a place even existed. She's been encouraging and always give me tips/advice when I ask.

Even with this good friend at my side, I still sometimes feel less than adequate when I think about/talk to other runners. Most people in the running world are always training for their next marathon. I don't ever see myself running 26.2 miles. In fact, I don't think I even want to do a half marathon.  I don't fit into the long distance running world. For me, three to four miles seems like the perfect goal. 

Recently while visiting the local running store, my friend and the clerk were talking about training for an upcoming race. I stood by quietly. The clerk looked at me and asked how my training was going. Was I participating too? I laughed and said, "No. I only run 1.6 miles a day right now. I'm working up to a 5K." She gave me great big smile and said, "That's great!! I better see you at a bunch of 5K's this summer!" My friend added, "Lots of people don't even run. At least you are running."

That one conversation filled me with encouragement. I don't have to do marathons or half marathons. I don't need to be a long distance runner to "fit in.” I can be a short distance runner and participate only in 5K races but still be part of this great running world. 

If you are new to running, remember that. There is a place for everyone out there on the trails, tracks and in the races.  Distance does not matter; all that matters is that you are running. If you are a seasoned runner, then try to encourage someone new to the sport. You never know who might start running because of your smiles and happy comments.