Running the Windy City

You could say that I was destined to be a runner. My parents were avid athletes and runners, often racing multiple events in one season, and even running their first marathon the year before I was born. When I was very young, my mom would strap me on her bike and take me for 6+ mile rides and as I grew older and received my own bike, I would ride along with my dad on his weeknight runs, keeping him company with my mindless chatter. While, both of my parents remained (and remain) active throughout my young adulthood, somehow during middle school I was lost in the shuffle.

I have been active throughout my life, however during middle school and high school my unhealthy eating habits not only added to my waistline but also made me feel pretty gross. I knew that I needed to make some changes and with the support of my family, I cleaned up my diet, lost the extra pounds, and started looking for exercise that I could continue after high school graduation.

My passion for running started shortly thereafter. I began running 2 miles at a time a couple of times a week and before I knew it I was craving more and more. I fell in love with the runners high, being outdoors, and pounding the pavement. For the first time in my life, I looked forward to working out instead of dreading it. I also started to feel more sure of myself, running had given me a new confidence that I had never experienced before! I started speaking out more in class, introducing myself to new people, and as a result had a very successful undergraduate career. I like to think that running changed my life in that respect.

About two years after I started running, I began racing and I have not looked back. I have completed 5k’s, 10k’s, 15k’s, half-marathons, and full-marathons and even qualified for the Boston Marathon last April!

So I guess you could say that I was a late bloomer, BUT once the running seed was planted, it just continued to grow and grow. My athletic interests have also recently expanded, and I am scheduled to race my first triathlon this coming June. I am so excited to see where my new pursuits take me.

Running the Windy City is a place where I document my life. This includes training, recipes, my cat’s crazy antics, and the restaurants I visit in Chicago my current home. I hope to prove to you that it is possible to live a healthy life while balancing work, school, family, and other responsibilities. I also hope to foster the feelings of community and support, two things that the blogging community has taught me to really appreciate.

Unfortunately, I was injured this past running season and had to defer my Boston Marathon entry until next year. The decision not to run was tough and extremely emotional but after watching all of the runners cross the finish line on Marathon Monday, I am MORE determined than EVER to train my body and mind to PR next season. I hope you visit my blog, Running the Windy City and are as inspired as I am to get fit, be healthy, and have a little fun!