Dear running…
Dear running,
It’s been a while since we had a heart-to-heart. I know we’ve had many ups and downs over the past 15 years. We started out as buddies in the spring one year and then thank goodness my volleyball coach had enough balls to tell me that I should go out for cross country (since we both know I wasn’t hacking it as a volleyball player).
I fell in love with you logging miles in the summer heat. This love grew and grew and grew during cool fall mornings running across dew covered fields with hundreds of other bony and slightly awkward girls. Pretty soon I figured out I was fast and my love for you earned me medals and recognition. That was fun, wasn’t it?
You even joined me in college for a while and showed me that I could be a varsity collegiate athlete. Who woulda thunk it?! That time was amazing but then out of nowhere I dumped you. I was cruel and you had no idea. And for that I am sorry. I wanted to ‘enjoy’ college and didn’t think you fit in there anymore. Sure, we’d have an occasional date but I thought we were done for good.
After college I’d string you along. We’d have a good few weeks together and then go months without even speaking. I thought about you a lot but was too afraid to call on you again, figuring you’d betray me and make me feel a fool.
I finally called upon you a few years ago and thought we’d work things out for good. But then I got pregnant and lazy and told you to get outta my life for a while. I couldn’t stand the way you made me feel like a total bum.
After that whole having a baby business I wanted to see you again but I wasn’t ready. I knew I had to earn back your trust. I walked… and walked… and walked some more. Oh, the endless walking. I then set up a date with you and felt ashamed of how poorly we meshed. I thought we were doomed. But I didn’t want to give you up. I remembered all the memories, the life lessons you taught me, the troubled times you saw me through. I prayed for you not to give up on me now. I need you.
I bought a bike and had a love affair. I still really like that bike but I knew I just wanted it to give me a leg up to being back with you. It worked.
I logged miles with you on the treadmill. I signed up for below-freezing races. I ran more. I made a whole race schedule for 2011. I embarked on my first real training plan with you in a long time. I gave myself to you again.
You welcomed me, you embraced me and you reward me with endorphins, new memories, respite from my hectic life and show me that I can do anything I want to do.
Well, running… I’m calling on you big time this year. BIG TIME.
Running, I love you. Will you run a marathon with me?
I eagerly await your reply. I understand if you need time to think about it. But either way, I’ll be on that start line on 10/16/2011. I hope you’ll join me.
xoxo,
Kimi
April 6th, 2011 at 2:17 am
OMG CONGRATS!!! Columbus was my first marathon and it is so amazing!!!! If you want to know anything about it or where to eat or need help with a training plan let me know! I’m so excited for you!
April 6th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Ah, this is my favorite post to date! So wonderful! You have no idea what you are in for girly, your life will be changed forever, in the best conceivable way. The marathon will welcome you with open arms, but be cautious, there is no turning back once you take the plunge.
April 6th, 2011 at 2:47 am
KIMI! You rock. How amazing. I love that you’re go in- all the way. I’ll be cheering for you every step of the way. Your motivation is so inspiring
April 6th, 2011 at 10:53 am
Yes!! Way to go Kimi -
April 6th, 2011 at 11:33 am
So excited for you Kimi! Columbus Marathon is a great one to start with, it was my first too… and Molly is right, your life will be changed forever.
April 6th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Woot woot!!! So exciting!!!!!!!! Be careful, though, it’s addicting……..
April 6th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Sweet! And congrats on the successful 8 miler! I ran for 25 minutes on Monday and almost died coming up a hill at the end. But Muskingum trained me well and I kept chugging along.
April 6th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
WOOOOO!
Congrats – that is so exciting!!!!! 
April 6th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
YESSSSS!!!!!! Wahoooooooo! I am super pumped for you! Welcome to the club. i cannot wait to hear all about your training!
April 6th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
DANG GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats and good luck!!
April 6th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I’m so excited for you!! You’ll do great:) I’m glad that you and “running” had a heart to heart. I’m sure you feel much better now.
April 6th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Congratulations! I ran my first marathon last year (Burlington, VT — soooo beautiful). I completely agree with the others that you will be forever changed – it is an amazing sense of accomplishment. I was nearly in tears at the finish line because I was so proud. But, I’m unlike the others in that it was my 1st, last and only marathon – I had a goal and I achieved it, but I don’t want to do another one. I absolutely love the 1/2 marathon and will keep doing several of those per year.
Good luck with your training!!!
April 6th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Is this your first?
Have a blast!
April 7th, 2011 at 11:52 am
I agree with Mollyberries above…this is my favorite post to date!
I loved the letter…it took me back down memory lane and my own love/hate relationship with running. I love that you are pushing yourself, mentally and physically, and committing to this AMAZING goal! I can’t wait to go through your trials with you on here!! Thanks for sharing.
April 7th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
That is awesome Kimi!!! As long as it is not the same weekend as my friends wedding, I am doing the Columbus half again this year. If it is the same as last year, the first 13.1 miles of the course are really nice!
April 8th, 2011 at 2:26 am
yay! i know that i don’t know you personally, but i am so proud of you. your post was so inspiring to read, and i loved it! can’t wait to hear about this journey. good luck and best wishes.
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