nonrunner to marathoner my 1 year running journey

bigbrownkid

First of all I just want to thank everyone on MFP for all their amazing stories, i use alot of your stories for motivation and support when I struggle.

My story,

I was always big growing up, always out of shape. finally in college I decided to loose weight, I lost 30 pounds in a year, and once spring came along i decided I wanted to try to run the 5k at our university. I ran most of it and finished, and since then I was hooked. Over the course of the past 12 months i entered many races and continued to run, because it kept me motivated to achieve new goals. here was my races over the past year
5k- april 2012
5k -may 2012
5k- june 2012
10k- aug 2012 ( first week or so of august)
15k- sept 2012
half- nov(thanksgiving)-2012

after continually increasing my distance and realizing I am finally a runner, i set my goal to run the marathon at my school. Over the past 6 months i trained and ran when it was 15degrees outside. and finally this past weekend I ran the illinois challenge! the race didnt go to well for me, cramped up and things but I finished, and today I am a marathoner! also lost another 30 pounds in the past year from running and gained a decent amount of muscle. ( total loss 60pounds, and increased my weightlifting abilities greatly)

I just wanted to post here for all the non-runners who are hoping to pick up the hobby, it is possible.

(sorry no pics)

xgg2rs

Congrats. Running has changed my life the same it sounds it did for you. Great acomplishment.

vinniesooner

Congratulations, awesome story!

crista_b

Stories like this keep me going. When you suffer from clinical depression (I do), the chemical imbalance makes it extremely difficult to motivate yourself. That's why I'm here. The support of others helps, and reading stories like this that show that it IS possible are my motivation. Thank you! And congratulations!

Steffani911

That is awesome! I can't imagine the strength it takes to do what you have done! Congratulations!

I just finished my first 5k two weeks ago. I am doing my second Saturday. I am planning on moving onto 10k, and half. I'll start there. lol Did you use a plan and if so, could you share?

bigbrownkid

when you are running the first few miles, i just ran routes in my neighborhoods or city. explore new areas it will make you think less about your run and enjoy the scenario, also find good music you enjoy. For the marathon I used hal hodgens. but take it 1 step at a time and dont go to fast. slowly increase your mileage. like they said you shouldn't increase your mileage over 10% week over week

That is awesome! I can't imagine the strength it takes to do what you have done! Congratulations!

I just finished my first 5k two weeks ago. I am doing my second Saturday. I am planning on moving onto 10k, and half. I'll start there. lol Did you use a plan and if so, could you share?

lauraleighsm

How exciting! I started running last summer and I can now do 5ks. I've started to increase my distance slowly in the hopes of becoming a marathoner! I have totally noticed I am MUCH more motivated with good music. I'm running my first 5k in 2 weeks. Are we allowed to listen to music during real races?

Congrats and good luck! Thanks for sharing. I love hearing these stories!

sheri02r

Congratulations! You did great!

Suerhv

Fantastic!!

kkramey1970

Great job. I too went from a non-runner to a marathoner. Keep it up!