In the Beginning

I've always had an interest in running, but that interest was trumped by my aversion to working out by myself. So when, in March, I get this brochure in the mail about Team In Training and how they will train you to run in a TEAM with other people, I decided to bite the bullet and at least attend the information meeting.

Going into the meeting, I was convinced that I would only be able to run a half marathon. The only event in which the Tuscaloosa TEAM was participating that had a half marathon was the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. The Marine Corps Marathon looked fun, but again, no half. At the information session, Mandy (coordinator) and Cathy (coach) made it sound so easy to run the full distance, and so I started entertaining the thought. Of course, I doubted, but I also hoped. I hadn't run since middle school, some 15-16 years before, and even then it was only the mile for the track team. I asked if there was a plan B, if I trained for the marathon if I could drop to the half, if necessary, and was assured that this was the case.

The Tiffany's necklace at the finish was honestly the main reason I was attracted to Nike. My engagement ring and my wedding ring are from Tiffany's, and I wanted a whole set! When I got home, I asked my husband if he wanted to run with me, and he said, "Sure." Not exactly enthusiasm, but a definite start. So it was, on our 4th anniversary, that we started our journey together as runners.