As you all know, I have a hard time considering myself a runner. However, sometimes I forget that we have to start somewhere. As part of this year’s bucket list, I’d like you to join me!

When I first started to run, I read a lot of blogs by people who never thought they would be runners, just like me. They are a world of inspiration. That’s how I found Racheal! She’s graciously agreed to write a post on how you, too, can run. Thank you, Racheal, for taking the time to share your story with us!

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Hi Season It Already! readers.  I’m Racheal, and I blog over at Running with Racheal.

Like you, I love reading Carrie’s blog and drooling over her food reviews.  A few weeks ago, Carrie wrote a guest post on wine tasting for my blog, and I was so appreciative of her expertise.  I was excited when she asked me to return the favor as she enjoys her vacation and write about a topic I love – running for beginners.

You can be a runner.

Even though I don’t know you, I know that to be true.  How?  Because I have the athleticism of a sloth combined with the speed of a turtle and if I can do it, anyone can do it.

No one hated running more than me.  I used to have nightmares about running at basketball practice during high school.  I despised the cute little cross country girls with their bouncy ponytails, short shorts, and sculpted legs.  I knew I couldn’t be like them, so I assumed I couldn’t be a runner.

Then, I started college and moved into a dorm with a track right next door.  One day, I decided to go jog 1/3 of a mile.  I don’t know what motivated me that day (I am betting it had something to do with being surrounded by beautiful blond sorority girls), but I am so thankful for it.  That day changed my life. Fast forward a few years later, I finished my first half marathon.

I didn’t follow any sort of schedule or plan, I just slowly added distance or time as I felt comfortable – 5 minutes here, a half a mile there.  It took me over a year to build up to a 5K, but I did.  However, if I knew then what I know now, I would have executed the Couch to 5K program.  I have seen so many people become kick-butt runners with this schedule and go on to bust out half marathons and sometimes more.

Why should you start running?  The list doesn’t stop but here are my Top 5 reasons:

• The rush of endorphins – there really is nothing like the feeling of after giving it all you’ve got.
• Having some alone me-time (I know for some of us that is pretty rare)
• Having the ability to blow off steam another way besides punching someone in the face.  This has come to my rescue more than once.
• Improving my health, particularly my cardiovascular health.  Lower blood pressure, lower resting heart rate, etc.
• Being able to eat more calories ( I usually prefer those in the form of ice cream)

There are times when I take breaks (like right now during my third trimester of pregnancy) but I still consider myself a runner and fully plan to jump back on the treadmill after I recover from my delivery.

My dream is to run a full marathon.  Why don’t you join me?