I must admit that I was never into running. I mean I really didn’t care for running and unless someone was chasing me I didn’t see any reason to do it. In fact, if someone was chasing running wouldn’t be the first thing to some to mind in the past. Well, a few years ago some colleagues encourage me to participate in the Chase Corporate Challenge with them and when I hit the treadmill for the first time I thought would die!! I did not give up, but it truly took me awhile to get into this running this. Then I graduated to running outside – that’s right, ME. The first time I did a run outside along the Chicago lakefront I paused half way through and thought “who is this chick???” Well, several, 5Ks, 8Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks and one 1/2 marathon later I am still getting into this runnin thing. I realize that I have no desire to run a 8 min mile. However, I am amazed that even as a curvy girl I had the ability to run miles and miles a few times a week. This year I am determined to meet the ultimate running challenge (for me at least) by running my first full marathon.

I am so thankful that I am 1 of the 45,000 people who registered for the 2012 Chicago Marathon. Last year registration closed in 31 days and this year registration closed in 6 days! I rarely sign-up for running events as quick as I signed up for the Chicago Marathon, but I am glad that I did this time. I will be doing my training with the Elijah Running Club (ERC). ERC is great and they helped me through my first 1/2 marathon. The couple that runs ERC are simply delightful and they are truly a blessing.

I will be adding a few posts about my pathway to my first marathon. This will be my 1st marathon, but I am positive that it will not be my last….thought I have no desire to have what is known as a runner’s body. I just want to enjoy challenging myself.