Do you ever think back to when you were just a kid on the playground, anxiously waiting for recess so that you could run all over the place for… FUN? And now that you are older and probably should run, the only way you are doing any cardio is if someone is going to pay you for it.

I don’t know if you guys have had the chance to read my About Page yet so I will try to catch some of you up to date. I have recently made my way back to, The University of Toledo, around a month ago to start my sophomore year of college.

Toward the end of April, I ran my very first half-marathon! I know some of you are thinking, “Wait, wasn’t she just complaining about running and now she is telling us that she voluntarily ran 13.1 miles?”

So… my story isn’t really lining up yet but it will!

In high school, I was active in sports but only ran voluntarily when I was in distress or if conditioning week was coming up soon! Even then I never dared to run over 4 miles. Partially, because I thought running to go nowhere was pointless; however, also because I mentally couldn’t.

Let me just tell you now that you are capable of more than you even know.

When I started training for my marathon 3 miles seemed like ages and 6 miles seemed like… ETERNITY! Then I made it to 8… then 11.. then ran 1:54.57 to finish 13.1 miles AND loved doing it!

I was officially on the, “Runner’s High.”

I know all you runners are probably smiling a little on the inside because you know exactly what I am talking about. However, for all you non-runners, I know you are still denial and think I am idiotic because I was the same way before.

Even if you start off with small goals at first, know that because you started you already conquered your hardest battle! I like to listen to music but it also helps to find a friend to keep you accountable and to push you past your boundaries.

If you haven’t run consistently for at least 6 weeks before then I want to encourage you to try it! The reason most of you think that running is not for you is probably because you aren’t in running shape.

Running is great for frustration or to clear your mind after a stressful day; however, what I enjoy most is the feeling of accomplishment that comes when you complete one of your goals.

Moral of the story is, Cardio is Coolio!