When I started running after a long hiatus (chasing little people around), it was because I was asked to run with a group who were training for a half marathon. One guy came up with our training plan and we followed it to get ready. As we neared the race date, our group of 5 dwindled to two.

I figured since I had trained up to 9 miles of the 13.2 mile goal, I might as well keep training. Saturday group runs became just like my weekly runs, just me and the road. So I had to figure out how to pass the time in my head. Story writing is what I came up with. Then instead of thinking about how my ankle was sore or my hamstrings tight, I wrote in my head. It made runs really a treat instead of torture.

When race day came, I lined up with all the other racers, the only one of our group to succeed to that point. As part of my inner stories, I saw myself reaching the finish line in some amazing time and hardly feeling any discomfort. I started out in the middle of the group and ran faster than my normal pace. About mile 6 panic set in. My side hurt, my legs were tight, and we reached a gradual hill I could not tackle as fast as the people around me. I dropped back because I had trouble breathing and focusing.

So I determined I would just keep running forward. (Someone later defined that as the survival shuffle—runners use it to keep going when you hit a wall). About half a mile later I saw a younger runner alternately running and walking. I could keep running if he was walking! So I changed the song on my ipod to something upbeat. I picked up my speed. Then I saw a runner I knew walking and looking completely exhausted. I was actually feeling better than that guy. I saw other runners around me slowing down around mile 8 and 9 while others picked up their pace. I had trained so much I just dug deep and kept as steady a pace as I could.

When I saw the sign for mile 12 I knew I had this. I changed to “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor and ran the fastest pace I could handle. It finally clicked that if it hurt or I couldn’t breath, I could slow down a bit and if I felt good, I could run the fastest pace I thought I could handle. I had a great finish (for me). I was really happy too when I realized we got a pancake breakfast at the end.

What started out as a simple wish to get into running again turned into an amazing learn-about-myself experience. And now I have a running addiction as well! A simple goal has become a passion.