I have fond memories growing up when my dad would take our golden retriever out for a run.  They would run various distances, but I recall many evenings waiting for them to return.  Running was important to my father as a way to decompress and let go of the day – the way many of us do while exercising.

I first found running when I was in college and it’s had a consistent importance since then.  I would hit the treadmill at the gym in the middle of the Minnesota winters and in the summer I would go outdoors.  My passion for running has waxed and waned over the years, but it wasn’t until my dear friend Stephanie asked me to do a 10k this summer that the bug got in me.  After completing the 10k, I got to thinking about doing another race – maybe a marathon.  (Let’s just say my eyes were wide after I felt the elusive runners high!)

I’ve always been in awe over the people who run marathons.  Their bodies have taken them distances many people dream of – including myself!  Even when I volunteered in the post-event Twin Cities Marathon massage tent, I was taken aback by the men and women who set out and completed their goal of 26.2 miles.  On the other hand, my professional eyes as a massage therapist and structural integration practitioner was asking “why would you do this to yourself!?”  Yet, here I write saying I’m going to begin training for a half marathon!

I will be participating in the Napa to Sonoma half marathon next year.  I have a lot of time to train, but as a girl who hasn't run more than 6 miles at a time, I will need plenty of time to train for the physical and mental challenge.  It's a good thing I will have beautiful countryside, good friends, wine, plus a killer music playlist to look forward once I reach California. 

I look forward to sharing my training journey in the coming months!  Time to lace up my shoes and hit the road

P.S. you can find me working with the elite runners at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon this year!  Hoping to get a few tips from them!