When running gets you places

I am a runner. I am a runner now. Three years ago? Not so much.

I started running because Fernando runs. I kept on running because I was turning 40 and it made me feel stronger than ever before. I keep running because it gives me more than it takes. Really.

When we moved to Italy, the thing I wanted more than anything else was to start a running group. I had a fabulous group of running friends back in California and I missed them. I missed their energy and support, as well as their incredible strength. Running on my own was fine, but running with friends? There is just no comparison.

I started a so called running club among the expat community members, but lets just say that it was more a name than anything else. My friend and neighbor Pien was my only companion during the first year. Then she got a dog, and after that, three more awesome ladies joined. Running with dogs, it was.

A couple of us decided to train for a Marathon. I got injured during training, at about kilometer 29, and  I did not run a marathon, but my friend Heidi did! Her first! She is a strong lady, she just keeps on going! Other friends run shorter races, or no races. Everybody's favorite is our weekly Thursday's meet when we get to talk and run to our hearts content.

This fall our group has grown exponentially. It might be that I am not a newcomer anymore and I know more people in the area, or it might be the natural evolution of things. Whatever the reason, I am so lucky to have the opportunity to hang out with a very diverse and interesting group of women. We come from all corners of the globe to find our best friends on the sneaker wearing lady running next to us. Life is just great!

#9 Run a half marathon in Italy

Remember the list? I get to cross a big one off the list: running a half marathon in Italy!


Back in January when I wrote my list, a half marathon was a safe item to accomplish as I have been running one a year for the last three years. What I did not know then, was that Heidi, my running partner, had set herself the challenge to run a full marathon this year. So yes, I am trilled that we ran a beautiful race, that the weather was gorgeous, and that I had great company (my husband Fernando ran it too), but this race was only the half-way mark! We are training to run a full marathon in May! What about that? I think I should give me extra-points!


We ran the Lago Maggiore Half, which is a beautiful run if I ever saw one. We started in Stresa, the charming town on the shore of the lake, with a gorgeous view of the borromean islands, and the snow covered mountains in the background. The sun was shining, and the wind took a day off for us. Fernando is a faster runner than we are, so we did not run together, but Heidi and I kept a good pace for 12 kilometers. I had to slow down a little as I was not feeling one hundred percent well, but I finished the race!


It is a wonderful life.

Running

Spring is here, the weather is beautiful, and my excuses have gone with the cold. I am officially back to running and happy to be back. There is nothing like a run to make you feel good about yourself and the wonderful gift that is your body. I like being outside with my friend and my dog, breathing fresh air, feeling the rush of blood, talking about nothing and everything.
You might remember that I want to run a marathon before I turn 50; I still have a good 9 years before my time is up. Of course I am not training for a marathon NOW, but I will like to train for a half marathon this summer.


I have run 2 half marathons, and I loved doing so. The first time around I signed up with a running club to learn how to train, how to stretch, what to eat, what to wear, etc. It was a great experience, I was so new to the world of running that I felt successful just by finishing those 13 miles. Needless to say, my time was not great. By the second time, I was a member of a running club (miss you guys!) and I was so lucky to have a group of inspiring, strong women to run with. I learned so much from them, their character and passion showing on every step of our runs together. I became a better person and a better runner because of them. I ran my second half in 2:05:00 -which is a time I am proud to post.
When we moved to Italy I was in really good shape, I felt younger and stronger than when I was in my thirties. I tried to stay on top of my routine, but many things got in the way. I also tried to star a running club within the expat community without much luck. I am happy that my friend Pien runs, we go to the trail near our houses twice a week and it is always a gift.
The whole purpose of this post is to write down (for everyone to see) my renewed commitment to running. I have even added a little widget to my sidebar that keeps track of my miles and my time. It is official now, I am on my way to Bogota's half marathon on July 27. Just 2,640 mt (8,661.4 ft)over sea level, a minor detail!