What got me started with running...

This was a piece I originally made as an entry for the Runners Runner newsletter where an excerpt was published in their March 4, 2011 newletter. http://www.runnersrunner.com/blog/running-reflections/what-got-you-started-with-running/

Now, here is the complete entry:

I started running back at a time when running events were not as big as they are now. They were few and far between. Registration fees were a lot cheaper. Timing chips were still probably under study. And Roxas Blvd was the premiere running venue.  

I was not one to participate in any sport but when my husband (then my BF) started joining runs, I got curious. I figured it might be a sport that an average Maria like me can handle, physically and financially. Physically because unlike team sports, I can run at my own pace without worrying about how to keep up with a teammate or an opponent. Financially because running is relatively a cheap sport considering all you need is a pair of running shoes (now you can even do without it if you're into barefoot running) and a track where you can run.

My first ever run was a 5km event in the 2003 Milo Marathon. The run left me tired but exhilarated. I felt a sense of achievement for being able to finish my first official run. The whole experience got me so inspired that I signed up for a few more runs in the next couple of years.

Then I hit my runner's block when family life and work started eating most of my time. Running had to be set aside for at least half a decade while I concentrated on other aspects of my life.

After 5yrs of sedentary living, I finally made my big comeback last Dec 2010 via the Milo Marathon, the event that had me started running in the first place. It was followed by the PSE Bull Run in Jan, Condura Run in Feb and now the Unilab Run United 1 in March. Also, I am currently training for my first 10k event in the Women's Health All Women Run by the end of March. 

Running has become a big part of my life right now and my personal reasons for staying on the track can be summarized in three points: 

1. to burn calories and thus give me the right to eat anything I want (LOL)

2. to relieve stress and keep me sane

3. to keep up with my 5yr old boy who, incidentally also loves to run

Keep on running!