This Sums It Up..

"The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am." —George Sheehan, M.D., beloved former RW columnist

When I found this quote yesterday it really struck a chord with me. As I read it, I thought, "This is it. This is why I am doing what I am doing." For those of you that have known me a long time, you may remember me as a soccer player, but never a runner. Running to me seemed like such a chore... and, ugh, lets not forget how boring it is. I had multiple coaches see potential in my running, but I would just nod my head and wait to get my excercise at the next practice.

But, you get to a point where you're not being pushed anymore. I think a major part of my "quarter-life crisis" is the lack of challenge; School is over, soccer is no longer competitive and work isn't exactly the most invigorating thing I've ever done. I needed something.

I don't know how I found it in running. My mileage has gradually gone up in the last 3 years. Three years ago I started doing my "runs to the coaster"(a 5 mile run to the Mission Beach roller coaster). But still, I could only do it once or twice a week. When I finally decided to SIGN UP for a half marathon, THAT is when I started to see my running turn into something else. I really began to ENJOY running. It was something to look forward to. And my long runs (10+ miles) some how molded into "Nikki Time"- a time of reflection, self-motivation, and good ol' spacing out for awhile. After my first half, I knew I'd do more.

I did 4 half marathons last year. With a bad performance on my 3rd race, I kicked it into high gear. I started thinking about food as fuel and really started to pay attention to how my body was feeling. My focus showed when I finished my last half in 1hr and 54min, 5 mins faster than my best time. I felt great after and I thought what better time to do a marathon than right now.

I know there will be a time when other aspects of my life push me forward and drive me to success. For now, I'm creating my own challenges by pushing my running to newer, higher levels and finding out who I am, in doing so.