Happy Anniversary to Me..

Well... it's finally here. On January 28, 2007, I began my C25K journey. I'd like to take a moment to thank two very important people in this journey. First, I have to give a shout-out to John. He was the first of the three of us to start the C25K. It was his example that set Nate and I in motion. In fact, before the C25K, I had no idea who John was. But, as a result of a decision he made, I am a better person today.

Then, there's Nate... What can I say? His email to me said something like, "I'm doing this..". He included a link to the C25K and that singular statement was enough to kick me in the pants. We are definitely connected in this transformation because of the sweat that we left out on those snowy roads last January and February. Nate in his burglar outfit and me in my Michelin Man outfit.

I think my initial thought was that the program was way too easy. Even after a couple weeks, I was thinking I was bored. Then, it started getting harder and it was apparent that I was training the "right way". I didn't feel overly sore. I didn't hate running. I just felt like I was making progress. The first couple of months was where I lost the majority of the weight. I hadn't lost much after that until very recently.

I followed the C25K with the One Hour Runner program. It was there that I became totally addicted. I was racing more and loving every minute of it. The PRs were almost as addicting as the transformation... I was hooked.

Then, my wife and I came up with the crazy idea of running the marathon. It was a life goal for my wife. And, since I was getting in better shape... I thought, why not? I ended up running the marathon and trashing my feet... But, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

If I had to pick one thing that I am most proud of over the last year, it would be that I am still running today. But, a close second would be finishing the C25K.

It was a great first year... a first of many.