I'll be the first to tell you I am surprised to be here. I was not an olympic runner. I didn't run on a collegiate team. In fact, I could barely run down my block when all this started. Running changed my life. And I haven't been the same since...

I was doing an internship at a corporate fitness center in Milwaukee post college. Every fitness center employee was a runner and I must admit I found it intimidating, yet exciting. As runners do, they spent the first day of my internship not teaching what to do, but trying to convince me to run a local 8K in the fall with them. Runners can be very convincing people:) So, although I was about 30 pounds over weight and couldn't run to the end of the block, I agreed. I was terrified because running was always a painful and humiliating experience. But, I did show very early signs of success. I went shopping for shoes and cute running apparel:)

Long story short, we trained at lunch 3-4 days per week. They never laughed and never judged. They only guided and encouraged me. I fell in love with the process of training and was amazed at my transformation that summer. I went from struggling to run down my block to running that 8K that fall. I didn't win of course and I was beaten by a 72-year old man and they announced it over the PA system...but none of that mattered to me. I trained. I ran. I got the t-shirt.

Crossing that finish line made me realize anything was possible. I went on to run races all over the world, qualify for the Boston Marathon and competed in three Eco-Challenge Expedition races. Running released the athlete in me. Running that one race opened a whole new world for me. I fell in love with the process of training and racing. So much that I began helping others learn to run and discover their inner runner. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs on training and racing tips, Q&A and my journey. Have a question? Post it here.

Running is all about the journey. Please tell me about your journey.

Happy Trails,

Coach Jenny