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