I have friends who are runners… they TELL me that when you run long enough… and far enough… and push through the brick wall that you reach a state of euphoria. That when it’s just you and the pavement you get completely lost in yourself and its heaven. That nothing feels as amazing as a good long run in the crisp cool air…
I’ve never reached any of those euphoric milestones but MAYBE this will be my year…. Or maybe this is the year I give it all I’ve got and discover that I am NOT in fact, “a runner.” Either way, I won’t be left with questions. And perhaps there will be some amusement for the audience.
My boys are runners. The eldest is trying out for middle school track in the spring… the youngest can’t wait to get to middle school to do the same. They thrive on their ability to run and I’m so proud of them for it.
The thing about running is that you don’t need any special equipment – save a pair of GOOD shoes – or any fancy gym memberships (although I do love going to the gym). All you need is the dedication and the drive, right? And a good sports bra or 3…
This year, I will push the boundaries of what I think I can do and ultimately, find out what I’m capable of.
This year I am stepping (pun intended?) out of my comfort zone.
This year I am going to do what others said I couldn’t. (Fine… Still say if we are being honest)
This year it’s time for ME. And I’m gonna run my ass off… quite literally.
This year, I’m committing to run 13 5Ks.
This year, nothing will slow me down.
I have other goals I’d like to achieve that running will help me to meet…. and yet, I’m slightly more than terrified at this HUGE goal. For you runners out there, this may seem small. I assure you, it is NOT. It’s a big ‘un for me.
I hope I can count on each and every one of you to help cheer me on as I attempt this feat.
Here’s the thing. I don’t know that I can really do this… I don’t want this to be something that sounded like a great idea at the time. I don’t want to leave any room for doubt that I could have given more.
What I do know is that I can’t do it without your help.
I’m counting on you to cheer me on and lift me up virtually on race days…
I’m kinda hoping you’ll join me or at the very least meet me at the finish line if you are local…
And yes, if you are in an extra supportive mood, financial donations to help offset race registration fees are being accepted.
(In most of these races, as custody schedules allow, I won’t be running alone. While I love sharing this experience with my boys, it also means I am looking at 3 registrations. It adds up quickly and there’s a Big difference between $600 and $1800-full sponsorship details here)
Check out my 2013 Race page for a complete list of the races I plan to do throughout the year (so you local peeps can plan to join me 
)
Most of all, if you see me talk about an upcoming race or training or anything related to running, remind me you are cheering me on. It’s a whole lot harder to quit when I know you are counting on me…. And so much easier to believe in myself when I know you believe in me.
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Yay! Shelley! I’m so happy you’re doing this! I’m proud of you, girl!!
Sarah brilliantly penned… #13in2013–Race number one!
thanks Sarah! I’m happy we are in this together!
Have fun with this. I had a friend that became a runner last year doing 12 5Ks (one for each month). I am serious about doing 13 5Ks before I birth this baby!
kia brilliantly penned… Review: Fitcation
Thank you so much for your encouragement Kia. Means so much.
I will be cheering you on and I hope to run a few of those races with you!! I am excited for this year!!
April ockerman brilliantly penned… My Resolutions for 2013
Awesome April! Maybe I should look for one in your neck of the woods so we can run together… hmmm…..
There seems to be lots around here and by you. Just trying to find the money to do them
April ockerman brilliantly penned… My Resolutions for 2013
I am joining you in the #13in2013 challenge and didn’t even think about the registration fees now I am a little scared but not scared enough to quick. I look forward to reading your progress You Go Girl !!!!
It’s a fault Rebecca… I tend to overthink EVERYTHING… but I know it will ALL work out. No doubt.
I want to run but so far running and I don’t mix…. But maybe as I am losing weight this whole running thing and I can become friends… Im like you I hear how much all these people love to run and how much it helps and Im just not there yet…. I’d love to run but Im just scared I guess… I know I know Im a brain full of cray cray… But I know you will do great in your quest of 13 in 2013
Meagan brilliantly penned… Wordless Wednesday
you never know until you try… that’s the mantra I’m repeating over and over and over and over again. deep breath in… deep breath out…
This is awesome! I wasn’t a runner either… until a few months ago. And then I finished the year with 7 5Ks under my belt. I’ll be clearing thou on, and running 13 along with you!
Greta – YOU give me hope. I can do this!! Thanks for cheering me along!
That is awesome! I am terrified of running that many in a year at this point! I AM however, doing my first 5k in February, and plan to do a 10k and 15k as well this year. I so desperately want to be a runner, and really enjoy it once I forget I feel like I am dying, lol.
Tiffany @ The Bizy Mommy brilliantly penned… Healthy Living Update & #Mamavation Monday: Fitness goals for 2013
Awesome! Be sure to let me know when in Feb so I can cheer YOU on too!!!
This is going to be awesome. I, too, have never reached any sort of euphoria unless I hit the END of the race.
Of course, it was THEN that I was thinking, “Hey, I could keep going!” Go figure. You’ve got this, girl!
Lydia brilliantly penned… Old Navy Activewear: Can You Say FABULOUS?!
I’m gonna find that damn euphoria if it kills me… hehehehe
Whether you run a mile or 20 miles, you are a runner
Pam Gordon brilliantly penned… Fabulous Friday
Thank you PAm… you have no idea how much you keep me going. I swear.
aww….shucks!!
Pam Gordon brilliantly penned… Fabulous Friday
Love you! You are very inspiring for doing this and putting it all out there! I agree with Pam it doesn’t matter how far you run, if you run you are a runner.
As for having the running zen, it happens to me when I focus only on my breathing.
Shannon brilliantly penned… Mock Lopez: Breakfast for Dinner
I’m going to be trying some new breathing techniques that may help too. FINGERS crossed!
You go girl! I never imagined being an any-kind-of-exercise girl. I used to say blogging was my exercise… but alas, I’m 40 now… and gal’durnit, apparently my metabolism is not playing nice like it used to. Maybe I can learn to run, too. It would be a shock to everyone I know – including my husband of 20 years. Pigs might fly. But miracles can happen!
sprittibee brilliantly penned… The CHOICE is Yours : 2013
first of all – you look AMAZING for 40… shoot I think you look amazing for 25!!! regardless you are gorgeous. Moving on… I never believed I would either… in fact my mom still scoffs when I mention any form of exercise or running… luckily, my kiddos keep me going
you can do whatever you put your mind to and I’ll be cheering you on along the way! (oh! and feel free to join me for whatever races I’m doing that you want 
could always use company!!)
You are too kind. That photo was taken in 2009, by the way. LOL
Yeah, you are in Georgetown, right? You can email me any time with race info. Maybe if I sprout some determination in that area, I can try to join you. First I have to actually jog – which hasn’t happened yet. Walking would be a plus, too… I figure it is a first step at least. So far I have been doing Crunch Pilates indoors (brrrrr – baby, it’s cold outside).
sprittibee brilliantly penned… The CHOICE is Yours : 2013
This looks like such a fun challenge! I have no doubt you’ll kick some serious ass.
PS – HOLY CRAP I’VE MISSED YOU!!! Now I’ll have to spend the next 12 hours catching up on your blog!
CJ @CJinKY brilliantly penned… I’m Not Dead
Have fun storming the castle
HAHAHA! it’s been a year FO SHO…
You go, girl! Totally broke but willing to show up at a finish line or two!
XOXOX
Traci
Star Traci brilliantly penned… I Got My Hair Wet… And I’m Going to Do It Again!
Go, Shelley, go!!!!
Jeanae brilliantly penned… #Mamavation Monday: In case you missed it