Here we go...

I have a great friend.  He is a Fitness Freak and Power Lifter/Body Builder.  He was like my e-Personal Trainer when I ran my first marathon last year.  When he turned 50, we all joked about  50 is the new 30 for him.  Later this year he found out he not only built giant muscles all over his body, but his heart muscle was also enlarged.  He was told by his physicians that he needed to scale back and he is finding he cannot run anymore.  I am dedicating my new e-Running Club to him.  I hope he continues to be my e-Trainer, and I hope he joins us with his own personal goal - if even at a walk. 

So last year I ran my first marathon.  I am not into crowds, so I did all my training by myself.  Some people would not advise that, but I found I had a network of  "e-coaches" from all over the country that not only encouraged me, they gave me great training tips and advice.  After setting the goal of running a Marathon, and actually completing it, then resting for 4 months, I have decided it will be an annual goal for me, until my little legs cannot carry me any more.  My mom is 86 and last year had a hip replacement that has slowed her down.  She told me, "Carol Jeanne - run while you can because one day you won't be able to and you will be glad you did it."  There will more on my mom later, but she is right.  So right.

This Blog is created to encourage anyone who isn't a serious runner to come and read and learn and share and be inspired.  We are PURE AMATEURS and we have a lot to share with each other.  Running is filled with lots of joy and some setbacks and with the encouragement of our group, we hope to support and help you with all of it.

You may think that a full Marathon is out of the question for you at this time.  How about a 5k?  How about just a goal that is not even a public race?  Walking, not running?  Yes!  All those things are what we are about!   There is an incredible sense of accomplishment when you sit down, make a goal for yourself that is something you cannot do today.  Make a plan, put your head down and work the plan and then before you know it, you have arrived!  We hope to pull you into our circle and help you with your own personal goals.

Last year I was turning 47 and was fatter than I'd ever been in my life.  It was the last straw - I had to do something.  I turned to running and the next 6 months were some of the best personal months of my life.  The encouragement of friends, the encouragement of strangers, the triumphs of finishing each run that was further than I'd ever gone before.  I want to share that with you!  AND - I want you to share your progress with us!