The Transformation To Becoming A Runner

I am not a "professional runner." I probably don't have all of the answers on how to "win" a major race and I may never actually participate in a marathon that comprises of covering 26.2 miles in under 2 hours.

However, I am a runner who is inspired by the challenges accompanied by pushing myself physically and mentally to a level of self discipline that most people may not want to embark upon.

As a reporter for a small Brooklyn newspaper years ago, I was one day forced to run as fast as I could to get a photo of a car accident that took place not too far from my office.  Getting the "money shot" of the accident victim on a stretcher was priority and I didn't think of whether or not I was in good enough shape to run even a mile without feeling winded.

Without questioning my stamina, I raced to the scene and the adrenaline pumping through my veins was enough to feel an addiction coming on - and a transformation taking place that changed my character forever.

Of course, I made it to the accident scene on time - breathless and exhausted. The feeling of running to a destination - along with the thrill of timing - crashed around me. I don't know how or why the "running bug" bit me even harder after that day, but I literally gave the exciting hobby a "test run."

I began trekking around my local park - only having the energy to run one mile before I had to stop. I didn't expect myself to get very far. There were a few tracks at the park, some which I walked for a half mile, then ran one more mile. 

As I was molding myself into a runner, I was also suddenly torn away from a relationship I thought would last forever. For the first time in my life, I chose not to deal with my emotional loss by burying myself in a dark place until I "felt better." Instead of crying and questioning why I wasn't good enough for the person who left me, I used my new athletic ability to cope and become stronger. I pursued a life of running at least 3 to 4 miles a few times a week and learned that if you work on yourself and turn your negative energy into something productive, you can overcome anything and transform your life.

What I didn't realize, while making this transformation, is that running requires a plethora of life changes. Your diet and wardrobe are just a couple of things that get an overhaul. Yes, you must eat more and you must eat healthier foods that give you fuel to run. Believe me, I've never eaten so many bananas in my life! 
I also didn't think it was that big of a deal to find decent running pants. When I almost lost some cash I was carrying on me during one run in the park, I realized I had to invest in something to store my valuables. An arm band for my phone and ID card/money came in handy - another expense I didn't think I'd need as a runner.

This "transformation" was somewhat costly, but once I purchased enough items to make my running days as efficient and productive as possible, I was ready to keep the challenges going.

Running was just for personal fun until I interviewed a woman in 2015 who lost a family member to ovarian cancer. She told me that a benefit 5K run was planned in September for the cause and this was an opportunity for me to train to run 3.1 miles without stopping while also donating to a great charity.

The event was filled with spirit and support and I finished my first 5K in 32 minutes. Nowadays, my fastest 3 mile time is 26 minutes and it really flies by!! But crossing the finish line that first time was a testament to hard work, dedication, passion and commitment - the values you need to succeed with anything you love in life. 

Some people ask, "How did you become a runner? Did you just wake up one day and decide to run?" I don't think most athletes who compete in races simply have an epiphany to start running. Most of the time, I believe, something provokes a life change or decision to take one's leisurely run to the next level. 

The best part of transforming into a runner is not only seeing the physical changes that take over - how you feel better overall and how your body suddenly "wakes up" from a dormant state - but also the mental changes you endure. You begin to see yourself and your growth differently. You start to think about the potential of your strength, endurance and resiliency and what you're really capable of doing in life. 

When I became a more serious and dedicated runner in 2016, I stopped settling for many facets of an unsatisfying life. I'd let go of many friends who I couldn't connect with due to difference of values. I also changed jobs after one of my days were cut at the newspaper - where I'd worked diligently for 12 years. Running had instilled a confidence in me and when I went on job interviews, I managed to exude a new outlook on life. It had nothing to do with showing off or being better.

And by no means did I think I was better than anyone else - I was simply better than the person I used to be.

Thanks to the transformation from a low-key journalist to a hungry runner with personal challenges,  I pinpointed who I was and who I wanted to be. Sometimes, who you actually become is someone completely different than you expected.

APRIL 16/2019