About 6 years ago I decided that I needed a regular fitness routine. Reading the obituaries and looking at the early ages of the deceased, and hearing stories from friends about various ailments, convinced me that I needed to get fit and stay in shape, but go to a gym and aerobics classes etc. It didn’t fit my schedule or budget. My husband had been a regular runner for many years and we had run quite a bit together, but I never loved it, and I never did it regularly enough to get good at it or enjoy it. It was also so easy for me to put off, I would use any excuse not to be able to go out for a run on any given day.

I started where most people start something these days … the Internet! There are a ton of beginner career plans on the internet, but I couldn’t do anything. Do you know all about doing something for 21 days to make it a habit? Well it didn’t work out for me and running, I could never get to that point. Runner’s High? I never made it! I always felt that running was heavy work and something I had to force myself to do. But what other exercise is so inexpensive and convenient? Running was something he could get the most out of with the least amount of time invested. I didn’t have to go anywhere to exercise, I could walk right out my front door. I didn’t need expensive equipment to take up space in my house, and I could do it at any time of the day or night that was convenient for me. I knew running was really the only exercise option for me at this stage in my life.

When starting out, I couldn’t even get within a mile. I had read about interval training, and many of the online programs benefit from it for strength, speed, and weight loss, so that’s where I started. Interval training involves walking for a short period of time, then running for an even shorter period of time, and then walking again. Starting this way helps build endurance during the running portion of the intervals. Gradually the running part increases and the walking part decreases. It worked for me for a while, but I was still very inconsistent, making it difficult to see real improvement.

However, what really helped me around the corner was finding a group to run with. In May 2012 a new group was forming just for moms and I decided to take the plunge and join. This was a godsend! Not only were there other women at my career level, there were better and worse ones! I felt that my struggle had been real and that there were women who had overcome the same obstacles that I faced and who were so inspiring, and others who looked up to ME! And the conversations ?! Hysterical! The best part was the responsibility! Even though it was a “class” and I had to go to a park to attend on a schedule, I made a commitment to make it work because there were people waiting for me to be there. We did the same with the interval, but this time I could see the difference. I had never been one of those who tried hard, but now others were pushing and encouraging me. I clearly remember being very worried one night because we were expected to run 90 seconds straight. That’s right, 1 minute and a half of running, and I was freaking out. But I did it! From there it was all uphill. I ran the first race of my life at the age of 45. Since then I have run 18 half marathons (13.1 miles), 2 marathons (26.2 miles) and 1 50K (31.2 miles). From the anxiety of about 90 seconds to running for almost 7 hours straight! Is the runner high? Yes, I know what that is. Another unexpected benefit is that running alone, outside my door, on my schedule has become a lot easier, because running is more fun. I am fitter than ever in my life, I feel more in control of my emotions and I feel like I am setting a good example of a healthy lifestyle for my children.

Not every city has a runner-up pool for moms, so some girls will have no choice but to turn to the internet and books for inspiration. Either way, I encourage you to keep trying, as perseverance will pay off in the end. For those of you who live remotely or don’t have a large running community, I’ve attached two great resources to get you started on your path to a fitter and healthier lifestyle.