Where It All Started

                I started off my running as a challenge from my brother one night while sitting around my apartment with my roommates. We ended up getting on the subject of running because my younger brother was on a cross-country team at his high school. He was pretty quick for only running a year so. My roommates and I were going to see if we could run 1 mile around the YMCA Track and keep up with him. I knew I was going to keep up with him and hopefully beat him like an older brother should.  We decided to run the next morning since it was late and we had been drinking for a while, Hence making the bet to run 1 mile. The greatest decision I have ever made was in fact made while I was intoxicated. 

                 The next morning we all met at the Y Track in some sneakers and ready to go. It was my brother, cousin and his girlfriend(now wife) and I. We all lined up at the starting line. This is the first time I have ever run on a track or lined up to race so I was pretty excited. My brother was the runner here so we followed his mark and took off when he gave the word. My brother took off I followed closely feet slamming on the asphalt hard! I was 5'11 and 184lbs at this time so I was given my body a pretty good beating. I kept pretty close with my brother then the .25 mark came up on the track and I was already slowing down to a jog breathing very heavily. My cousin and his wife had just passed me trotting along at a good pace to just last the 1 mile. I had to pick it up, I was thinking, "I've played soccer for years off and on I know I can do this!" I knew I wasn't going to win so I decided to just keep the slow pace and at least finish without having to stop and walk. I kept going, one foot in front of the other, arms swinging inward, stomach jumping up and down. I could feel my whole body shutting itself down, my legs started to go numb and my breathing was at a wheeze at the half-mile mark. I made it to the .75 mark on the track in 9:54. I was done, My body couldn't take anymore I was physically and mentally drained, embarrassed, ashamed, tons of emotions going through me. I walked to the finish line with my head down hands on my hips just blown away how out of shape I was. My friends gave encouragement and congrats to one another and all gave Hi-Fives.
                  It took me almost a month to finish the 1 mile at the track. I eventually got it and today im running 20 miles non-stop and on a journey to becoming an Ultra Runner. I started running April 2010 not being able to finish 1 mile. Its coming close to 2 years and I'm planning on running a marathon on the anniversary of my first .75 mile run on April 20th 2012. Today I weigh 140lbs and run 6:00 min mile. I want to inspire and help people reach their goals in running and just knowing to not ever give in, Even in life to not give up. I almost quit twice on my journey to where I am. I couldn't ever leave running though, Its my life and I am where I am today because of it. It's that simple reminder.