This Old Runner
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I Never Expected
to be a Runner.

Did You?


 As a kid, I ran around the yard.

In high school, I ran to catch my school bus.

At 20, I may have run the bases in intramural softball — twice.
This Old Runner at the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
The girl who hated to sweat, now loves to run.

If this behavior sounds familiar, welcome to my world.

Despite growing up in a family of athletes, I was a spectator when it came to sports. I watched my parents, siblings, spouse and children participate, but I NEVER felt the need to compete.

My motto was "No thanks, I hate to sweat."

Everything changed when I saw my daughter run her first half-marathon. I was spectating at the starting line, and was so surprised (shocked?) to see that everyone there wasn't a 20 year-old thin mint.

People of every shape, size and age started the race.

Runners on John Ringling Bridge in Sarasota, FL
And they didn't just start the race — they finished it! I was so moved by everyone's determination, I cheered for people I didn't know as they crossed the finish line.

​Tears filled my eyes when my daughter received her medal. It was amazing. Inspiring. Just, wow!

I began to wonder if, maybe — just maybe — I could run a half marathon. I started by walking. I trained for 13 months before I finished my first half in February 2013.

One medal, and I was all in. Nine months later I ran/walked a second half marathon.

I've been running ever since.

Running has given me more than muscle tone.

Running has improved my balance and agility. It provides an inner peace I didn't realize I was missing. If you want to run, you'll find information and inspiration on this website that can help you.

Be patient with your progress.

Start where you are, and make your way to where you want to be, literally, one step at a time.

Take your time and train smart.
Be patient with your progress. If you go too fast, or try to do too much, you'll end up on the couch in pain. One step at a time, people. You can do this!

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DISCLAIMER: I'm not a running coach. I don't even play one on the Internet. Please ask your doctor or professional for advice specific to your body. 
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Copyright 2016-2023 This Old Runner. All Rights Reserved.
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  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races >
      • REVIEW: 2021 Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K 5K
      • Hot Chocolate 15K Watercolor Journal
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts