I am 45 years old, married to my best friend, mother of 2 children, and human to 2 doodles. The only running I did as a child was to show the boys they couldn’t outrun me on the playground.  At age 30, I longed to be a runner, but Lupus was kicking my tail.  At age 40, I set several goals – one of which was to run a half marathon.  My daughter, age 15 at the time, trained, and ran with me.  I thought I had knocked that off of my bucket list and would move on to something else.  But there was something so alluring about running I could not escape.  The ability to let my mind completely relax as my body worked out the stresses of life was something so incredibly freeing.  Add the amazing runners I have the privilege of pounding out the miles with, how could I not crave it.  Watching fellow runners hit personal goals and push beyond what seems impossible is incredibly inspiring.   I can honestly say, I am a better person because of running and the people in my running tribe.

Some of my mantras include: Dingess’ only quit bad habits! You can do hard things!  Of course, it hurts, you are building muscle!

If it were easy, everyone would do it!  Suck it up, buttercup!