Tiger belly learns to run

whose that girl running.....?

If you look closely-- I look a little happy running. Go Ashley Go.

Since the last time I wrote an entry, I have taken up a new hobby. I am officially a runner. I run now, for a hobby. (I never thought I'd say those things). Following my surgery, I was struck with how much more energy I had. I didn't realize how ill I was, until I was feeling 100%. But, I was feeling 100%... so I wanted to put some of my energy towards being healthy. So, I picked up my activity level from where I was before surgery. At the time I was diagnosed with a stricture and needed surgery I had previously started couch 2 5 k. But, eventually I had to stop.

But, 1 month after surgery I started to run at least 2-3 times a week. I was strictly a treadmill runner until the beginning of April. Then , I transitioned to the out-of doors. Running outside was really, hard. I had to adjust to hitting the pavement with my feet, adjust to the heat, adjust to the wind. However, I stuck to it. I continued to remember what it felt like before I was running. Since I started this running, I have slept better, felt less anxious and had a lot more energy.

So, On June 1, my friend and I ran our first 5 k. It was with Girls on the Run, which is a program that helps teach young girls how to be active and eat right. It was an all female 5 k and filled with both girls and their coaches and other adult women. It was really fun to run the race and see all the girls with their friends and with their coaches. It was nice to hear encouraging words from the coaches to the girls who were having hard times. It made me think of a younger Ashley who hated the mile run in elementary school. I wanted to speak some encouragement back to that younger Ashley and tell her to stop complaining and that she was stronger than the distance of a mile. But, since timetraveling encouraging is impossible.... when I ran by some of the girls I spoke encouragement to them.

By far, the 5 k race was my best run yet. I was slow, but steady. And after all was said and done, my friend and I had smoothies. I felt so encouraged all day that I was able to accomplished running 3.1 miles. I have continued to feel so powerful all of last weekend and until today. Everytime I lace up my running shoes, I keep thinking this is a new , powerful, strong Ashley.


So up next for this new Ashley is a 10 K on July 4th. Miles 4, 5, 6 I am coming for you.

Long runs start tomorrow....