I'm not a runner. I never have been. It just wasn't something I enjoyed. Never felt that "runner's high," never been bitten by the running bug. Until now.
A few months ago NAC held a running clinic. We brought in a running expert from Saskatoon. He talked about injury prevention, stretching, nutrition and went through several running drills with us. Nope. Still not a runner.
Shortly after the clinic it was clear that several NAC members were interested in training to run 10km at the Saskatchewan Marathon in Saskatoon. Here is where the NAC Running Group was born. For eight weeks we trained hard. The group trained independently twice a week and each Sunday we got together for a group run. I thoroughly enjoyed the group running experience. The motivation of the group was inspirational. Their commitment, their drive and their progress were phenomenal.
This past Sunday, the Saskatchewan Marathon was held in Saskatoon. Weeks of hard work, pulled muscles and group runs paid off ... we were ready to run. Personally, I was probably more excited for it to just be over. I enjoyed it but I was ready for my weekends off again. No more running!
As we arrived at the run, I couldn't help but feel my adrenaline kick in. There were people everywhere. Almost 4,000 runners! Everyone pumped up and ready to run. I especially felt the anticipation from the NAC group. They were almost vibrating.
We didn't run as a group. Everyone found their pace and went. There was a certain point in the run where we crossed paths. It was great to see the smiles and the dedicated look on their faces as they headed in for the (uphill) home stretch. I was proud of them.
I remember every step. 1km, 2km, 3km, 4km markers. Then 5km. Half way! There were people dressed up holding signs, cheering us on all the way. There was music, water stations and inspirational notes written on the road in chalk. You couldn't help but feel proud.
The last stretch was uphill, it was tough. When we arrived at the top of the hill the streets were lined with spectators. It was amazing. I looked over to my running partner and said, "We aren't stopping now." She said, "nope" and we finished strong.
Some who had finished before were standing at the finish line. We exchanged hugs and high fives. When the final member of our NAC running "family" crossed the finish line I stood there for a minute. Tears filled my eyes. I was so proud of everyone...and I was proud of me. I was a runner! I am a runner!
The message I sent our group after the run said, "Today, we crossed something off our bucket list. Today, we ran! Today, we are champions!"
I am proud to have been a part of this amazing experience. Needless to say, we have registered to run again in September, this time for a half marathon. After all, we are runners now. We will start training in mid-June.
No matter how far you run, or how long you've been running, if you run, you are a runner! Enjoy it!
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
