Earlier this year I decided to try running (run for fun, you know?). It's been an exciting experience doing something I never thought I was able to.

Here's a little bit about my journey: I was thinking of way I could get more exercise in an easy way and so I thought, why not run? I mapped out a little one-mile course in my neighborhood and tried running around it. I only got about one-third of the way and I had to stop and walk the rest. I kept doing that every other day until I could run the entire mile without stopping. I was always so tired after that first mile, it felt like I would never be able to go more than a mile. A friend of mine mentioned the "Couch to 5K program" so I looked into it and got some techniques on how to improve my running.

I finally was able to pass the one-mile barrier and started running more than a mile. I got up to 2 miles and then I could do three miles (a 5K) and beyond.

Now the max run I have done is 10 miles! I signed up to run a 10K in September and a half marathon in October.

Running is great exercise and feels good for my whole body. Here are some things I learned:

1. Get a good pair of running shoes. I got a pair of Brooks Ghost 15, and they are so cushioned on the landings! It really helps
2. If your knee hurts, massage the thigh on your opposite leg. Also do lunges.
3. Focus on your form: controlled breathing, shoulders relaxed, keep your arms in motion.
4. I can do hard things!

My goal is to run a marathon next year.