Dear Running… (A Valentine’s Day Love Story)

Dear Running,

I’ve always been attracted to you, long before we ever got together.

But I figured you were way out of my league.

I would see other people with you—fit, healthy, happy people—and I’d think about how lucky they were. I figured they were destined to be with you, while I was…not.

I was out of shape, low on confidence, and unhappy with myself. You were the exact opposite, in every way.

But then I noticed something. You didn’t just hang out with the super elite athletes…you spent time with lots of “normal” people too. People like me.

So, one day, I gathered up my courage and went out with you for the first time.

We didn’t exactly hit it off immediately. Remember?

You frustrated me. I whined a lot. Neither of us had much fun.

When we’d go out together, I’d be self-conscious, thinking I wasn’t good enough to be seen with you.

Sometimes, I’d blow off our dates, pretending to be too tired from work. You never said a word, but I hated letting you down.

Through it all, something told me that we were supposed to be together, so I fought for us.

It took awhile, and there were plenty of setbacks (I’m really sorry about all the swearing)…

…but eventually, we found our groove as a couple.

I started looking forward to our time together. Afterwards, I always felt like a million bucks.

I couldn’t wait to introduce you to my friends.

Some of them weren’t sure what I saw in you. They tried to introduce me to things like Zumba and CrossFit, swearing that they were way more fun and exciting, and that I’d forget all about you once I got to know them. But I just didn’t feel the same connection, and my mind always drifted back to you…

Sure, you could be kinda boring sometimes (sorry), but I couldn’t help the fact that I’d fallen for you.

And even though my friends didn’t understand our relationship, they respected it, because they could see that you’d changed me for the better.

I’d become a better person with you in my life.

I’d become one of those fit, healthy, happy people I once envied.

Then, one day, you brought up the M word.

Marathon.

I was thrilled that you’d even ask me. ME??? Had you forgotten who I was?

At first, I was freaked out. I mean, it’s a huge commitment. But I also knew that I was ready.

From then on, preparations for the big day totally consumed my life. The whole process was so tedious, and the months leading up to it were SO long, that I almost faltered a few times. (I’d heard there were plenty of 10Ks in Vegas with last-minute registration.)

But I knew I had to go big.

The night before the big day, I didn’t get a wink of sleep. Would I trip? Would all of the pictures of me be horrifyingly ugly?

I woke up the next morning giddy with excitement and nerves. I couldn’t believe this was really happening! Was I really worthy of it?

But the second I met you under that archway, and I heard the special song I’d picked out just for this moment, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Running,

Thank you for changing my life. I’m so happy we found each other.

Love,

Me

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

And don’t forget!! Today’s the LAST DAY to enter my two giveaways:

–$40 lululemon gift card

–Valentine’s Day chocolate basket from The Natural

Both contests end at midnight, and I’ll announce the winners tomorrow! My fingers are crossed for YOU!