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How I Fell in Love with Running in 2017

On race day, the announcer told us the course was about 4.4 miles, which earned a quiet groan from me. I struggled on the course that day, big time. The casual 10-minute mile pace training I had done was not enough—not to keep up with my partner, and certainly not enough to handle all the obstacles how I’d imagined I would (like a ninja, of course). At the finish line, in my head, I vowed I would do more, and I would do better.

I found my running groove. I learned about the magic of podcasts and how to let my mind wander enough during a run to completely forget that my legs are there—it’s wonderful.

Now, eight races later, I’m signed up for a half marathon in a week.

When I began my training I automatically passed on any kind of intense schedule with track workouts and sprints. I decided to slowly build up mileage, luckily convinced a few friends (I can’t thank them enough) to train with me and somewhere around mile eight, I realized I seriously loved seeing how far I could run. I didn’t think I would ever do a 10-mile training run, let alone do it more than once—and enjoy it. I felt like a superhero.

I’ve genuinely found my love for running this year. I quit my gym in favor of the streets and trails of Dallas and even in the winter months I thought I’d dread, I’m still in love.

I know that keeping our relationship up during the holidays is going to be tough. I ran a family turkey trot but for the other four days I was with family, I neglected my running—and I felt guilty.

I don’t want to let running fall off my priority list in December. That’s why I’m doing the ACTIVE Last Chance Challenge to see how much I can move before the end of the year. I’ve had a pretty strong year, and running and I have gotten really tight, so if you want to join us (and win some cool swag), post an Instagram with #LastChanceChallenge2017 and you’ll be automatically entered to win!

Active logoREAD THIS NEXT: I Failed My Marathon and Hit a Running Rock Bottom

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About the Author

Nikki Chavanelle

Nikki Chavanelle is one of ACTIVE's Fitness and Nutrition editors. As a former intramural rock star at SMU and current sports junkie, Nikki claims she peaked in college. Follow Nikki on Twitter for fitness and sports chatter.
Nikki Chavanelle is one of ACTIVE's Fitness and Nutrition editors. As a former intramural rock star at SMU and current sports junkie, Nikki claims she peaked in college. Follow Nikki on Twitter for fitness and sports chatter.

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