Welcome to the world of running: here are two sprained ankles!

A little over a year ago, I ran my first 5k.

And so began an addiction that I don't think I will ever shake. Luckily, my friends and family support and encourage it (and sometimes fund it, because boy, can it get expensive).

I trained for that first race for about a month. And then during the race, I managed to sprain both ankles. Just call me Grace.

However, glutton for punishment that I am, a month and a half later, I was up running another one. That time? Faceplanted my way through it. But I survived to run another day. Which, conveniently was about a month later.

And then I ran another one. And another one. And another one. And another one. Did I mention it's really hot in the summer in South Carolina? And in Kentucky? And in Georgia??

And then a few months later, I ran my first half marathon. I trained for that race. I mean I really committed to the training. I was running 5ks every other day with long runs on the weekends. And yet I still managed to hurt myself so badly I couldn't walk for two days.

I'm told that's normal...?

But I cut 25 minutes off my estimated time, though, so points for style, right??

And even after all that, I've decided to run another half marathon in a few days.

Glutton for punishment, party of one.

I say all that to say this: I've resigned myself to the fact that running will never be a painless (or inexpensive) activity for be (I have the x-ray bills to prove it). But the competitive drive I have has put me in the very difficult position of forcing me to beat myself. And it's working.

Find what works for you. Is it the half dozen donuts waiting at the finish line of the Donut Dash or the frozen goodness of the margaritas at the finish line of the Miles to Margaritas? Maybe it's the challenge of running over a bridge so you can get the perfect selfie in Savannah (while trying not to trip)... Or maybe you secretly wish you were a superhero and need a villain to chase.

Whatever gets your shoes to the pavement or grass or whatever, let it get you there. And then milk it for everything it's worth.