Saved By Running

Jennifer Ann H

Why do you run? A question that I get almost on a weekly, if not daily, basis. I have been an athlete my whole life. I swam competitively for twelve years, and played field hockey and lacrosse from middle school through college.  Running was always a dreaded cross-training activity for me. "Coach wants us to run TWO MILES for a warm up?!" 

Once school, and therefore competitive sports, ended, reality set in. I needed to do something to keep moving and in shape.  There was running.  Just waiting for me. 

I started small, 5Ks mostly.  I joke with my runner friends now that I was too worried about exhausting all my energy before a 5K to do any sort of warmup.  My, how far I've come.

Really, though, my undying passion for running started when my dad passed away.  Losing a parent or loved one is hard for everyone. He had always been my rock, my biggest supporter. I completely lost my way, and became a person I didn't recognize after he passed.  Someone I wasn't proud of, making really bad life choices. 

Running saved me.  Runners hate hearing the question "what are you running from?" -- because for most, they aren't running from anything!  But I was.  I ran to escape reality, to avoid all of the problems and heartache and sorrow in my life.  

Eventually though, I started to realize, with hesitation, that I'm actually not bad at this running thing.  I had to make a change in my life.  I stopped using running as an escape from the negativity in my life.  Instead, I focused positive energy on the sport, and focused on running myself back to the person I knew, the daughter my father raised and would be proud of.

The 5Ks turned into 10Ks and half marathons.  I slowly got better, faster, stronger.  I'm by no means a top athlete or runner, but with each race my confidence grew.  

The next logical step, of course, was a full 26.2.  On March 9, 2015, I won the lottery. Not the Mega Millions or Powerball, but something way more valuable and priceless.  As I was seated in my orthopedist's office waiting to get a cortisone injection before the New York City Half Marathon, I got a notification on my phone that New York Road Runners charged my credit card for the marathon entry fee.  My life was forever changed. 

Ready to Run!

The marathon training process was literally the most amazing experience of my life.  I signed up for a 20 week training program with New York Road Runners to help me get ready for November 1st.  I followed the program to every last detail.  On August 30, 2015, the program called for me to run  twenty miles. A daunting task to complete on my own.  A seasoned running friend of mine told me about the New York Flyers Three Bridges Run.  I signed up, ran it, and loved every second.  

Flyers Running the Three Bridges Training Run

Thus began my relationship with the Flyers. I joined as a member before the second Three Bridges Run, and haven't looked back.  While somewhat of a newcomer to running, I have yet to meet a more passionate, welcoming group of people anywhere.  I'm convinced I could not have gotten through the rest of training without the Flyers.  To be able to run with and pursue the same goals as so many amazing members, while learning from the more seasoned runners, has proven to be invaluable.  

I come from New Jersey (Bergen County so really not THAT far) to run with the Flyers, but really I'd travel from further to run with this group.  What a great experience it's been, and how far I've come.  I crossed the finish line at the New York City Marathon at 3:52:52, something I couldn't have done without this amazing Group.  

Marathon Complete -- Time to Celebrate :)

My story is not special or unique. I'm just an average person who has dealt with some hardship in their life.  Thankfully, I found running.  

The New York City Marathon is over. Now what?!  For me, the next stop is the Phoenix Marathon in February 2016 (suggestion courtesy of the Future Former Flyers President Doug R) where I'm training in hopes to Boston Qualify for 2017.  Thank You, Flyers, for welcoming this Jersey girl with open arms.  Hope to see your friendly faces in Central Park, and may you all achieve your dreams and goals in the coming year.  

Happy running! 
-Jennifer Ann H