Why do you run? #WeRunJune1

In honor of Global Running Day, I wanted to share my story. There are a few questions runners always get but the most common one is "Why do you Run"? Why I run is a story, not an answer. Be sure to check out the bottom of this post to see how you can win a free pair of ASICS shoes today!

I hated running. There, I said it. I couldn't run a minute straight and made a million excuses why I couldn't run....my knees, my heart, my hair. I played multiple sports growing up and was always active so when running didn't come easy to me, I instantly black listed this sport.

First 5K, First Full Marathon, First (and only) Dopey Challenge

Everything changed in February 2012. Long story short, my best friend trained for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon. I signed up for the 5K to take part in the weekend with her. I had a blast at the 5K and stayed the weekend to cheer her on at the half marathon. After watching her and 20,000+ other runners of all shapes and sizes finish, I became inspired and knew this was something I had to do. 10 months after my first 5K, I ran my first half marathon and few months later, I ran my first full marathon.

Walt Disney World Full, 2014 NYC Marathon, Rock n Roll Nashville Half

Fast forward to today - I have completed 5 full marathons, one runDisney Dopey Challenge and 17 half marathons. So don't ever tell yourself that you can't do it. Running has taught me many things but most importantly, that my body is capable of far more than I ever imagined possible. I will never be the fastest runner but that is fine with me.

#TEAMASICS

Along with achieving goals I never thought were possible, running has also given me amazing friendships I would have never gotten otherwise. Through ASICS, runDisney, Rock n Roll Marathon Series and Fit Fluential, I have met some amazing people over the years. I cannot imagine my life today if I never picked up those first pair of running shoes.

June 1st is Global Running Day. Even if you lace your sneakers up and run 1 mile, I encourage you to get out there. To celebrate Global Running Day, ASICS will be giving away 1 pair of shoes for every 100 uses of the hashtag #WeRunJune1 on Twitter. Here is a link to the terms and conditions for the contest -> http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/terms-and-conditions