About

Are you looking for another blog about a late 20′s sort-of-kind-of runner? You’re in luck!  *waves* Hi. I’m Carly and I’m in love with  running.  I’m pretty new to the sport but it’s become my very favorite hobby (unless sushi eating counts as a hobby. Then running is my second favorite).

I live right outside of Washington, DC. I love this city. There’s great history and there’s always something going on.   It also happens to be the second fittest city in the country! Seeing people out and about – running and biking and walking – was great motivation for me to start exercising!

On June 28, 2010, I decided I wanted to be a runner.  Despite the fact that my previous idea of exercise was co-ed kickball (followed by copious beer consumption), despite the fact that I’d spent the first 27 years of my life saying things like “Runners are crazy!” or “I’m not athletic enough to run!”, I downloaded the Couch to 5K app for my iPhone and religiously hit the treadmill. And it was hard.  I am not a natural athlete – I’m uncoordinated and easily flustered when things don’t go according to plan – and every time I got on the treadmill I was harshly reminded that I was the epitome of “skinny-fat”.  Blessed with a small frame and a high metabolism, I never had to put in the effort to fit into the clothes that I wanted to.  While it’s certainly a blessing in many ways, it led me to never work out and rarely eat well.  I led a very sedentary lifestyle and it was time to start taking care of myself. My first step was to power through C25K.

I graduated from C25K at the end of September 2010 and have since run a handful of 5Ks and 10Ks, a 10 miler, 2 Marathon relays, and 2 half marathons.  I’ve started to really love running and racing even though it is still hard for me.  I’ve been blogging about my experiences as a new runner, and how I keep training fun, since December 2010.  I love running races. I feel like they give me something to work toward.  I’m so proud every time I’m able to run a new distance.  I may be a slowpoke but I enjoy what I’m doing.

For a little more background about me, here are my most read posts:

• When Can You Call Yourself A Runner? - My response to some blog controversy regarding charity runners, slow runners, and people who embrace walk breaks.
• The Benefits of Running Hills - Hill workouts are usually tough but they have great fitness benefits.
• I’m Not a Doctor and I Try Not To Play One On The Internet - Blogs are a great source of information but don’t forget they’re not an appropriate way to diagnose illness or injury!
• Ditching My Time Goal For My First Half Marathon - Why I decided that I done stressing out over a time goal for my first half marathon.
• What?! They Give You A Medal For Finishing?! - Non-runners say the funniest things about races.
• Message From A Coworker: You’re Freaking Crazy! – Not everyone understands the desire to go a little farther or go a little faster. But the “OMG You’re Crazy!” reactions can be major motivation if you have a sense of humor! [Featured post on BlogHer.com, 11/12/11]