Today’s featured Friday runner is Dawn over at My Pink Musings

Dawn’s Running Journey

This is my story

This is my song

Running my heart out

So I can live long!

I woke up one day about 4 years ago and decided that I was tired of living an unhealthy life. I thought back to when I used to run trails, trying to remember why I stopped. The only thing I could come up with was that life got in the way. So at 48 years old I decided I was going to be a runner again. I started slow with a C25K program. My kids about a week after I started and one of my daughters decided to do it too.She lived half way across the country but we became each others cheerleader. Then we signed up for our first 5k, a night run in South Carolina. I was nervous and very excited. I was so proud when I finished. I ran my next 5K by myself. It was so hard, full of very steep hills but I finished it. After that run I met a running trainer. I decided that I would run with him maybe 1 or 2 times a month because it would be an hour drive each way for me. He consistently tortures me 2 times a week.Yep, I make the drive twice a week.  Just when I think I’m making progress he steps it up. Always keeping me just outside my comfort zone.  I have since run more 5K’s and 2 half marathons, all with my daughter. We had to miss a half marathon because I am currently rehabbing a knee injury sustained while snowboarding on a sled (not a good idea). We have also taken the plunge and signed up for the Disney Marathon next January.

-What is your favorite go to fuel during long runs? My go to fuel for long runs is Vitamin C, apple sauce, cherry pie Lara Bar, & salted caramel gel.

-What race is on your bucket list? My bucket list race Is the Disney Marathon, which I just signed up for. 

-What running shoe brand do you prefer? I only ever wear Newtons to run in. Love them!

-Your favorite race medal?Favorite race medal would have to be from the Diva Half. It is blingy and was put on me by a hunky fireman, only would have been better if my husband had put it on me.

-What is your best advice you’d give to a new beginner just starting their running journey? My advice to a new beginner is to always remember why you started. Never give up! Never feel defeated. If you didn’t conquer it today go back out tomorrow and try again. You can do it! Use your running time to become closer to nature, talk to God, let go of all the stress.