A letter to my first love.....

Dear Running,

We've been together a long, long time. I think it was 1993 when we were first introduced. I was so excited for my first 5k, I bought a new outfit. You didn't mind that I was awkward and sweat a lot. You seemed to love me for who I was.

Years went by and we were on again & off again. Whenever we ran into each other, it was like no time had passed at all and we quickly picked up where we left off. For some reason though, we always would grow apart. And then finally, we broke up for good. It was November 2004 and I was out with you when I had a pain so bad in my knee, it drove me to tears and the next thing I knew, I was having knee surgery. Aren't there easier ways to break up with a girl? I spent many months wondering what I did to you. And then, I met someone new.

It was 2005 and I found triathlon. Sure, you were back in my life but we were just friends now. We politely nodded when we saw each other but the connection was lost. A few years went by but I could never get very serious with triathlon. 2007 arrived and you were back in my life. The stage was yours to shine. We spent the entire summer together and had a great time. We were going to the Houston Half Marathon together in 2008, my first trip. You couldn't wait to introduce me to all your friends. After that race, I decided you would be in my life for a long, long time and we made plans for lots and lots of races. Maybe we were spending too much time together. I thought I was good to you but the next thing I knew, you were hurting me again. You gave me my first stress fracture in late 2008 so we took a bit of a break. In 2009, you did it again! What was happening? Ahh, triathlon is what happened. It was creeping back in my life and I hadn't even realized I wasn't giving you the attention you wanted....or deserved.

You've been very patient the last few years and I promise as soon as we are done with Ironman Texas, you will have some alone time. I've already booked our trip to the Chicago Half Marathon...no swimming and no biking. See? All about you! I've even entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon and if I get in, you and I are going to have a heck of a summer together!

Running, I just wanted you to know that even though triathlon is very important to me and will be in my life for years to come, I loved you first and probably love you best! I promise to spend more time alone with you if you promise no more injuries. Ok? Deal!

Love,

Jenny

p.s. Thanks for the great time today. And if it's not too much to ask, could you give me a little speed back? Thanks!