A Lifelong Love for Running

HOW “NOPE, I DON’T RUN” TURNED INTO A LIFELONG LOVE FOR RUNNING

per·se·ver·ance

• persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Lonnie, Fleet Feet Omaha Trainee, shares her story of how perseverance is as essential to running as having good form or the proper shoes.

Tell us a little bit about your prior experiences with being active.

Well, getting to tell this story is pretty timely for me. July 1 is a significant anniversary date as it marks 15 years since I was in the hospital for a little motorcycle accident. Twenty days, five surgeries and lots of PT later, I’m here. My first intro to running was in 2011 and trust me I tried many times to say “Nope, I don’t run”.

I played a lot of tennis but my running was from the base line to the net and side to side not down a trail and for sure not in a race. One day, one of the physical therapists at the office was a runner and said, “you should run with us”. Well, it was a slow process but one 10k led to a half marathon and the rest is history!

What drew you to our training groups?

In order to run, I needed both motivation and guidance so I signed up for the training group. The price was right and the group accountability helped.

What was the most challenging part of your journey?

At first, the most challenging part was feeling like I was a runner. I had to accept that no matter how fast or slow I went it was ok and I still belonged. I used to think that I was holding the group back if I couldn’t keep up with everyone but the group was always good about making me feel like I was a part of it.

When did you start running?

I started running in 2011 and my first race was the Corporate Cup 10K. I wasn’t sure if I could do the miles and I ended up crying when I crossed the finish line. The next thing I knew I was signing up for my first half marathon. Funny, after I finished, the question was asked “so are you one and done, or ready to do it again”? I must have been dazed and confused because I said yes to doing it again.

What was your biggest reward from your training experience?

My biggest reward from all of this is a lot more confidence in my running abilities and the sense of accomplishment. Crossing a finish line is always an amazing feeling.

What are your goals moving forward?

Moving forward, I would love to get a little faster and to keep challenging myself. I’m working on getting more comfortable with other road surfaces and thinking about longer races.

What advice would you give to new runners wanting to achieve their goals?

The advice I think I would give is never give up. Not every day or every run is perfect or the best run of your life but when you put them all together it all works. I have met lots of fun people, made good friends and been to some beautiful places to run a few or many miles. 

Let yourself be a priority.