“running” into myself

In 2018, I ran three half marathons – not to say that I just got off the couch and started running one day. At this point, I took a lot of indoor cycling classes and hadn’t actually gone on a jog since high school soccer. Even then, my teammates were well aware that Krissy didn’t care for running.

It was on one random evening that I had an itch for a run. I left the house and didn’t come back until I completed seven miles. It was that day, paired with a breakup, that I decided I would run a half marathon nine days later. I finished that half marathon (13.1 miles) – a little race that I found in Santa Monica. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. I definitely did not train appropriately, but I really felt the energy of racing and doing something for myself. This first half marathon in May 2018 quickly evolved into training for a second on July 4, 2018. For this half, I was even faster than my last, and before I knew it, a third half was on the calendar.

The Ventura Marathon was my 3rd, in October 2018. I created a bit of a training schedule this time around and exceeded all expectations. I believe I was around one hour and 43 minutes, which is comparable to a sub 4 marathon time. Before the Ventura Half, I truly had no desire to run a full marathon. Thirteen miles seemed to be enough of a challenge. It was enough running, but I was still fond of the sport by the time I finished. Twenty-six miles sounded both ridiculous and also unbearable. After ending that Half in October, I immediately said I would sign up for the LA Marathon that coming March. Something just clicked in my head and it became all I wanted.

People ask me all the time, how I started running, and the answer is in the story above. I itched to run, which has genuinely never happened prior. I left my apartment and didn’t come back until I ran seven and felt GREAT. I have to admit, that going through a breakup at the start of my running career truthfully kick-started the obsession, primarily because of the major release I found. Studies say, running can lead to better quality sleep, which can quickly transform mood, emotions, and mental health. Oh, how the scientists got that one right. I will be the first to acknowledge how I manage my stress, frustrations, and anxiety with running. I know it’s not for everyone, but man, let me tell you… I am beyond grateful that running found me.