I started running at age 46 and it has changed my life immensely. Before May 2012, I was borderline obese, depressed. and I drank - a lot! Within 5 months from starting running, I'm 23 pounds lighter, much happier, think more clearly, and still drink but not as much.
I'm a working mom with 3 wonderful children: 2 daughters and a son. All were born 7 years apart (unintentionally) with my eldest in 1990. Everyone in our family, including my very supportive hubby, has finished at least one 5k race.
I was born and raised in the Philippines and started living in the USA in 1996. I speak 2 languages but yell mostly in 1.
I grew up surrounded by alcohol and learned to drink at around age 11. Many would think I'd be an alcoholic. In fact, my hubby thought I was, I'm guessing based on how much and what time I started drinking. But seriously, I hate being dependent on anything. There are days when I need to convince myself I need a drink.
My running life started in 2012 when I watched my eldest daughter Michelle finish her 1st half marathon. After the race, she said to me "it's great, you should try it". Of course I responded with "are you kidding?" - she was not, and was relentless in making me sign up for a half marathon. So I started running the next day - that was Memorial Day Monday 2012 (May 28). I completed several 5Ks, a 10K, and a half marathon within 7 months of starting.
In 2014, I committed to finishing 50 5K by 50. I finished that goal with the Harvest 5K on Sep 27 - the first race I've ever organized. We raised close to $6,000 for the needy students Allentown Central Elementary School in Pennsylvania.
Current Goal: complete 60 half marathons by 60 (Sep 2025) while keeping a day job, taking care of family, drinking and running responsibly.
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