Thursday, March 18, 2010

Meet our March "Feetured" Runner of the Month



Check Donna Pittman out!!
Mom to Marathoner
In just a few months, I will celebrate 3 years of running. I took my first steps as a runner in June of 2007, right after my 3rd child turned one. I wanted to get into shape and lose the last of the “mommy weight.” That first day, I struggled to make it ¼ mile. I thought I was going to die, but I hung in there and gradually ran more and more. Running my first mile was a huge accomplishment—I was so proud! My first race was the R-3 Anniversary 5K in August of 2007. I was determined not to walk or come in last! Crossing that first finish line changed my life. Since then, I’ve been blessed to have avoided injuries and been able to complete 2 marathons, 6 half-marathons, and several 5K’s and 10K’s.
Running has added so much to my life. It gives me time for reflection and “me time.” It gives me time with friends. It makes me feel strong and like an athlete for the first time in my life. It allows me to push my limits. It brings adventure into my life. It allows me to set concrete goals and work toward achieving them.
I feel like running is a gift I’ve been given. I’m just sad I waited until I was 36 years old to begin! Now that I know what running has done for me, I try to make it a point to share this “gift” of running with others. I’ve been documenting my journey from mom to marathoner on www.themommyminute.blogspot.com for the past two and a half years. I joined the Clarksville Running Club two years ago and always try to talk to and encourage new runners. Last summer, I took it one step further and became a certified running coach through RRCA. Now I teach classes at the YMCA for beginning runners and aspiring half marathoners.
I wish I could say I am a “gifted” runner, but I’m not. I’m a middle-of-the-pack runner on a good day. I’m slow, but determined! Marathons are my new passion. The highlight of my running life has to be finishing the Birmingham Marathon on February 14, 2010, in 4:45:51, a 31-minute PR. I ran with my heart that day, and the joy I felt in crossing that finish will stay with me for a lifetime.