I have heard so many avid runners tell me about the “runner’s high” they get while running long distances. I always thought these people were crazy, because I have never experienced that- until today!

 I woke up this morning dreading the 4 miles I needed to run according to my 5/3 River Bank Run Training Guide. This week was a physical and emotional challenge, and I just wanted to sit on my couch and watch the shows I had waiting on my DVR. Besides, the furthest I had ever run until today was 3 miles!

I mapped out my run; a 4 mile course through Downtown GR.  The first 2 miles were tough; I couldn’t get into a groove, and there were lots of steep hills. Then, around 2.3 miles, something clicked! Could this be the runner’s high so many had warned me about? I was on a roll! My pace improved, and I even chose to take the long way home. Overall, I logged 4.3 miles in 45 minutes and feel fantastic!

If you’ve never experienced that runner’s high, keep on moving. I am a big believer now, and can’t wait to hit to pavement again tomorrow.

As the Sales Manager for Star 105.7, I have had the opportunity to get involved in some of West Michigan’s greatest events. Star 105.7 and Clear Channel Media + Entertainment have been proud to sponsor and host some of the biggest events in West Michigan; including The Star 105.7 Purse Party, Ladies' Night Out at Celebration! Cinema, the B93 Birthday Bash, Rock the Rapids, Helen Devos Children's Hosptial Radiothon and The West Michigan Pet to name a few.  Thes events are always an absolute blast, and have become second nature to execute. That is why, when the 5/3 River Bank Run team challenged me to run the 10k and blog about my experience, I couldn’t resist! Given that the 5/3 River Bank Run is home to the largest 25K road race in the country, and has been a community staple for 35 years, I am pretty excited. For me, running a 10k race is no walk in the park (no pun intended), but I am ready to push myself and succeed!

I got my official training guide out this morning, and realized that I only have 10 weeks to train. This girl has some work to do! According to the training guide, my Monday morning workout was to do an (easy) 3 mile run! Call me crazy, but in my humble opinion, there is nothing easy about running 3 miles! None-the-less, it took me 30 minutes and a really good I Heart Radio Station to complete. After day one, I must say, I’m feeling pretty good!

Want to join in on the fun? Sign up at http://www.53riverbankrun.com/register-order.php and join the challenge!