I Am A Runner
by Team Athleta • Mar 11th, 2010 • Category: Run, Share Your Chiby Kelli Iassogna
I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a member of a huge family, and I finally feel comfortable saying this — a runner! I work part time and the other two days I volunteer at my children’s school, and I bake in my tiny little kitchen!
For the past few years, I have been working towards a few goals.
My first and foremost… staying healthy. I work out in my tiny little basement with my husband’s weights, benches, and home gym equipment, and I run on our NordicTrack treadmill (outside on warmer days). I also have a slight obsession with a few work out DVDs, (like Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred and Biggest Loser: The Workout – Boot Camp) on days that I am not running. This works for me. It’s budget friendly and I workout right in my own home!
Growing up I was never truly fit. In fact, I was obese and always struggled with my weight. As an adult I have learned how to eat healthy, cook healthy and maintain healthy habits, as well as share these habits with my children.
In the past I’ve always wanted to be a runner. I would try to go out for a run and become out of breath in minutes. It was a struggle. My chest would hurt, my legs would be tired, and I would give in all too soon. Until two years ago, I set my mind to it and decided this is it. I will run and no matter what, I will not give up.
I started off my running a mile here and there. Then I became more committed. I would set daily goals, eat clean, and balance my calories and water intake. I started to feel good about running and myself. I looked forward to it. It was my sweet escape from daily life, where all the worries of the day were set free and melted into the air as each foot hit the ground.
I began signing up for 5k races. Not to compete with other people, but to compete with myself — to push myself that extra bit further, to get that rush, that high, at the end of each race, knowing I did it. I finished.
I started to feel like I was stepping into that world that I had always wanted to be in. Where finding “me” time in my day, to stay healthy, was ok.
Last year, my goal was to run the Army 10-miler in Washington, D.C. I traveled from Connecticut to D.C.by train, thinking the entire ride “I can do this.” I ran the race and finished. It was not my best time, but what a great feeling to FINISH my first long distance race.
This year I have signed up for MORE Magazine’s Women’s Half Marathon Race in Central Park, NY city. This will be my FIRST half marathon race. I am excited and nervous about this challenge. I truly believe that this race will push my 5’2″, 116-pound body to a level that I never thought was possible for me. I will also run one more half marathon in June.
With the support of my family, training for these events has become a part of all of our lives.
I hope that by pushing myself, setting goals and leading a healthy lifestyle, I can set an example for my children to follow. I hope that it will never be a struggle for them to know in their minds that they “can” achieve their goals.
KELLI IASSOGNA is a mom of two fabulous children living in the great state of Connecticut. In between working, working out, and her full-time mom job, she loves to explore fun, healthy, creative ways to cook and bake for her family and friends. (Luckily, she’s married to the world’s best taste tester.) Learn more about Kelli at her blog KellisCakes-SweetDreams.blogspot.com »
This is a great story! What an inspiration!!!
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I am inspired by your story. I’m turning 40 tomorrow, just had a hysterectomy and I want to become a ‘runner” in my 40′s. I’ve done the Danskin Triathalon but the running about killed me. Only a small 3 miles, but I felt the same as you described, it was hard to breath, my chest burned, my legs killed me. But I want to become one of those people that LOVES to run…that does half-marathons. Good luck to you Kelli!! You’ve inspired me! :-)
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Good luck for your half-marathon! I ran my first last November in Philadelphia. It felt so good!
I’m sure you will reach that goal!
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Thank you so much for all pf the kind words! Good luck to you LeAnne! Thank you Gaelle and Carie for the motivation! It really helps being surrounded by such supportive people!!!
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You Go Girl! I have also found running to be the release I needed. Never called myself a “runner” until last year even though I have completed 12 half marathons. I have changed my running plan for this year. I just had my 65th birthday and plan to finish 65Ks@65. That is 13 5K events during my 65th year. It is much easier on my body, and still gives me time to enjoy my training and my running. I am so glad you found your niche.
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Hi Kelli,
I’m so glad to hear that running is your thing!! There’s nothing like putting your mind to something athletic and having your body follow through. Great story of perserverance and setting a goal/challenge for yourself. Thank you for sharing your story and uplifting ‘I can’ attitude!
All the best with your half-marathon in NY! You can do it!!!
P.S. I enjoyed your sweet blog a lot.
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Thanks so much Catherine!!! I feel so good after running. It’s def. going to be mind over matter for me, all the way to the end of the finish line! I can’t believe that April is just around the corner. Thank you, also, for stopping by my blog! I am having fun with that little project too!
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Marue– WOW!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!! VERY, very motivational! I am going to check out the tips that athleta offers for training (http://www.athleta.net/chi/2009/04/06/training-for-a-half-marathon/)… do you have any you would like to share with all of your running experience??!!!
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Inspiring post. I love how everything is little, little kitchen, little basement, lol. I have looking for a good workout DVD- I’m going to try find the DVD that you recommended.
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Nice story Kelli. Thanks for sharing and Good luck with your half marathon. And I agree with you,-Marue, your goal for 65ks @65 sounds fantastic;-)
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I did my first half maraton one moth ago (a hard one, in fact) and I was terrified about the long distance and so. It took me worried for like a week: iI though i woundn’t be able to finish on time!! To my surprise i finished on a very good mark and well, it was amazing!! After the race i was feeling so BRAVE I cannot explain it. So just DO IT!! Keep you mind on that and you’ll do it!!
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Thank you so much for sharing your story. I feel so motivated by your ability to mix it up with your workouts. I do some of the same DVDs you do and they work really well with my running. Good luck and thanks again, Nancy
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Great story, thanks for sharing!
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Wow. I love your journey and totally relate. I started running a couple of years ago because I signed up for a half marathon to raise money for Crohn’s disease. I had never been a runner but had been an athlete in my long ago, misspent youth. I also work out in my cramped little basement and have yet to refer to myself as a runner though I’ll run my 2nd half marathon next month (in NJ) and am signed up for another one in October – - in Hartford. You’ll have to sign up for the Hartford one and we can have a group of newly-labeled “runners”. You’re doing great. Enjoy the journey and the “me-time” that running gives us all. Good luck.
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Kelli, I will never forget how much courage it took to first say, “I am a triathlete.” (Just like saying,”I am a runner!”) That was 13 years ago, and I can remember it like it was yesterday! Even more than that, I remember how much I loved, and still do, the reaction of the questioner. We all need to embrace that pride in how hard we work to be fit and strong. You have a great story and I hope we can meet one day!
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M’Lou…I will have to checkout the hartford half! I am signed up for the fairfield one. Getting a group together would be great!
Mary…triathlete! That is amazing!!! Thank you for you sweet thoughts about my story.
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I’m a runner. It took me a while to dare to say that out loud! You’re a great example for your children and you should be very proud of yourself. Good luck on your half marathon!
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Good luck on your first half! I’m training for my first as well.
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So inspirational -thanks for sharing – I’ve only done 5ks but maybe a half someday.
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I always knew that once you found that confidence in yourself you could do almost anything.
You are proving it in many ways. You should be very proud of yourself for all of these accomplishments. Keep up the good work.
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WONDERFUL!!! Your story is ins;iring to me because I too bake, but then I end u; eating everything I just made! I am working on life changes right now and losing weight. I too want to someday be-a runner! Good for you! Thanks for sharing your story.
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Thank you everyone! I just ran 6 miles with a running group last night – first time running with a group..and there were hills! I had a rough time in the middle..but by the last mile I was feeling great. I felt soo good afterwards…so happy that I did it! Can’t wait to get out there today! I am still pretty slow..but working on it! Thanks for all of your support! I love hearing everyone’s stories..the support really helps!
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I feel as if we are on the same page. Started running a couple of years ago and have not looked back! I don’t live in the country so it becomes tricky to keep running… but this year decided to up the ante so to speak so entered into a 1/2 marathon in June in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Good luck with yours and we will definitely be seeing you at the finish line:)
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Good luck on your half, Norina! Only a few more months to go!
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Thank you for sharing! I’m running the More 1/2 also. Maybe we’ll “run into” each other.
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How exciting!!!!! YEAH!
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Wow – your story is so similar to mine… and I am in CT as well and ran my first 5K last summer, got hooked, ran a few more and signed up for the Hartford ING 1/2 this October… I’m considering one in June as well. We’ll see how training goes!
I love your Blog and Yummy business! I’m not sure where in CT you are located, but I have brought a women’s support org to the Greater Hartford Area called Just Think B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) http://www.justthinkbig.us We create an environment for women to help each other in their business pursuits, entrepreneurial support, networking, creative ideas… we create bridges to each other. Please e-mail me if you are interested, and I’ll send you more information.
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You can also become a fan of Facebook – B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow)
=)
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great story…very inspiring. have always wanted to be a runner. even at my fittest times i have not found running at all easy for me. so always gave it up and stuck to step aerobics, power walking, nordic track and free weights. now i am at my most unfit and really need to get back in to cardio with major consistency. i have 3 young children so running just seems to be the most time efficient with the most cardio/weight loss benefit. i am ready to give it another try. i find running on the treadmill a little easier so i will start there. thanks for the motivation. it is so refreshing to hear from “everyday” people and not just fitness experts that have been doing this for a lifetime. :)
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Thanks Susan and good luck!! I find that at the end of a really good run… I FEEL SO GOOD! And I know that I’ve just burned my calories, worked out and left all my mommy worries out on the pavement! I use the treadmill too, sometimes. I found it easier to start off with.
Keep in touch and let us know of your journey!
I am going to be blogging about my race as it gets closer!
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thanks marie! I will check out your site! It sounds amazing! One week left until my first half!!!
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marie– just checked out your site can you send me some information or email me?
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Hi Kelli!
Wishing your 5’2″ frame tremendous speed: lightning fast-tt for your first-half! ‘You GO Girl!!!’ Give it what you got!! You CAN do it–straight to finish line and more!!!
We’ll all be here waiting to hear….:)
~Catherine
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lol thanks catherine!! I like the 5’2″ part…because I’ve always been 5’1and 3/4″…until I started yoga…went for my physical…and wallla… I grew!!! I never knew that was possible!
Anyway, I am getting a little nervous now – but looking forward to this challenge! I ran a 4 miler this weekend. Pretty happy with my results. Gradually getting better. Will report back after this weekend.I will def. be blogging about it!
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Kelli-
Thanks for sharing your journey with running. Like yourself, I was an obsese youngster, and have made the intentional choices for myself to be healthy. I am encouraged by you mentioning what you have done to take the baby steps that led to you taking the momentous step of running a half-marathon. I used to be in disbelief of people doing triathlons, marathons, etc.- but really its a series of small choices each day that add up to a powerful ‘whole.’ Also like yourself, I have kids that keep me on my toes, and challenge me to be the best I can be. Isn’t running amazing? I think I actually need it in my life to stay sane. It is alone time, sweat time, music time, think time, and down time all in one! Best to you on your journey!
Serenity
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On April 25, 2010 I woke up bright and early. Went through my typical routines, ezekial toast with low sugar grape jell and a cup of green tea. I decided to have a few cups of water then I showered, got dressed, grabbed my tag, my number, my kids, husband and mother in law…jumped into the car and drove to NYC for my first half marathon. This was it. The day was finally here. It was raining at home… more like a light misty drizzle. As we got closer and closer to NYC the rain began to come down more. It was even heavier when we reached the city. It was actually POURING. I couldn’t believe it. “Do you think they cancel half marathons?” I asked my husband..a few times. “No, Kelli…” Sitting there in the back seat, while my husband drove to central park, I kept thinking…”how am I going to do this.” A voice in my head kept telling me..”today is the day you have been waiting for, today is your first half marathon, no matter the weather, you will run.” They dropped me off in front of the park. I headed to the start line where there were more people lining up than I had ever seen before! Even at the army 10 miler! This was amazing. ALL WOMEN, running together, maybe some for the same reason, maybe some for different reasons. Whatever the case… we were all there together. When the race finally started.. I had the “I am going to do this” feeling deep down inside. It was the best run I have ever had. IT took all that was in me to run in the rain. I counted each mile as an achievement… mile 6, then 7. Once I reached 8 I kept saying to myself, “look you’ve never done 9 & here comes mile number 9.” Each mile after nine was something I had never done before. Yes, I ran the army 10 miler..but I had to walk some of it.. I ran this half marathon. When I saw mile 12, I could feel tears welling up, my knees were hurting, my back ached, I had a cramp behind my thigh..but I kept running. The last mile hurt. A pain I had never felt before. The pain when you push your body to that point it’s never gone. It REALLY hurt. When I came around the bend to the finish, I saw my family- they were cheering for me…and I wanted to cry. Not because of any pain that I was feeling…(I ran through that finish line as fast as my body would let me go… it was a rush that I’d never felt before)but because I did it. I set out to reach a goal- and I did. My husband and children were there to support me…and I finished and I finished hard. I may not have broken any records that day… I ran it in 2 hours and 17 minutes, but I finished and I was proud of me. :)
Thanks for all of your support!!
I am training for my next half marathon in June! The fairfield stratton faxon race!!!!
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Kelli, your race recap brought tears of joy. Congratulations — you’re an inspiration!
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