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So I run…
As a leader of a health based organization, I have the responsibility to lead by example. I must not only promote our core values, I must also live our core values. The Health Planning Council’s mission is to develop regional, unbiased research and evidence-based initiatives that promote healthy communities, lifestyles, and improve accessible, quality health care. As we attempt to identify solutions for a healthier region, my lifestyle choices cannot be a part of the problem.

So I run…
I took up running about 2 1/2 years ago. I say “took up” running because it wasn’t willingly. I had always despised running, even in my prime athletic days . . . a long, long time ago. I remember mysteriously getting “stomach aches” when it was time for our field hockey team to run sprints, or how my ankle would start hurting when it was time to run that 8 minute mile at the beginning of practice. I have always preferred activities sports that possessed qualities of competition – you know – where one person would lose and the other would win! I needed to hit, pound, throw, swing, strike, or catch something or someone. Running featured none of these violent qualities. So I avoided it. Running was boring to me.

So I run…
Four years prior to my “taking up” running, my own family was cruelly reminded of the sneakiness of chronic diseases. My husband Al, during a routine physical for our life insurance renewal, was abruptly diagnosed with diabetes. An athlete himself, this was devastating and surprising news to him, and to all of us. In true Al fashion, he addressed his diabetes full throttle and began running. He started running 5ks then the Gate River Run then the Marine Corp half marathon then the Disney marathon. Where was I? On the sidelines – watching – supporting him as a spectator. This was Al’s disease, not mine.

So I run…
While on one of my favorite vacations two and half years ago, Al and I sipped the best vino, ate incredible food, sipped more vino, ate some more incredible food. You know, its what you do when you are in the City by the Bay. But, it was on this vacation where I had a wake up call. While we were satisfying our pallets, I watched my husband stop in his tracks at least 10 times a day, every day, to test his blood sugar levels; I watched my husband calculate his carbs and adjust his insulin pump for every breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, cocktail, wine, cheese, beer, EVERYTHING!

I have been in healthcare all of my professional life. I know a thing or two about diabetes. But I have never SEEN or LIVED with the disease. As I watched my husband “control” his diabetes, I said to myself, “oh my, I can NEVER get this disease. You, Dawn, need to get your act together.” Al inspired me to get off the sidelines and get healthy. One diabetic in the family was enough!

So I run…
Since that trip to San Francisco, I have learned to appreciate and love running, just like fine wine. I have completed several 5Ks, several half marathons, two Gate River Runs, a 10k and my very first marathon this past December — not too shabby for someone who hated running. I realized that I misunderstood running. I really gave running a bad rap. Running DID give me the sense of competition that I needed. The competition within your own mind is powerful. When your body is telling you to quit and your mind is saying, “push harder, finish.” It’s exhilarating when you cross that finish line. The competition between yourself and that older lady that’s been in front of you the whole entire race is absolutely gratifying when you beat her across the finish line!

Running completes me physically, spiritually and mentally. I get it now. And, I can’t imagine not running every single day.

So I run…
As I write this blog, I am flying to Los Angeles to watch my son’s college baseball team play the University of Southern California (USC). I’ve never been to L.A. so you would think I’d be interested in the typical first time visitor stuff? No. I want to find all of the best communities, neighborhoods, places to run — places just like Riverside and Avondale.

This IS what I am looking forward to during my visit to SoCal. Over the next five days, follow me on the Community First Credit Union Hale & Hearty 7K as I blog all of my runs through LA’s best places spots to run, walk and bike. On June 2, 2012, join me and hundreds of others who will run and celebrate one of Jacksonville’s best places to run, walk, and bike. Riverside/Avondale.

So I run…