Today I ran my third 5K.

My time was not stellar, 39:01, but was a PR. I am a swimmer. I serious swimmer. I swam competitively from the age of 6 through my senior year of high school. After 13 years, I was burnt out and decided not to pursue the sport in college. I needed a break. After many years (following the birth of S), I got back in the pool. I found the joy that had felt for most of my competitive days. After a few months, my husband got me a waterproof iPod Shuffle and headphones (from WaterFi) to wear when swimming. They are nothing short of amazing!

How does swimming relate to running? It’s hard for me to get to the pool. I swim for about an hour and so I need someone to stay with the kids while I go. Obviously, week days are best to avoid the crowds. There’s my problem. Thanks to Nana (my mom), I am able to get to the pool once a week. Once week doesn’t cut it when you are trying to lose the weight acquired from birthing two children.

Enter running.

I got a treadmill so I could run at home while S and E were napping. It fits the bill perfectly, even if I hate it. To keep myself motivated, I try to do a few 5Ks a year. Strides for Epilepsy was a great way to do something for my niece and get moving.

Each 5K I tend to drop 2 minutes. That keeps my competitive nature satiated. If I can compete, even against myself, I can keep going. I keep searching for the same joy I feel swimming in running. So far it alludes me. When do you finally feel that “runner’s high”?