Anniversary

Today is my anniversary

It was 1 year ago today that I attempted my first run. I think I made it 30 seconds or so before I had to walk for a couple minutes. I remember how frustrating it was to be so out of breath, and so unable to run for even a couple minutes. But the next night, I did it again...and within a couple weeks, I was running 6 minutes straight...then 9....then 13. It was a hug milestone for this chick who failed gym. Twice.

To celebrate the occasion tonight.....I went for a good long run. The stars were all out, and the air was cool and crisp. Perfect.

What's really wild is that last year, on this night, my friend Deb (who is a long-time runner) took the runners right off of her feet and gave them to me when I told her I had attempted to run. "WHAT? YOU RAN! I'm so proud of you!!! But Yvonne....You've gotta have good quality shoes so that you don't get injured!" she said. And then she took her runners off and handed them to me.


Well...they made all the difference! And, I have to say, Deb has been an amazing encourager! I continued to wear her runners each time I ran. (Every month putting off the purchase of a new pair.)

Last week, to my delight, I got a card in the mail from Deb. It talked about how proud she was of me for all the healthy changes I had made, how proud of me she was for my running, and how she is thinking of, and praying for me in this time of transition. Inside the card was a gift certificate for "The Running Room" (a store just for running gear/classes)...and a note telling me to go buy some new runners! (the gift card is enough to buy VERY GOOD runners! Quite frankly, waaaay more money than this frugal dutch-girl would ever dream of spending on shoes!)

Deb had no idea that her gift was timed perfectly! And it's a rather funny gift. Because I have to use it at the Running Room (I can't sneak off and spend the money on something like jeans) and being Dutch...there is no way I could allow an expensive pair of runners to just sit in my closet un-used! So her gift ensures that I don't quit running! Very sneaky!! heheh.


So, Winnipeggers....the next time you see Deb K, would you give her a HUGE HUG...and tell her that it's FROM ME!!?? She'll probably be very embarrassed that I blogged about her gift, but I wanted to publicly bless her. It would be fun if she'd get alot of hugs with the message "from Yvonne!" to remind her how thankful I am, but most of all, what a good friend she is!

Hurray for Deb!