Q. How did you start running?

Photo: Me and the jacket that caused my running addiction.

Lately, I've been getting questions about how I started running.

Maybe because it's a new year, and people are trying to get their bodies on fleek. (Did I say that right? Lol)

I ran track in high school, but once I graduated, I promised myself I would never run again…unless there was an emergency (i.e. someone was chasing me).

Never say never, I guess. I broke that promise shortly after my 31st birthday. My mom bought me a running jacket as a gift, and I wanted to try it out.

I jogged once around my block…which is about a quarter of a mile (one lap around a track). I remember - I was listening to “B**tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” followed by Rihanna’s “Pour it Up.” I ran slow, but I was winded and sweaty when I finished. It probably took me 5 minutes – a 20-minute mile, but it felt good.

So I kept doing it – just the quarter mile. On the days I was able to push myself a little further, I did. Then one day, the Nike Run app told me I ran my fastest 5K. I was like “Who me???”

I challenged myself to my first 5K race…and then 6 more.

The End.