I never envisioned myself as a runner until I started running this past spring.  I decided as a goal this year that I would run a half marathon in the fall.  Now the race is less than five weeks away and I have been running at least three times a week.  I started out slow (barely finishing a mile) and gradually building up endurance and picking up some speed.  However, I will still classify myself as a novice runner since I have only ran four 5k races to date.  Today, I surprised myself by running in the rain.  I've always been the "lay on the couch and read a book kinda person."  Somehow, the sudden dip in temperature and cool rainy day enticed me to go for a run.  It has been the best run I've had so far.  Instead of feeling like I'm dying of thirst, I actually enjoyed the run.  I am looking forward to the fall weather and lacing up my shoes.  

Running has given me more energy to do other things as well such as waking up energized and able to pack my kids' lunch instead of having them eat school lunch.