My Running Story

By Beth Masura

Beth and her Daughter Katelyn.

In May 2010, I turned 40. I didn’t dread turning 40, it was more of an acknowledgment that I need to find time for myself and take better care of my body.  Within a month of my birthday, I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer.  This diagnosis was very difficult to come to terms with and I was totally blindsided.  I had never thought that I would hear those words.    I had two options, I could either sit around feeling sorry for myself, or I could put one foot in front of the other and beat this.  Not one to sit around, I decided that I was going to beat this cancer and set out on my journey.  After many procedures and eventually major surgery, my body was left feeling mushy and out of shape.  Now more than ever, it was important to me to become more active and physically fit in order to recover from surgery and to heal. 

During the months after surgery, I started walking as much as I could to build up my strength and I incorporated running into my exercise program.  I did not have any formal training, I figured that I ran as a kid, I still could, right?  What I found, was that it just wasn’t as easy as it looked.  I could only go a very short distance and would feel like I couldn’t breathe and that I was either going to slow or too fast.  I signed up and participated in several 5K runs, always finishing, but never able to run the entire event from start to finish.  I wanted to be able to do this and needed some help to accomplish my goals.   I heard about a 5k training program called No Boundaries at Fleet Feet of Bonney Lake.  I nervously signed up for the training, not really sure what I was getting myself into, but excited and inspired to learn to run.

I went to the NO BO kick off meeting, met a fabulous group of people who all had a different story, but we had the common goal of wanting to complete a 5k.

Training started soon after and what I found was that it was very easy for me to incorporate into my life and busy schedule.  The program is based on a twelve week training schedule and I found that after each week, I had increased endurance and strength.  Physically, I was benefiting from the positive changes as well.  I could tell that my muscles were not as mushy feeling as they had been before the program and I felt much happier and serene.  I also noticed that I was sleeping so much better at night.  The changes to my physical appearance were definitely good, my clothes started to fit differently as my shape firmed up and I began to lose some weight.  

Our training group really bonded and we made a lot of friends.  A Facebook page was set up for us and this was a fantastic way for us to keep in touch during the week and share our accomplishments with the rest of the group.  Sometimes, we needed a little extra encouragement to keep going and not only were our coaches and mentors there to provide that, the entire training group was too.  The support received from the entire training group and staff at Fleet Feet inspired me to meet and exceed my personal running goals.

At the final group event, the Run Wild 5k, it was an amazing experience to hear other members of the training group shout out their support along the course and to see familiar faces waiting at the finish line to cheer you on.  Each of us finished that race, surprising ourselves that we did better than we thought we could.

My running didn’t stop after the training ended.  I keep running because what I found is that sometimes life throws us curves.  I can’t always control what happens, but I can find a positive way to embrace whatever situation comes my way.  Running gives me time for myself, to just let go and be present in the moment.  I love how I feel now and don’t want to let that go.  The friends I have made inspire me to not only meet, but exceed my goals.  My daughter has had the opportunity to see her mom face and overcome some tough obstacles’, and how running has made a huge impact in my life.  She is inspired to run and will be participating in the No Boundaries training. 

Running has changed my life for the better.  If you are looking to get up and out, the No Boundaries training program is awesome.  Come run with us, it is fun. 

Beth Masura