"The Journey is Part of the REWARD" by SenoraHarlow

The journey has begun and I am excited about the adventure!  I am Bonnie Harlow here in Knoxville, TN.  On October  13, 2008 I was excited and thrilled to learn that I was selected to participate on the -->

2009 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Team http://www.covenanthealth.com/features/marathon/two_teams_2009.cfm

Some may wonder quietly or even out loud,  how is that exciting? and WHY would you be thrilled about having to run "precisely 26 miles 385 yards" as I just learned is the EXACT length of a race which labels itself a Marathon from the reading of the book, MARATHON, the Ultimate training guide by Hal Higdon. 

My dad was a marathon runner and I grew up going to races and watching him train for serious runs and run for fun.  I witnessed first hand the exciting energy surrounding races, the camaraderie amongst runners, and the lifestyle benefits of running.  I have also witnessed the struggle through injuries, training even in the severest of elements and time/resource commitments to train for such an event. I often wondered the same, WHY?

I've run some off and on in my lifetime. I never thought I would actually want to run with any regularity let alone, want to  train for a Marathon. But now at the age of 42 and a busy Mom of a big family, I want to do something to give me a sense of achievement, that sense of fulfillment that one feels when they set goals and take those baby steps towards achieving that goal.  I also like the added benefit of doing it together with other first timers and like-minded individuals who are facing the same challenges, the same fear of the unknown, the same fear of failure, the same learning curve.  I actually want to do this and am very excited and thrilled. Additonally I look forward to the "quality of life" changes that come with this challenge.

 I have experienced the difficulties of maintaining healthy family habits in this day of fast foods and sedentary inactivity.  After implementing some serious family health changes this past summer which had drastic, favorable results of a 35 lb. weight loss for my oldest son, healthier, leaner me & kids, and a much happier, active household, I wanted to take my own commitment to health and fitness to the next level. 

Now, with the expertise and guidance of the professionals lended to us by Covenant Health such as trainers, nutritionists, orthopedic/physical therapists, former marathon runners, olympians, triathaletes together with the encouragement of other members of the 2009 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon team I have ventured on an 18 week life-changing journey where each stride will propel me forward in the race but more imporatantly in an innate sense of self and more rewarding quality of life!