Hi, I’m Cathy! Welcome to Running2Run
I have been blogging on and off for years to document my running journey and to share life in Alaska with family and friends. What began as a personal space has slowly evolved into something much more meaningful.
I came to Alaska many years ago through the military. Unlike many people, I stayed. I love Alaska, though I still miss the Carolinas, where I spent most of my early life. With family spread across the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest, this blog has also become a way to stay connected: a place to share miles, memories, and moments
When I first started the blog, coming up with a name was surprisingly difficult. Eventually, Running2Run felt right. At the time, it reflected how life felt…like I was constantly running in circles. Over the years, the meaning has changed. Now, it represents something deeper: the idea that the only way to keep running, especially as we get older, is simply to keep running. Running2Run.
A few years ago, a major setback led me to believe my running days were over. Injuries piled up, followed by a diagnosis of bilateral knee arthritis. It was discouraging, physically and mentally. An orthopedist even suggested I “take up swimming.” That wasn’t exactly the future I had envisioned.
Instead, I began strength training with the modest goal of reducing pain. I didn’t plan to return to running at the time. Cardio wasn’t even on my radar until one day my husband, Scott, convinced me to go snowshoeing with him. To my surprise, I could snowshoe without any pain. That moment planted a seed: if I could snowshoe without pain, maybe I could run again.
My relationship with running has always been a bit unconventional. Aside from winning a few grade-school races, I didn’t truly embrace running until the running boom of the 1970s, and even then, it was sporadic. It wasn’t until after I moved to Alaska and gained a bit of weight that I really got into running. I ran fairly consistently to get fit and keep my weight under control.
One day, a co-worker convinced me to sign up for a 10k race. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t even know if I could run that far since I was only running about 3 miles on my runs. But I finished, and I had so much fun. I was hooked! That race led to many more years of running and racing until that major setback.
Getting back to running required patience, persistence, and a lot of trial and error. Progress was slow, but it worked. Eventually, I returned to marathon training and have completed two marathons since then. While I’ve run some iconic races, including Marine Corps, New York City, and Chicago, the one that means the most to me is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon at Virginia Beach. It wasn’t my fastest, but it marked my comeback. I never thought I’d run another marathon, and there I was.
Today, Running2Run is evolving once again. Along with blogging, I’m now coaching with a special focus on helping others to start running, especially those in their 60s and beyond. It’s a natural progression at this stage of my life and running journey.
I’ll always share stories about running, family, and real life, but now with a bit more intention and consistency.
Join me on this journey, and let’s share some miles.
Happy Running
