I remember my first steps as a runner. I was winded, sore, hot and tired —- and that was after the first quarter mile downhill on my driveway.

Along the way to becoming a runner, I endured sore muscles, shin splints and various other ailments and minor injuries.

Eventually I became stronger and faster. I learned, mostly through trial and error, which shoes to wear, what training plans worked and didn’t work. I became a runner, then a racer.

Although I came to running relatively late in life, about five years ago I passed the point where I’d been running longer than I’d been not running. And I kept going.

Running has been the glue that’s held all the other parts of my life together. It’s the beat that paces my internal clock. It’s the friend that knows me best.

In my darkest times, running has been my companion and my drug. And in the year that I lost two close friends, my sister and my husband, running was my solace.

I ran to dull the pain, to tire my body and mind, to connect my past with an uncertain future. I ran too much.

Within two years I ran four marathons and countless shorter races. Road running wasn’t enough, so I ran trails, too. My heel hurt but I kept running. I couldn’t stop.

Eventually I couldn’t train properly because of the pain. I dropped out of the Pittsburgh Marathon but managed to run the Rachel Carson Trail Run a month later, then signed up to run the New York Marathon in November. I couldn’t stop.

I always thought I’d run forever, a little slower, of course, but still going. But eventually, my body forced me to face what my mind wouldn’t. A stress fracture and tendon inflammation stopped my running and put me in a boot for six weeks followed by two months of therapy.

Of course I missed running. And I missed myself, the runner. I’d gaze longingly at runners I passed on the highway, envious of their freedom. I’d finger applications of my favorite races before setting them aside. I got depressed and gained weight. And then I began to heal.

For awhile, I thought I’d never run again. Therapy helped me build strength and cross training kept me fit, but even a light jog set back my recovery. I cried, mourning my old running self I thought I’d never know again. And then I got better.

I ran. At first it was only five minutes of jogging on the treadmill in between 20 minutes of walking, but it was real running nonetheless. I was ecstatic.

After the long winter of no running, I’m ready to begin again. I’m wearing new shoes and I’ve built gradually to an hour of slow running on the soft surface of Middlesex Community Park’s half-mile fitness trail on Saturday and another 45 minutes on Wednesday.

I’ve vowed to take it easy and to train smarter in this second life of running. This time I’ll build mileage gradually and listen to my body, not just my mind. I’ll know when to push through discomfort but more importantly, to know when to stop and rest.

Not everyone gets a second chance, but I’ve been given a gift. I get to fall in love with running all over again. I’m looking forward to setting and meeting new goals in this running rebirth.

My first running life lasted more than 30 years. Starting over, if I do it right, I’ll be in my nineties before I have to take another break.

Upcoming eventsSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Your choice of mileage, post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturday, 10 a.m.: Fool’s 10K Run and 3 Mile Walk, Indiana. 724-349-1354 or jswauger@comcast.netSaturday, 10 a.m.: Prep for Pittsburgh Half Marathon & 5K, Sandy Lake. Run around Lake Wilhelm at Goddard State Park. 724-301-6775 or info@mctrails.org.April 14, 9 a.m.: 20th Annual Genesis Riverside Run, Pittsburgh. Choice of 10K or 5K run along the Northshore. 412-973-6273 or race@genesispgh.org.April 14, 10:30 a.m.: 12th Annual A Rabbit Runs Through It 5K, Latrobe. Starts at Memorial Stadium. 724-537-4331 or dawn@latroberecreation.orgApril 14, 11 a.m.: Thunder 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Meadville. Starts at Roche Park. 814-763-4280 or brwilliams@zoominternet.netApril 21, 8:45 a.m.: Race for the Future 5K Run/ Walk, Cranberry Township. Run through North Boundary Park benefits Seneca Valley Track and Field Boosters scholarships. 724-841-8161April 21, 9 a.m.: Big Foot Half Marathon and 5K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or jbeeker@armstrongymca.orgApril 21, 9 a.m.: Roaring Run 5K/ 15K, Apollo. roaringrun@gmail.comApril 21, 9 a.m.: Multi 5K Run/ Walk, Beaver Falls. 724-462-4762 or mikejohnston5@gmail.comApril 21, 9:30 a.m.: Big Blue Quest 5K, North Park. Also 2K fun walk starts at South Ridge in North Park. 412-330-4461 or dallen@wpahs.orgApril 22, 8 a.m.: 5K Run for Pet Cancer Treatment, North Park. A 5K dog walk follows the race. www.chaseawayk9cancer.orgApril 28, 9 a.m.: Red Shoe 5K Run, Morgantown, WV. Also kids fun run at 10 a.m.; benefits Ronald House.304-598-0050 or rmhcmgtn.orgApril 28, 10 a.m.: Y-Not Tune Up 5K Race, Sandylake. Run at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. 724-458-9781 or dkrizon@franklinymca.orgApril 29, 10 a.m.: Boyce Park Trail Run, Monroeville. Choice of 5K or 10K starting at soccer fields. 412-303-8610 or chadholderbaum@yahoo.comApril 29, 3 p.m.: GRASP 5K, Greenville. 724-588-3671 or grasponline@gmail.comMay 2, 7 p.m.: Run Like an Animal 5K, Hermitage. Run with your dog. 724-456-2373.May 5, 8 a.m.: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon 5K, Pittsburgh. Register online at www.pittsburghmarathon.comMay 5, 10 a.m.: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Kids Marathon, Pittsburgh. Fun run for kids in grades K-6. No race day registration. www.pittsburghmarathon.com

Race resultsHarmony Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, March 17: Ben Hoffman, 1st Overall M, 1:18:37; Jason Jacobs, 2nd Overall M, 1:26:22; Brian Thomas, 3rd Overall M, 1:28:26; Amy Javens, 1st Overall W, 1:35:17; Dan Monhemius, 1st 35-39 M, 1:34:37; William Huber, 1st 25-29 M, 1:35:09; Jim Carr, 2nd 35-39 M, 1:35:12; Jeff Lynn, 1st 40-44 M, 1:36:16; Rich Hackenberg, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:41:15; David White, 3rd 35-39 M, 1:41:46; Mike Yankel, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:42:18; Josh Edmiston, 2nd 25-29 M, 1:44:50; Bob Gracie, 1st 60-64 M, 1:46:20; Stephen Mick, 3rd 30-34 M, 1:51:00; John Alexander, 1st 50-54 M, 1:54:00; Jenny Wojmar, 1st 45-49 W, 1:58:41; Tracy Newman, 1st 30-34 W, 1:59:56; Tracey Smith, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:00:13; John Antinossi, 2nd 65-69 M, 2:00:57; Jillian Lavelle, 2nd 30-34 W, 2:00:57; Mark Hess, 3rd 50-54 M, 2:02:17; Patty Schmidt, 2nd 45-49 W, 2:06:36; Rita McClelland, 3rd 40-44 W, 2:06:36; Mary Blom, 2nd 50-54 W, 2:06:58; Nancy McCaskey, 3rd 45-49 W, 2:06:58; Anna Marharg, 1st 19-24 W, 2:06:59; Cindy Waltemire, 3rd 50-54 W, 2:10:28; Susie Altemus, 1st 55-59 W, 2:13:35; Susan Leonberg, 3rd 55-59 W, 2:22:56; David Hall, 2nd 18 & Under M, 2:33:20; Richard Colonello, 1:42:18; Greg Marburger, 1:46:10; Thomas Minnock, 1:51:39; Greg Gaghan, 1:55:37; Dino Scialdone, 2:00:10; Janel Reedy, 2:01:31; Sean Martin, 2:05:43; Susan Moury, 2:07:20; Chris Romito, 2:07:20; Heather Healy, 2:07:21; Avery Lawson, 2:07:21; Nicole Khoury, 2:08:56; Cheryl Fox, 2:09:44; Scott Schultz, 2:10:05; Chad Schwendemann, 2:12:45; Tami Kennedy, 2:13:35; Pam Macmurdo, 2:15:50; Robert Macmurdo, 2:15:50; Tonui Wright, 2:16:47; David Ebersole, 2:22:09; Heidi Cain, 2:24:38; Carol English, 2:27:58; Sherrie Mazurek, 2:28:04; Laura Augustine, 2:30:37Harmony Shamrock Shuffle 5K, March 17: Chris Grooms, 1st Overall M, 16:19; Jeffrey Platt, 2nd Overall M, 18:29; Dan Monhemius, 3rd Overall M, 19:33; Kristen Kelosky, 1st Overall W, 23:20; Jim Elsenheimer, 1st 45-49 M, 19:49; Billy Lott, 1st 13 & Under M, 19:54; Jim Carr, 1st 35-39 M, 20:50; David White, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:41; Braden Zerbe, 1st 25-29 M, 21:52; Mike Yankel, 1st 40-44 M, 22:17; Gary Chabala, 1st 55-59 M, 22:30; Stephen Mick, 3rd 30-34 M, 23:12; Douglas Cygan, 3rd 50-54 M, 23:34; Kevin Muska, 3rd 25-29 M, 24:08; Marcus Schaefer, 3rd 35-39 M, 24:18; Mickey Maloney, 3rd 13 & Under M, 25:04; Christi Hoffman, 2nd 35-39 W, 25:23; Thomas Minnock, 3rd 45-49 M, 25:32; Mark Stevens, 3rd 55-59 M, 25:34; Jim Nickel, 3rd 40-44 M, 25:52; Dana Nicklas, 2nd 40-44 W, 25:59; Dez Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 26:46; Katie Maloney, 2nd 13 & Under W, 26:49; Tracy Newman, 2nd 30-34 W, 26:53; Janel Reedy, 3rd 35-39 W, 27:11; Donna Statzer, 1st 50-54 W, 28:04; Penny Sferra, 2nd 50-54 W, 28:07; Holly Dempsey, 3rd 25-29 W, 28:39; Mary Chabala, 1st 55-59 W, 29:46; Tom Murray, 30:13; Ann Cheman, 1st 60-64 W, 30:28; Lois Adams, 2nd 60-64 W, 31:02; Denis Veres, 2nd 19-24 M, 31:13; Vickie Turner, 2nd 55-59 W, 31:25; David McConahy, 3rd 65-69 M, 32:14; Cameron Ebersole, 2nd 14-18 M, 32:24; Judy Lyle, 3rd 60-64 W, 39:10; Matthew French, 25:11; John Alexander, 25:52; Dan Fazio, 25:58; David Long, 26:39; Dino Scialdone, 26:55; Brian Beighey, 26:59; Gary Williams, 27:07; Jim Druin, 27:16; Tina Hicks, 27:34; Gregory Sferra, 27:48; Rich Allen, 28:08; Barry Murray, 28:32; Mike Corrigan, 29:08; Anthony Nicoletti, 29:10; Buddy Turner, 29:13; Scott Grooms, 30:21; Dawn Dixon, 30:24; Michelle Sypulski, 30:31; Jennifer Grooms, 30:33; Zachary Baker, 30:45; Mike Baxa, 31:21; Jill Nicoleti, 31:32; Joni Tierney, 32:27; Jennifer Cygan, 32:30; Buddy McClelland, 32:39; Julie Nehrer, 32:42; Kathie Fazio, 32:56; Jennifer Listwak, 32:58; Chad Schwendemann, 33:13; Dyane Bratkovich, 33:49; Ben Houston, 34:16; Richard Spencer, 34:37; Tiffany Waltemire, 35:01; Michael Waltemire, 35:02; Cindy Waltemire, 35:02; Gavin Thomas, 35:07; Philip Thomas, 35:22; Al Lane, 35:23; Elizabeth Smith, 36:05; Jessica McKay, 37:35; Diane Carney, 38:38; Cierra Clark, 38:42; Kim Keeley, 38:42; Scott Cable, 38:53; Raymie Bell, 38:56; Molly Hackimer, 39:21; Mary Hess, 39:23; Dana Stelitano, 39:59; Kirk Bummer, 40:44; Carol English, 43:21; Laura Augustine, 43:22; Sherrie Mazurek, 43:23; Jennifer Vogt, 43:48; Judy Weisseg, 46:05; Jaclyn Musiol, 46:05; Mackenzie Ebersole, 46:18; Jeremy Borchert, 50:07; Kim Ebersole, 51:35; Mark Weisseg, 52:02; Victoria Catalano, 56:06; Kathy Kristophel, 56:08; Lisa Fox, 56:09Harmony Shamrock Shuffle 1 Mile, March 17: Kennan Klett, 1st Overall M, 5:40; David White, 2nd Overall M, 6:30; Dan Monhemius, 3rd Overall M, 6:35; Keely Looper, 1st Overall W, 7:11; Juli Redilla, 3rd Overall W, 7:28; Jim Carr, 1st 30-39 M, 6:36; Steven Mick, 2nd 30-39 M, 6:39; Justin Redilla, 1st 8-9 M, 6:53; Michael Redilla, 2nd 40-49 M, 7:30; Amy Redilla, 1st 40-49 W, 7:34; Jamison Hanlon, 2nd 8-9 M, 7:39; Adam Hoffman, 3rd 8-9 M, 7:54; Henry Waltemire, 1st 10-11 M, 7:56; Colin Tierney, 1st 12-13 M, 7:57; Tracy Newman, 1st 30-39 W, 7:59; Timmy Tierney, 2nd 10-11 M, 8:06; Maggie Maloney, 1st 14-15 W, 8:24; Cindy Waltemire, 1st 50-59 W, 8:31; Janel Reedy, 3rd 30-39 W, 8:59; Riley Drouin, 3rd 10-11 M, 9:06; Juli Drouin, 2nd 40-49 W, 9:06; Ryan Stelitano, 2nd 12-13 M, 9:27; Rebecca Grooms, 1st 8-9 W, 9:55; Sawyer Wahlenmayer, 1st 4-5 M, 10:11; Joanna Listwak, 3rd 40-49 W, 10:24; Katherine Listwak, 2nd 8-9 W, 10:41; Sherrie Mazurek, 2nd 50-59 W, 11:01; Allison Alexander, 2nd 6-7 W, 11:01; John Alexander, 1st 50-59 M, 11:01; Carol English, 3rd 50-59 W, 11:20; Julia Byaers, 1st 12-13 W, 11:37; Maria Catalano, 2nd 12-13 W, 11:37; Jennifer Listwak, 3rd 12-13 W, 11:37; Ayla Alexander, 2nd 4-5 W, 13:00; Ava Bouch, 1st 1-3 W, 19:37; Emily Bouch, 3rd 19-29 W, 19:37; Dino Scialdone, 7:45; Spencer Drouin, 7:54; Jason Hanlon, 7:59; Thomas Minnock, 8:03; Joe Maloney, 8:25; Cole Hoffman, 9:27; Eric Hoffman, 9:27; Ethan McGranahan, 9:30; Jennifer Grooms, 9:57; Chad Schwenemann, 10:03; Kyle Stelitano, 10:06; Steve Wahlenmayer, 10:11; Laura Augustine, 10:53; Bobi Alexander, 13:00Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle