I never thought I'd be saying this... but....
I absolutely love running. Now that I can actually do it, it is both challenging and easy! Yes... at the same time. I love the high it gives me when I'm done. And I'm a very "numbers" driven person, so watching the little counter on my Nike iPhone app go up at the end of each run really makes me happy. Some days it feels so hard, but knowing that I can push through it and feel so accomplished in the end is such a wonderful challenge to have.
I added a little page at the top of my blog where you can look at my running stats. Although part of it's purpose is of course to brag... the other part is to serve as some inspiration. Through my beginning program, I struggled. I just kept telling myself that I used to be in good enough shape to play soccer, so surely I could get back that way. I also kept up with my friend Nicki over at Running Nicki. She was so encouraging and I feel like knowing she could go from not running to running really helped me get through the initial weeks.
My first 5K in the fall felt like it would never end. My 45 minute time hasn't changed too much. However, I can now run a 5K every day... easily. I'm well on my way to running my half... actually I'm running 7 miles tomorrow morning. Just the thought of this being over half the amount of my goal race is pretty exciting. Seriously people.. did I just say that? I'm running 7 miles tomorrow morning. I'm still in disbelief. I used to think that I would NEVER be able to run with my husband or have the endurance that he had. And I think I thought it was because he was a boy and I was a girl. How 1950's of me! Next weekend I plan on dragging his butt on my 8 mile run. We will see who has more endurance now. Any bets?
And as for weight loss... I had to tighten my belt an extra notch this week. And I'm pretty sure my jeans are getting baggy already. I'm not really keeping track of those numbers though. I'd rather not. I'd rather just be happy with my fitness level and heart health. I have definitely learned not to judge a runner's speed/ fitness level by their shape. There are all shapes of expert runners! And again... my goal is to be healthy. (Although I will completely take skinny as a side effect of healthy!)
Last thing I have to say about running is... find a running buddy. When I am by myself I can run like 3 miles. When I am with a group... well 5, 6, 7 miles are possible. And talk to other people about their struggles with running. And definitely talk to someone more experienced than you are. They will fill you in on all the not-so-lovely but need-to-know parts of running... like the cold, and Glide, and peeing. Enough said.
HAPPY RUNNING!
Miles this week so far: 11
Miles since 1/18: 32
1 comment:
I'm so excited that you've picked up running! I'm starting it as well and it's been really fun! I think the 40lbs I dropped before the wedding have helped tremendously. I'm not running with so much weight anymore. What shoes do you run in?
Oh- my first 5k will be the Bearathon 5k. You should do it too.
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