I am a runner.
I know, if you know me, just the visual of me typing that sentence is hilarious. I am not healthy. I'm not in good physical shape. It has been a lot of years since I would have described myself as "athletic". And yet, here I am. Tomorrow I will start week 9, the final week, of the Couch to 5K program. I have been running (OK, jogging) since mid-October. I am not quite up to running a 5K yet (just over 3 miles), but I'm able to run a little over two miles in 28 minutes. I've never been able to run that far before.
I never thought I could be a runner. I was never given the chance to use an interval program as a tool to improve my endurance. As an asthmatic, I wasn't able to "just run" for 20 minutes in high school PE. I once managed 7 laps (that's 1.75 miles), and promptly retreated to the locker room to vomit. Running was something only the most athletic (and popular) kids did. And believe me, I was neither.
Now, here I am 15 years later, and I've gained all this weight from having babies. And stress-eating. And a general love of food. I don't recognize myself when I look in the mirror. I'm caught off-guard by the size every time I buy new pants. I'm too tired to play with my kids. I worry because my mom and dad both have/had diabetes and are/were obese. I don't want my kids to see me go through the health issues that my parents have.
Since it is a new year, and since I suddenly enjoy running, I've set a goal. I had already decided that I was going to move on to the Bridge to 10K after I finished the 5K program. Then, I was reading an article on women's races when I came across the See Jane Run in Boise. There is a 5K and a half-marathon, so of course I would want to train and run the 5K, right? Ha! Of course not. That would be too easy. Instead, I've decided to run my hiney off, lose weight, get into shape, and train for a half-marathon. It's only 13.1 miles...How hard could it be? (I know, right?)
So, all that New Year, New Me garbage is, well, inspirational I guess. It's finally time I took care of myself. (Not like that "Be more feminine" fiasco from last January. Wow. That was a bad idea!) I'll be sure to keep you posted. Oh yeah, Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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Hmmm...be more feminine. What's more feminine than a woman having energy, taking control of herself & doing something she enjoys?
Seems to me you're really making good on TWO resolutions. ;) Enjoy your run tomorrow! We're all cheering you on!
my roundness is my feminine side:) ONE BIG ROLLY POLLY SIDE...
I don't know that I'll be able to focus enough to train for a 5K but I did tell hubby about the one you mentioned (in Va Beach) and he said I had work to do (and pointed to the treadmill).
You are an inspiration! Even if I can only try for once a week (when my mommy helper is here) I'm going to attempt to catch up to you!
You are awesome! I am going to start the program this week. My husband Mark is a runner already, he ran a half marathon last year and has loved it. You can do it!! I have never been a runner either, and I am a little stressed about starting, but we all have to start somewhere. Thanks for the motivational push. I'll keep you updated.
I'm a "runner" too! :) I was running regularly this past summer, but then the chaos of fall took over and running stopped. I am trying to get back into it now. I need to find a race to enter, in order to give myself a target and motivation to keep at it!
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