Tuesday, March 26, 2013

On my way to becoming a runner


                                               
I never, in my wildest dreams, would have ever thought I would become a runner.  I know I am still a long way from being a runner, but now, I can see the possibilities---instead of the excuses.  Before, I thought I was too fat to run.  Or that my chest was too big for me to run.  Or that I just didn't have it in me to run.

                                         

I started C25K (Couch to 5K) back in January.  Those first 60 second runs nearly killed me.  Day 2 took me 3 tries.  Then I got into a groove, but week 3 took me 3 weeks to complete.  For the past 3 weeks, I have been doing my C25K workout 3 times a week (usually T/Th/S).  I've done it all on the treadmill, but after I finish week 8 (next week), I will move outside and work up to the full 5K.  I'm running slower than the pace suggest (the app describes a 10 minute mile; I'm running about a 15-17 minute mile).  But I'm running.

                                      

I have now run more than 20 minutes---without stopping!---3 different times!  I don't think I have ever run 20 minutes without stopping---and if I did, it was back in high school (almost 30 years ago!)

                                            

When I started C25K, I didn't know if I would become a "runner".  I still don't know if I will ever attempt a marathon or half marathon.  Those goals are way beyond my imagination right now.  But I do believe that I will run a few 5Ks.

                                

I'm enjoying the journey.  And I'm learning how strong I am.  I'm learning how much I can accomplish. I am running to the new me.


I laughed when I saw this last picture.  Not too long ago I posted something on Facebook along the lines of, "If you want me to go running, I'm going to need some motivation: like a clown chasing me with a bloody knife".  




I'm linking up on the Spring Training 5K challenge.

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5 comments:

  1. What an accomplishment you are achieving. You should be so proud of yourself.

    I wish I could just "walk" that much.

    Many hugs,

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  2. Good job, I hope to start running myself soon. I think I just need to do it, even if I can only run a minute or two. I am hoping to run in the Color Run too in August.

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  3. Your progress is AWESOME!! running 20 minutes straight is a huge accomplishment, it is certainly one of my goals to get to be able to run that long without needing to walk. Like your pin says, the pace you run doesn't matter, it is how you are working and strengthening YOUR body :) you have much to be proud of!

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  4. Great job!! Those 20min run weeks were soo hard for me. I had to back down to run/walk intervals. You are doing awesome!

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  5. Um, Julie? It looks to me like you're already a runner. (Not that you shouldn't keep going! LOL) Awesome progress!

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Thanks for your support on this journey. Please be nice (to me and to other commenters).

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