Just two short months ago, I came to you, my faithful readers, and told you about my plan to run a 5k. I asked that you read my posts to keep me honest, to keep me motivated. I promised to post about my progress with the Couch to 5k running program. At the time, I wrote these words:
July 29 - I started today, and even did double what it asked for, simply
because I had the time and could. I felt absolutely FANTASTIC
afterwards. it makes me wonder why I don't exercise every day, it's
such a high when you get into it.
So Week 1, Workout 1 is a wrap. My plan (along with Mike, who I bullied into doing this with me) is to run the 5k Great Race in September,
right after I finish the program (and coincidentally, right after my
birthday, I can't think of a better birthday present to myself than to
be healthy).
Today I stand (or sit at my computer) before you, proud to announce that I did it! I went from running 1 minute at a time just two months ago to run a straight 40 minutes, 3.1 miles in the Great Race yesterday. My goal was to run the entire thing, no stopping or walk, and to do it in less than 40 minutes. I ran the entire thing and finished in 36 minutes, 36 seconds. Hooray!
And I actually loved it. Running has turned out to be something I really enjoy. I wouldn't say I'm good at it. Not at all. I have to work hard for every step, but I'm doing it, and feeing great.
I haven't lost a single pound (and we're not going to talk about that because it'll make me mad), but I feel so good physically. I have more energy and I really feel proud of myself, proud of my body. I'm training to do something that is neither easy nor inherent, but I'm doing it, slowly but surely.
The race itself was fun. Thousands of people were there to run alongside, to encourage and get encouragement from. I was probably one of the slowest runners out there, I even got passed by a one-arm man walking, not running (no joke) but I did it and that makes me proud.
I'd really encourage anyone to try this program; it's so well thought out and really works your body slowly but surely.
My goal now is to run another 5k in November (Turkey Trot downtown) and then to keep running over the winter and try a 10 next year.
Posted
Sep 28 2009, 04:00 PM
by
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