4-24-12: It's been seven whole days of no exercise. I felt like a beginner almost on the treadmill! I walked 5 minutes to warm up, then ran for 20 minutes, a mile and a half. That was all I had. I've lost TEN minutes of running somewhere! I intend to find it again, soon! My goal is to run 3.1 miles a month from now.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Week 16: Sickness
4-16-12: Ran 2.25 miles AGAIN!! I can do this.
The rest of the week, I didn't run at all because I was sick.
The rest of the week, I didn't run at all because I was sick.
Week 15
4-9-12 Ran on the treadmill, 2.25 miles
4-12-12: 2.25 miles
4-14-12: 2.25 miles
4-12-12: 2.25 miles
4-14-12: 2.25 miles
Total Miles Run in 2012:
75.58!!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Week 14
4-3-12: Decided to run outside today to change it up. I just LOVE the Island Y's outdoor trail. It's exactly one mile and mostly shaded. I took off and felt great! I ran around the whole entire track, something I could never dream of doing a couple months ago. My goal was to get to 1.75 miles, but I began walking at 1.5 miles. Running outside is a lot harder than running on my treadmill, what with the HEAT and UPHILL parts!! Anyway, I ran four more minutes after a short walking break and felt good about today's run. (2 miles)
4-5-12: Found this article, which is EXACTLY what I was wanting so badly when I started in January! Oh well, at least I've learned all these tips by now myself! 10 Tips for Beginning Runners
4-6-12: I ran outside with Sarah this time, and we ran TWO miles!!! Woohoo!!! (2.25)
4-5-12: Found this article, which is EXACTLY what I was wanting so badly when I started in January! Oh well, at least I've learned all these tips by now myself! 10 Tips for Beginning Runners
4-6-12: I ran outside with Sarah this time, and we ran TWO miles!!! Woohoo!!! (2.25)
Friday, March 30, 2012
Week Thirteen
3-28-12: Waited til Wednesday to start my three runs/week cycle. Not smart; now I have to run Friday and Sunday to fit them all in. Went to the gym at noon to run and realized I had not had anything to eat since last night. Also not smart. How am I supposed to run for 25 minutes? Bottom line: I didn't. I struggled and struggled to maintain my progress and stopped at 22 minutes. I learned the importance of giving my body the fuel it needs to succeed. You really can't run for long on empty. (1.85 miles)
3-30-12: Did it. Ran 25 minutes. I'm up to running 1.75 miles without stopping! Also, for two- four minutes songs I ran at a much faster pace. I felt like Trish, the machine! (2.04 miles)
4-1-12: I RAN A WHOLE 5K TODAY!!! April Fools! I did, however, run 25 minutes again. (2.06)
3-30-12: Did it. Ran 25 minutes. I'm up to running 1.75 miles without stopping! Also, for two- four minutes songs I ran at a much faster pace. I felt like Trish, the machine! (2.04 miles)
4-1-12: I RAN A WHOLE 5K TODAY!!! April Fools! I did, however, run 25 minutes again. (2.06)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Week Twelve: Cool
3-20-12: "WHY DO I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN?" I whined all day. I've already run for 22 minutes. I already did my impossible! Today was a struggle to find motivation. Is it always like this after a success?
Anyway, after a pep talk from Ben which included the words, "because once is nothing," I went back to the Y and ran the stinkin' 22 minutes again. It was hard. (1.90)
3-22-12: Got to run with Sarah at the Y today. It was fun! Yes, I know I just said running was fun. But you know? Watching those minute-milestones go by (Remember when we thought two minutes was hard?) while we keep on running is really cool. At the end of the run, I looked at Sarah and said, "We can just do this anytime we want now." Way cool. (1.97)
3-25-12: Did it yet again...22 straight minutes. It was harder this time. Maybe I am losing interest in my music. Maybe I'm just tired. Oh well. I did it. (1.85)
Anyway, after a pep talk from Ben which included the words, "because once is nothing," I went back to the Y and ran the stinkin' 22 minutes again. It was hard. (1.90)
3-22-12: Got to run with Sarah at the Y today. It was fun! Yes, I know I just said running was fun. But you know? Watching those minute-milestones go by (Remember when we thought two minutes was hard?) while we keep on running is really cool. At the end of the run, I looked at Sarah and said, "We can just do this anytime we want now." Way cool. (1.97)
3-25-12: Did it yet again...22 straight minutes. It was harder this time. Maybe I am losing interest in my music. Maybe I'm just tired. Oh well. I did it. (1.85)
Total miles run in 2012:
58.63!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Week Eleven: a Breakthrough!!
3-12-12: Back on the treadmill. Feeling a little down since the race, like the excitement is over. Ran 1.76 miles, the hardest training yet, 5 minutes, 8 minutes, then 5 minutes running.
3-14-12: There's no way I can do this: run ten minutes TWICE, with a three minute break in the middle. But guess what? I did it. 1.76 miles.
3-18-12: THE BIG DAY. I mean it. Today, according to my program, I should run for 22 minutes straight. No breaks. I have serious doubts that this will happen, but I am going to give it my best. I am excited, because if I finish, I will run (more than) a complete mile, and I'll be able, finally, to get my new running shoes. I am also happy to say that I bought earphones so I have a runners mix to listen to and maybe that will help me keep it up.
3-14-12: There's no way I can do this: run ten minutes TWICE, with a three minute break in the middle. But guess what? I did it. 1.76 miles.
3-18-12: THE BIG DAY. I mean it. Today, according to my program, I should run for 22 minutes straight. No breaks. I have serious doubts that this will happen, but I am going to give it my best. I am excited, because if I finish, I will run (more than) a complete mile, and I'll be able, finally, to get my new running shoes. I am also happy to say that I bought earphones so I have a runners mix to listen to and maybe that will help me keep it up.
I watched the minutes go by. Five. Eight. TEN! FIFTEEN! There's no way I can make it to twenty; maybe everyone will be fine with just 18 and I'll try for 22 another day? No, keep running. Eighteen. Nineteen! TWENTY!
I JUST RAN FOR TWENTY MINUTES!
The last two minutes, I cried. Tears mixed with sweat as I pushed through, not tired now, only giddy with pride and joy, as I finally felt like I accomplished the impossible. I ran the twenty-two impossible minutes. I can't believe it. Remember my first blog entry where I said I wanted to punch impossible in the face and then have a good cry? That happened today.
That. happened. today.
1.96 miles
Week Ten: My First Race!
3-5-12: Happy to be home and back to training. I've got a big day coming up on Friday. My first ever 5K! 1.81 miles, running 5 minutes at a time now, with walking in between.
3-7-12: Ran 1.81 miles again. Last run before the big race. I am really excited and looking forward to FINISHING something!
3-9-12: A day that I'll hopefully always remember. My bib number: 788. My partner, my rock through this race: Sarah O'Bryan. The race: The Shamrock Run, in downtown Savannah, GA, starting in City Market and winding around several squares, Forsythe Park (the whole thing!), back around the squares, and finally finishing back at City Market. The weather: drizzly, wet, sometimes raining. I was so happy to share my excitement with the beautiful city that I love. My husband was so supportive, and so proud of me. I had told Sarah that this run would be a metaphor for me. I was going to cross a literal finish line but would take away an even more important lesson for my life: if I set my mind to do something, I can do it! I couldn't wait to start!
3-7-12: Ran 1.81 miles again. Last run before the big race. I am really excited and looking forward to FINISHING something!
3-9-12: A day that I'll hopefully always remember. My bib number: 788. My partner, my rock through this race: Sarah O'Bryan. The race: The Shamrock Run, in downtown Savannah, GA, starting in City Market and winding around several squares, Forsythe Park (the whole thing!), back around the squares, and finally finishing back at City Market. The weather: drizzly, wet, sometimes raining. I was so happy to share my excitement with the beautiful city that I love. My husband was so supportive, and so proud of me. I had told Sarah that this run would be a metaphor for me. I was going to cross a literal finish line but would take away an even more important lesson for my life: if I set my mind to do something, I can do it! I couldn't wait to start!
The air horn sounded (I was a little disappointed; I had wanted a gun!) and as soon as we crossed the start Sarah and I began jogging. My goal was to jog for the first mile, which would be the first time I ever ran continually for a whole mile in my life. About three minutes into it I had doubts, of course I couldn't run the whole mile! But then, after we rounded the third square, our families were there, cheering us on. I have never felt so proud! I love them so much, and the fact that they were cheering for me made my heart full. We left our families behind, kept running, running, longer than I ever had... and I knew it had to be close, the one-mile mark, when
I fell flat.
When I got up, my hands were burning and my knee hurt, but mostly I was embarrassed... then I saw it. The one-mile marker was twenty feet in front of me. I couldn't run since I was shaken up, so I walked past it. I felt like a loser. Who was I fooling? I couldn't stop the tears, they came and I was so tired from all that running, and so stupid and it just wasn't supposed to be this way... ugh.
Luckily Sarah, after making sure there was nothing really hurt on me, insisted we run again. So we did. We ran around Forsythe Park. I wanted to walk so much more than Sarah seemed to. She was always in front of me. I just really wanted to walk and she just. would. not. stop! So I kept jogging. And jogging. We saw our families again, and they gave us high fives! We were almost there! I was cheered on by a stranger (probably drunk) on the side of the road and tried to let that motivate me. I begged Sarah to walk. She did, for ten seconds. She insisted that we run accross the finish line...I could see it up ahead! ok, ok, I have to do this, but my body is soooo tired... step, step, step...Sarah slowed down and, side-by-side, we crossed the dang finish line with incredibly large smiles on our faces (inside joke!). I did it. Someone took our picture. I waited til we met up with our families for a minute, then we were done.
I had finished the race.
It was hard, wet, and I fell. But I ran most of it, and my time was great, for me- 45 minutes 16 seconds- a 14 and a half minute mile three times in a row! Official race results:
1631 Trish McKay Savannah GA 788 32 F 45:16.6 14:36/M
Week Nine: DC
My first vacation in forever, and I have no idea how I will run while there. I end up walking 5.8 loooong miles one day around the National Mall, and 1.5 miles on two other days. I am totally counting this as part of my training!
Total miles run in 2012:
40.76!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Week 8
2-21-12: Spent the entire time watching a hot chic (well, that's what she was) in front of me literally prance on the elliptical machine while guys checked her out. Okay, guys and me. But seriously, who wears a full face of makeup to the Y and their hair down and perfectly dry and bouncy? And how long has she been on that machine? She is not sweating at all! Grrrr. I feel very unpretty, inside and out. Who am I to judge? 1.41 miles.
2-23-12: Last run before vacation. Planning to train while in VA, but who knows? 1.5 miles
2-23-12: Last run before vacation. Planning to train while in VA, but who knows? 1.5 miles
Week 7: Huffing and Puffing
1. I ran for three, FIVE, and then three minutes this time. I have never sweat so much. I looked and felt like a Biggest Loser contestant after a challenge. I couldn't do another five minute jog, so I walked uphill for 5 minutes instead. 1.41 miles
2. Did it again! It hurts, but I've discovered the joy of running sloooowwwwly. 1.43
3. After my treadmill time, I walked the mile track outside the Islands Y. Something weird happened. I can't really explain it; it's kind of fuzzy. But there I was, intending to walk an extra mile to just log some distance in prep for a 5K coming up, and I had the thought, "I'd like to jog. I'll just jog to that lake." When I reached the lake, I think what I was feeling was the desire not to stop, so I continued jogging around to the other side of the lake! WHY? Why did I run when I didn't have to? I thought I hated running. I'm so confused. 2.5 miles!
2. Did it again! It hurts, but I've discovered the joy of running sloooowwwwly. 1.43
3. After my treadmill time, I walked the mile track outside the Islands Y. Something weird happened. I can't really explain it; it's kind of fuzzy. But there I was, intending to walk an extra mile to just log some distance in prep for a 5K coming up, and I had the thought, "I'd like to jog. I'll just jog to that lake." When I reached the lake, I think what I was feeling was the desire not to stop, so I continued jogging around to the other side of the lake! WHY? Why did I run when I didn't have to? I thought I hated running. I'm so confused. 2.5 miles!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Week 6, Keepin' It Going
2-7-12: I'm stretching before and after my run now. (1.33 miles)
Doing some reading, which if I was really smart, I would've done before I started this whole running thing. But, I really wanted to start and then ask questions and become more educated. I found this article and it gave me some specific ideas of how to train more effectively. I feel like I'm right where I should be for this stage. I also have realized that this is a long-term training process. Becoming a runner doesn't happen in 90 days!
2-9-12: I'm happy about getting to run tonight. Wait, what? That's right folks, I actually looked forward to my training tonight. My bad attitude decided to take a day off I guess. I added a couple 10-second uphill sprints at the end. I felt good after the run. Sarah ran on the treadmill next to me. I like running with her. (1.5 miles)
2-11-12: Completed my training, but didn't go on to walk til I reached 3 miles. Got into a time crunch. (1.41 miles)
Doing some reading, which if I was really smart, I would've done before I started this whole running thing. But, I really wanted to start and then ask questions and become more educated. I found this article and it gave me some specific ideas of how to train more effectively. I feel like I'm right where I should be for this stage. I also have realized that this is a long-term training process. Becoming a runner doesn't happen in 90 days!
2-9-12: I'm happy about getting to run tonight. Wait, what? That's right folks, I actually looked forward to my training tonight. My bad attitude decided to take a day off I guess. I added a couple 10-second uphill sprints at the end. I felt good after the run. Sarah ran on the treadmill next to me. I like running with her. (1.5 miles)
2-11-12: Completed my training, but didn't go on to walk til I reached 3 miles. Got into a time crunch. (1.41 miles)
Total miles run in 2012:
23.61!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Week 5: Discouragement
1-31-12: I run at the Y. I shave 20 seconds off of my mile. It's a good run. Except...
I feel like I'm in the danger zone of discouragement. I just don't have the drive I started out with. I need to educate myself more about becoming a runner, because I have no idea what I am doing.
I feel like I'm in the danger zone of discouragement. I just don't have the drive I started out with. I need to educate myself more about becoming a runner, because I have no idea what I am doing.
What and when should I eat before a run?
How about after?
What should I drink?
Should I be working out on rest days? How?
This may be a hormonal thing this week, or maybe our family schedule has gotten to me. I know I need more sleep. (1.19 miles)
2-2-12: I have a sinus pressure headache that I can't shake now for two days. Thanks to Sarah I remember to switch my training to "week 3" on the Couch to 5K program, which includes running continually for 3 minutes. I do this, once. The second time I am supposed to run for 3 minutes, I fail. I only get to 90 seconds before I have to start walking again. I feel like a failure. I try to remind myself that I could have stayed home, which would really be failing. I just think the headache and lack of energy is getting to me. Which brings me to another question:
Should I keep training if I'm sick, or is it better to rest?
(1.2)
2-4-12: Two nights ago I venture into the world of other runners, or I should say, actual runners. I met a friend at a runner's club meeting. During the meeting, she tells me how happy she is for me that I've remained injury free to this point. Huh? Are injuries that common to runners? Yes, she says. I wonder if I haven't pushed myself hard enough.
Fast forward to the next morning. Apparently my calf heard her...it's...tight. Tight? Sore? Injured? I don't know, I can't tell...I've never had a running injury before remember? But I can't walk normally all day long. There's no pain until I start walking or stretching it...then about halfway through the day I realize it's not my calf. It's the whole back of my leg. Must be my hamstring. So, what now?
My husband encourages me to go ahead with my training today anyway. On the treadmill, I alter my gait a bit while walking, but while jogging it's hardly noticeable. I guess that's because my steps are shorter and not as extended when I'm jogging.
So, I suppose this tight hamstring thing will go away on it's own and I'll just keep doing my thing. What do you think?
On another note, I've really been struggling with wanting to do this lately. I mean, all those old reasons are weighing on me. Especially the part about not liking running so why do it?? I mean, at some point I hope to begin to enjoy it. The challenge to do something impossible can only hold my attention for so long. I'm glad I have all of you reading this (in my mind you read every day) so I don't want to let you down. Ben (husband) told me I could go get a new sports bra, socks, running pants, etc, so that added some fun to today's run. My sports bra is NEON PINK. That'll get me going! (1.28 miles)
P.S. I ran for three minute straight twice today.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Week Four: Make it Happen
1-24-12: When I started this journey, I told you some very good reasons why I shouldn't try to do this. Well, today proved all those reasons valid.
My husband was gone til 8:30pm.
My daughter was throwing up sick so Childwatch or a babysitter was out.
I had a horrible night of sleep before.
I didn't feel like it/was grumpy/had a possible PMS situation.
But, the funny thing about determining to do something is this: it really doesn't matter how I feel anymore. I'm going to find a way to make it happen. And I did.
There I was, at 9:15pm, running my heart out on the treadmill because of sheer determination. It's too early in the game to start making excuses. It had to happen today, or a downward spiral of failure could begin. I'm really proud of myself. Wow, that was hard to type.
Oh yeah, and I had been doing 18 minute miles, but tonight I did a mile in 16 min 40 sec. I am excited about watching that number go down!
1-26-12: Again, I waited until 8:30 to hit the gym. I absolutely did not feel like going. At all. But knowing that there are people out there watching me and asking me how it's going makes me go even when I'd rather curl up on the sofa. I began training and "just getting it over with" when Sarah texted me, "Run, Trish, Run!" It came at the exact right time to motivate me.
I noticed the time and the distance I had run, and decided to see if I could beat my average 18 minute mile. Well, I pushed myself to run faster and faster, only breaking for 30 seconds at a time, and...
I ran a mile in 16:00 minutes!
That's much better! I like having a goal to beat. (1.50 miles)
1-29-12: I was supposed to run yesterday, the last day of the week, but I got to the Y 5 minutes after it closed. Note to self: Y closes at 7pm on Saturdays. So, in keeping with this week's theme of MakingItHappenNoMatterWhat, I decide to run on Sunday. I will not fail to get in all three runs each week. Not this soon after starting. Two of my friends run with me, this time outside. It is my first outdoor run. It is a beautiful, beautiful day. We start out and all is going well, but I must admit I miss the treadmill. I feel exposed out here. My friends are great, totally fun to talk with while walking. But in the Y no one can hear how loud I'm huffing and puffing over the noise of cardio machines. And I know exactly how fast I'm going and how far. I am going to have to train outdoors if I'm ever going to run a 5K, but I sure hope I can learn to like it more.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Week Three
1-17-12: My good friend Sarah has informed me that she has started C25K today! Yay! I'm going to have a training buddy, plus my good friend Kimberly is going to go with me sometimes too!
Back at the Y tonight. I'm swinging my arms to stretch before getting on the treadmill and I slap an Asian woman in the chest. Great start to the run. I'm repeating C25K week 2 this week, because it was hard and week 3 is really a jump. As I run I wonder again why I haven't peed on myself yet, and then it hits me that my touching-at-the-top thighs might be holding it in. This thought makes me
Back at the Y tonight. I'm swinging my arms to stretch before getting on the treadmill and I slap an Asian woman in the chest. Great start to the run. I'm repeating C25K week 2 this week, because it was hard and week 3 is really a jump. As I run I wonder again why I haven't peed on myself yet, and then it hits me that my touching-at-the-top thighs might be holding it in. This thought makes me
laugh out loud,
to myself,
in a crowded gym.
(1.15 miles)
(1.15 miles)
1-19-12: Yay for my first buddy run! Sarah O. came to the Y with me this time and I ran for 1.54 miles in 27 minutes. It means so much to have you all encouraging and even joining me! I know I will be able to do this. Tonight's big question was, "What's the difference between running and jogging?" I found out that 5.3mph is a fast jog for me, but 5.7 is definitely running. I loved running next to a friend.
1-21-12: My first morning run! Saturday morning at the Y is for basketball games, therefore I had my pick of treadmills. I have now completed three runs a week for three weeks! I texted with my brother Nathan during the walking minutes, which was fun. (1.46 miles)
1-21-12: My first morning run! Saturday morning at the Y is for basketball games, therefore I had my pick of treadmills. I have now completed three runs a week for three weeks! I texted with my brother Nathan during the walking minutes, which was fun. (1.46 miles)
Total miles run in 2012:
11.61
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Week Two
1-9-12: Noah's 9th birthday. My first time taking all four kids with me to the Y while I train. Drop the younger three off in Childwatch, send Baker to the gym to practice his bball, hop on the treadmill. This week I'm jogging 90 seconds, walking two minutes. It's harder!! (1.21 miles)
1-11-12: Tonight I thought I wasn't going to get to run, but then it turned out that I could. I had already had a small glass of red wine with dinner, but I couldn't even feel the wine, so I thought it would be okay to go ahead and get my run over with. More on that later. Before I could go to the gym I had to take Noah to Target to buy something with his bday money. Right in the front of the store I ran into Molly, the mom of four inspiration for running, and she gave me a high five for starting!!! It was just the encouragement I needed to press on that night. God knew I would think about that high five later on the treadmill and keep going.
And now for my first rule of running:
1-11-12: Tonight I thought I wasn't going to get to run, but then it turned out that I could. I had already had a small glass of red wine with dinner, but I couldn't even feel the wine, so I thought it would be okay to go ahead and get my run over with. More on that later. Before I could go to the gym I had to take Noah to Target to buy something with his bday money. Right in the front of the store I ran into Molly, the mom of four inspiration for running, and she gave me a high five for starting!!! It was just the encouragement I needed to press on that night. God knew I would think about that high five later on the treadmill and keep going.
And now for my first rule of running:
Never go for a run after drinking any amount of alcohol.
I felt like my legs were full of lead. Ugh. Never again. (1.19 miles)
1-14-12: Getting into a routine at the Y. Don't feel so new. Am surprised I haven't peed on myself while jogging yet. Spend the entire 20 minutes wondering if the person on the treadmill in front of me is a man or a woman. (1.12)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Week One
1-2-12: I stretch my sports bra on, put on an over-sized T-shirt and athletic pants, lace up my decade-old New Balance sneakers (borrow hubby's socks, don't have any of my own) and head out at 7pm to the Islands YMCA to face the workout room. I feel exactly like I did whenever I started a new school growing up. A mixture of nerves, desperation, doubt, and confidence. The chill in the air amplifies all of these feelings. I wander around and eventually find the right place, then remember my nether-issues and make my way to the bathroom to pee. I find a treadmill on the back row, butt to wall, thank you very much. I begin. I walk at 2.5, then 3.0 for a few minutes, then try to jog at 4.0 and then 4.5 for a while. I have in mind that I will do this for 30 minutes. I have no idea what I'm doing and I spend the entire 30 minutes wishing and hoping that one of the fit and firm girls will make eye contact with me and tell me I can do this, keep it up! Why are they ignoring me? I resolve to keep this in mind when I am fit and firm and see a chubby girl on a treadmill in early January with tears in her eyes.
As I leave the Y the chilly air feels good and I exhale, knowing that the hardest first step has been taken. (1.64 miles complete.)
1-4-12: I find the Couch to 5K running program on the web and start that tonight. It's only 20 minutes and it tells me not to push myself too hard at first. Even so, the training feels harder tonight. (1.14 miles)
1-6-12: Tonight I go to the Habersham Y because that's where Baker has basketball practice. I watch a show on that Van der Sloot guy who kills girls in exotic locations. Apparently, he is a sociopath. I hope he gets life in prison. I think about Dexter. I actually look forward to the jogging minutes this time and it gives me the false hope that I might have learned to like running already! (1.16 miles)
As I leave the Y the chilly air feels good and I exhale, knowing that the hardest first step has been taken. (1.64 miles complete.)
1-4-12: I find the Couch to 5K running program on the web and start that tonight. It's only 20 minutes and it tells me not to push myself too hard at first. Even so, the training feels harder tonight. (1.14 miles)
1-6-12: Tonight I go to the Habersham Y because that's where Baker has basketball practice. I watch a show on that Van der Sloot guy who kills girls in exotic locations. Apparently, he is a sociopath. I hope he gets life in prison. I think about Dexter. I actually look forward to the jogging minutes this time and it gives me the false hope that I might have learned to like running already! (1.16 miles)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Beginning
Ok. Here we go. This is happening.
I have decided that I am going to attempt to conquer a "can't" in my life. I am itching for a challenge lately, I don't know why, maybe my age (32)? I thought about conquering my fear of heights by jumping out of an airplane. I mean, it would be really cool to be able to say that I've jumped out of a freakin' airplane. That would be something very unexpected for this church-going, homeschooling, mother of four woman to do, right? But then I looked up "skydiving deaths" and it turns out that most deaths were caused by, not heart attack (which I thought), but... here it comes...hard landing.
So, I decided that jumping out of a plane might not be the smartest thing for a woman who wants to watch her children grow up to do.
Then it hit me, in November during the Rock 'n Roll Marathon mania here in Savannah, that I knew of several mom-friends running. a. marathon. But surely they were already the running type, right? No. One just had her third child and ran the full after running for about a year. Another had four kids (three boys then a girl, like me!) and had never run even to the end of her cul-de-sac before 6 months ago. She ran the half, and says running has changed her life. She'll be training for the full this November. If they could do it, so could I, right?
And now, I shall list the reasons I cannot possibly start "running," whatever that means.
I hate running.
I don't have time.
I don't have shoes.
I hate running.
I don't know anything about how to run. Is there a right way?
I am overweight, and will jiggle when I run.
I've had four kids, and will pee when I run.
I hate running.
I have big knockers. Enough said.
I have four kids and a busy husband. When would I run?
I don't have any running clothes.
It's not "me."
Plus, I hate it.
So, this seems like the most impossible thing for me to conceivably become, a runner. Someone who runs and is changed by running. Someone who might even, gulp, like running.
This is my impossible.
And I have gotten to a place in my life where I just don't like something being impossible for me. It makes me angry. Like I just want to stare down "impossible" and punch it in the face. Hard. And then have a good cry, because I did it, and I thought I couldn't.
I am going to become a runner. Now, the journey begins.
I have decided that I am going to attempt to conquer a "can't" in my life. I am itching for a challenge lately, I don't know why, maybe my age (32)? I thought about conquering my fear of heights by jumping out of an airplane. I mean, it would be really cool to be able to say that I've jumped out of a freakin' airplane. That would be something very unexpected for this church-going, homeschooling, mother of four woman to do, right? But then I looked up "skydiving deaths" and it turns out that most deaths were caused by, not heart attack (which I thought), but... here it comes...hard landing.
So, I decided that jumping out of a plane might not be the smartest thing for a woman who wants to watch her children grow up to do.
Then it hit me, in November during the Rock 'n Roll Marathon mania here in Savannah, that I knew of several mom-friends running. a. marathon. But surely they were already the running type, right? No. One just had her third child and ran the full after running for about a year. Another had four kids (three boys then a girl, like me!) and had never run even to the end of her cul-de-sac before 6 months ago. She ran the half, and says running has changed her life. She'll be training for the full this November. If they could do it, so could I, right?
And now, I shall list the reasons I cannot possibly start "running," whatever that means.
I hate running.
I don't have time.
I don't have shoes.
I hate running.
I don't know anything about how to run. Is there a right way?
I am overweight, and will jiggle when I run.
I've had four kids, and will pee when I run.
I hate running.
I have big knockers. Enough said.
I have four kids and a busy husband. When would I run?
I don't have any running clothes.
It's not "me."
Plus, I hate it.
So, this seems like the most impossible thing for me to conceivably become, a runner. Someone who runs and is changed by running. Someone who might even, gulp, like running.
This is my impossible.
And I have gotten to a place in my life where I just don't like something being impossible for me. It makes me angry. Like I just want to stare down "impossible" and punch it in the face. Hard. And then have a good cry, because I did it, and I thought I couldn't.
I am going to become a runner. Now, the journey begins.
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