I finished my Couch-2-5K training yesterday 9 weeks and 1 day after I started. (Its a 9 week training.) You can do the training by time or by distance. It was easier for me to do it by time. By the end, I was running 30 minutes but not quite running 3 miles. J & I thought about running the 5K in downtown Greenville today but realized we could save the $50 and run our own 5K. Jonathan pushed the double stroller and paced me and we ran a 5K on an awesome trail we have in downtown Spartanburg. I ran 3 miles in 29min 26 sec and 3.1 miles in 30min 11sec. It was the first time I've actually run 3 miles. And it was hard. Incredibly hard. But since I wasn't crying or throwing up like they do on The Biggest Loser, I kept going. And I am incredibly proud of myself.
I did learn a few things these past 9 weeks.
1. My body can do more than I think it can. I'm learning how to push my body physically not to the point of injury, but def to the point of pain. I followed the prescribed training to a T and didn't experience any soreness or injuries but I saw def improvement.
2. My body can do more than my body thinks it can. There were times my body was yelling at me to quit punishing it. Until the very last C25K day when I tried to go 3 miles in 30 minutes while pushing 50 extra pounds, I never stopped jogging during the jogging intervals. Even when I got a side cramp my run Monday, I was able to let the hill carry me as I worked through it. And I ran 2.88 miles straight that day- a new record. Before I would have thought my body was telling me to stop. No my body was being a wuss and needed to suck it up and take it.
3. I am strong. I feel strong. I can start comparing myself to all kinds of people- runners- not runners- mothers- not mothers. It doesn't matter. I am strong. This is my running mantra. When I feel weak, I use these words to remind me of truth- I am strong. God created my body to run at maximum capacity. He made me strong; its time I start living strong.
4. Running is more fun in hot pink. The great part about starting a hobby right before Christmas is that you receive many Christmas gifts related to that hobby which in turn make you want to continue your hobby. I got a great cold weather running shirt which happens to be hot pink (thanks Mother-in-law and Father-in-law). I feel fun and spunky running in my bright hot pink shirt. So I've decided my running colors are going to be hot pink and black. My sister is helping me shop for running shoes on Tuesday (thanks Mom & Dad) and she promised we could find some hot pink and black ones.
I also lost about 6 pounds in 9 weeks. Not shabby at all esp since I had plataued for months at my previous weight and the holidays were in the midst of that. As of this morning, I am 1.4 pounds away from my prepregnancy weight. I'm back in my pants except my jeans. I just bought new jeans because I'm not sure these hips will ever fit in those jeans again.
What now? I'm planning to run 30 minutes 3 times a week. We'll see what comes up. One of my friends mentioned a sprint triathlon and that sounds interesting...
This afternoon I needed to flip the switch on our modem to reset the internet. I went into our room, laid down on the floor and reached under the dresser to flip the switch. And promptly fell asleep on the floor.
8 comments:
Whoo hoo!!! CONGRATS! That ROCKS!
I began the Couch-5k thing... BUT I didn't have running shoes in America - so I borrowed my sister's and she wears a size smaller and man, that was uncomfortable!!! So I didn't last long... so now I have to figure out where I"m going to run here - haha!
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying running! Are your leg muscles getting big? I was amazed by how muscular mine became after running for awhile.
I do suggest running in a race at some point, even though they can be expensive. Find one that gives money to a charity you like, and then you'll feel better about the money you spend. Maybe set your goal on a 10K this spring inorder to keep your momentum up (even though I'm sure the pink shirt is helping with that just fine!). It's just fun to run a race with so many people in your own community -- there are a lot of runners out there!
That's good to hear you pushed through even while cramping. That's one of my probs every time I've tried running. My other problem is I pee. Not sure if you an push through after that happens, though!
WAY TO GO!!! I'm definitely impressed!
congrats! that's really awesome, and no small feat. way to go!
The one thing I remember from my HES class was that there's some point when your body is telling you NO but really it's just faking. And if you can get beyond that without giving up, you'll begin to be able to run longer and harder. It has a term but I don't remember. And it's what I always think about when I am contemplating giving up.
Also, I think that having 2 girls has made you more girly. Hot pink? That's super fun!
SAR- J used to fun in that forest between our neighborhoods but I think parts of it are pretty secluded. So maybe not a good idea for a woman.
Emily- you pee? Yeah I'm not sure what I would do. That's really funny.
I'm more girly now? Awesome. According to a teenager at church who helps with the kids' classes, Kiran's signature colors are pink and brown. Maybe she's rubbing off on me.
I am soo proud of you K!! Isn't it funny how you don't think you are a runner and here are proving that you ARE a runner!! I am so proud of your 3! Just think where you will be soon. I am running my first half marathon Sunday! Wahoo. You should train for you- you would LOVE it! I am impressed you lost 6 lbs. I haven't lost any weight- kind of a bummer, but what to do?
Yay for both of us becoming runners!
Alicia- you are my hero.
About the weight- you also haven't had a baby recently so that might be part of the reason.
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