When I was in high school and junior high, we ran a lot, and I struggled with it every single time. Not because I was out of shape, but it literally made me ill. I’d get dizzy and nauseous; I felt my head might explode.
Running was never my thing.
I joined the swim team one year, and ended up loving the long distance races. I even got a job working at Wild Water Adventures Clovis Lakes my Junior year as a lifeguard. For some reason my body could swim for days, but couldn’t run.
When I grew into adulthood, I still couldn’t run, but flexibility was something I somehow maintained. I guess it was just the way I was made. I did yoga every once in a while, just to make sure I could still pull it off.
Now that I’m 35 though, things are different. I’m now toying with the notion that something dramatic needs to change. Not that I’m way out of shape, per se, but I know I could do better.
I’ve never been a runner…
Until now.
Thanks to some friends I’ve met recently on Twitter (@kimcollier and @oneheavenlyhart), and the amazing support I have from my husband and kids (and next-door neighbor, Amy) at home, I now have created a little network of people in my community who share my commitment to health.
I recently surprised myself and walked a whole 45 minutes on the treadmill at the gym. Not that I ran, but it was a start.
And yesterday? I RAN the first assignment on my training schedule….twice!!
Yes, this fall, I plan on running the half-marathon relay with some friends and/or my oldest son in the Eye-Q Two Cities Marathon.
I’ve decided that it’s time I tackle this running issue I’ve always had, and commit to beating it.
If I’ve learned anything during my days as a single mom, while going to work, raising four kids, getting a BA, and soon to be starting a Masters program, it’s that the sky is the limit, and you’ll reach your goal if you just keep it positive, while putting one foot in front of the other.
Before, I never would have dreamed of attaining such high goals, but I’m in a better place now, and have a stronger base of support. I never thought I’d be doing this ten years ago, and it just goes to show you what a truly beautiful gift positive people can bring to your life.
(photo via picturesofpeoplerunning.com)
i rec’d a flyer about this half mary at the last half marathon i ran last month. i am considering signing up for it which would make it the fifth one i run this year. i never saw myself as a runner either but i am a competitive person with myself and running i have found is a great way to compete with me as well as sort and solve all the problems of the world and mine.
self.com has a great running program that can prepare and train you in at least 12 weeks time and no, you don’t have to be a runner to get started.
http://downloads.self.com/self/pdfs/runners_training_plan.pdf
i also like the couchto5k program that can be downloaded to your iPod.
good luck! hope to see you running in november!