However, I have friends who love running, and they encouraged me to try a 5k. I said I Did Not Run. I cited the miserable experiences I had in gym class. I mentioned how easily I got cramps when I ran. My friends said I hadn't given running a proper chance. One day, walking started to feel a bit slow, so I ran for 5 minutes. It felt okay, not horrible. I ran for 10 minutes a couple of days later, and that was okay, too.
I slowly built up my minutes over time, had some setbacks along the way (the short story is that I drink coffee 2 times a week instead of 2 times a day in order to avoid cramps), and finally signed up for the Run Scared 5k on October 30, 2011. I trained 2-3 times a week, following a plan that had me run for 9 minutes and walk for 1. Most times, I felt better having run than being in the midst of a run, but there were moments of enjoyment, too.
The morning of the 5k was drizzly-wet and chilly. I started the run at a steady pace, and only sped up to dodge around the 4k walkers strolling four abreast and toward the end, when the finish line was apparent. My net time for this 5k was 35 minutes and 26 seconds. My goal was to finish in 38 minutes or less. I am pleased with the results. It doesn't seem that long ago when I gasped and staggered through the one mile course in gym class.
5 comments:
I am very much impressed and proud. And glad someone got a photo this time!!
Go, you! Again, I'm just so proud of you. It's inspiring.
Thank you! What I didn't mention was that my Raynaud's acted up right before the race. The fingers thawed out by mile 3. That episode reminded me, more than anything else, why I exercise in winter. Brrrrr.
Congratulations!!!!!!! Sorry about your fingers but I'm glad they thawed out!
Great job! And you look gorgeous doing it!
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