I always said the only way that I would be a runner is if someone was chasing me. Even then, I'm not sure that I wouldn't just rather have them catch me than actually run. But this year something changed. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but since I hate running so much I decided that I wanted to conquer it. In my mind I felt like because I dreaded the idea of it so much that it had somehow defeated me. So on my quest to get into better shape, I decided to take up running (which I wrote about previously how I started here) in May.
Fast forward six months. My move to Colorado put a bit of a delay on my intial goal to run a 5K -- altitude change and lack of oxygen is a major hurdle -- but I finally completed my first goal on Thanksgiving day, running the Redline Turkey Day 5K. My goal wasn't to be fast, but just to run the whole thing, which I did. My husband, kids and sister were there to cheer me on, even braving the constant chilly wind that blew the whole morning just to be there. I loved knowing that they were waiting for me at the finish line.
3,000+ runners is certainly energizing. I had my playlist on my iPhone to set my pace so I didn't push too hard to stay with crowd. The first two miles I felt great. The last one was rough -- uphill and into the gusty wind -- but I kept putting one foot in front of the other and ran to the finish. My pace was 13.2 minutes per mile, which won't win any races, but I'm happy with. I know I'll get faster as I keep training and more than anything I'm just proud of myself for getting it done.
My next goal is to run a 10K, which I would like to do in the spring. My best friend would like to run a half marathon with me for my 40th birthday, just 10 months away. I find that having a goal keeps me motivated to keep getting out there and pounding the pavement.
Oh, and an added bonus... since I began running I've taken off 25 lbs. Add that to the 15 I lost before that and I'm down 40 lbs for the year. All in all, it's sure has been worth the effort.
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