I began telling myself 8 weeks ago that I was just gonna do it. There's no pressure. I don't have to "race". I just have to get healthier - that's really the crucial driver here - and I added a requirement to finish whatever event I enter. Why not run? Indeed. A friend turned me on to the Couch-to-5K (C25K) running program. In 9 weeks, the beginning runner can learn how to develop running skills and endurance in very small increments. You start by walking/running intervals that build you up without overdoing it. It seemed even more possible when I found the C25K app for Android hooks me up with walk/run prompts based on the program schedule. I could listen to music or audio books and not have to worry about keeping track of timing. Sweet! The first goal would be a 5K run, or 3.1 miles. I can walk 3.1 miles, so this seemed reasonable. After a few weeks of being amazed at myself that I was improving and my lungs hadn't exploded yet, I treated myself to new sneakers and some running clothes. Okay, so far so good. I started noticing my clothes were fitting differently. NICE! I was so excited about my ability to conquer this running thing that I agreed to sign up for this December 4th 5K - officially paid an entry fee and received a runner's number and everything.
And then it got cold.
I slowed down, started carrying an albuterol inhaler for the first time in over 15 years, and my lungs hurt when I ran. Damn cold. When Dec 4th came around, I hadn't yet completed all phases of the 9 week program. But with the encouragement of good friends who told me this event was at my pace however I wanted to run/walk it, I went. And I'm so glad I did! It was cold, but I didn't die. I lost my breath a few times, but I didn't die. I asked to walk a little longer interval in our 4 min run/1 min walk routine a few times, but I didn't die. And when encouraged to kick in a little extra at the end, I was able to find the energy and do just that, and I didn't die. It was the furthest and fastest I've run/walked yet. 3.1 miles in about 42-43 minutes (no clocking out at start line, only in at finish, so it's a guestimate based on Kerry's GPS watch and my Runkeeper) and I DIDN'T DIE!!!
I also learned some things. First of all, I'm okay running with others. I can't talk when I run yet, but once I unplugged an ear from my music and could hear others, I found it was nicer to be tuned in to their discussions than in my head alone. I also learned I can do their 4/1 routine if I just practice it. Lastly, I know what it feels like to push a little harder than I have and that I can recover fairly quickly. Maybe not in a minute, but in less than 2 minutes. I think eventually the recovery times will be less. I am still going to try to keep with the C25K program and get myself to the point where I can run the entire 30 minutes, but I'll alternate with this new-to-me 4/1 routine, too. I think I like the personal challenge of this running thing.
Stay tuned - I've already signed up for two more 5Ks!! [Sorry Anne - I couldn't wait the week before deciding!! ;0P ]
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