Goals - Running

Starting almost a year ago, after being inspired by one of my sorority sisters, Susan, I planned to start running.  My logic was you never see a fat runner, so running was as good a sport as any to help me get in shape and lose weight.  Also, I know there are all sorts of races that I could be a part of and feel like I'm doing something that I can be proud of.

Because of Susan's blog, I discovered the Couch 2 5K Running Program.  I downloaded the app on my phone and completed all the way through around week 6.  I even ran 3 days while I was on vacation at the beach which is UNHEARD of for me!  Unfortunately, I started out with the wrong shoes.  That, paired with probably starting out too fast, made for a lot of pain for me.  I tried to take breaks, walk more.  Eventually, I gave up.  My legs would cramp up so bad that I would almost fall coming down the stairs first thing in the morning.  It really scared me because I thought I had done something to really hurt myself.  I was also really disappointed in myself because I had lost only around 3 lbs in that 6 week time span.

With the new year approaching, I decided to give it a try again.  Chris got his mom's treadmill for me and starting on January 1, I decided to seriously try to stick to my running program, along with my diet.  I'm proud to say that almost 3 months later, I'm still sticking to my diet and exercise routine.  The Couch 2 5k program is only 9 weeks long, so I'm done with that, but my plans are to complete a few 5k's and then start training for a 10k!  In the past 12 weeks, I've lost 12 lbs which is not great, but it's average and for the amount of effort that I've had to put in, I'll gladly take it.  Also, I've noticed a much greater difference in my clothes than the numbers on the scale which is even better!  I have clothes that I haven't worn in two years that I'm able to wear now which is awesome!  I still have around 30 lbs I'd love to lose, but I'm happy with the progress I'm making.  

When I was around halfway through my 9 weeks, I decided to start looking for races.  I was scared to death, but I knew I'd never be able to forgive myself if I gave up again.  As soon as I started looking, I found the ZTA Franklin 5k.  I thought this one would be perfect since I was a ZTA in college.  It turned out to be a great event and I can't imagine pulling off an event like they did!  The cost was low..only $15 which paid for the race and of course a t-shirt.  Who doesn't love a good t-shirt?  Two of my sorority sisters, Susan and Kristin also came to run which helped to ease my nerves.

I was so nervous on race day, I felt like I was going to be sick.  i'm not a fast runner at all, but I managed to achieve all the goals I set for myself, most importantly finishing in under 35 minutes and not walking.  I did walk twice when I stopped to get water.  (I have no idea how those people run and drink water at the same time!)  My official time was 34:27 which I was very proud of.  I think I'm hooked already and can't wait to find another 5k to run!

Thanks Susan for inspiring me in so many ways!!