I dedicate this first race to my dad. This one is for you.
I am so happy to finally sit down and take the time to "journal" about my running goals. I honestly can't believe I am writing about running! I am surprised at myself and am so excited to finally do something I have talked about doing for so long. I owe a big thank you to my ole' friend Mandy E. Bradley for motivating me and giving me words of wisdom. I wouldn't be where I am without her encouragement and help! I also am appreciative of my running friends and can't believe how much it can make a difference to have a group of girls to discuss races with and discuss goals.
I never thought of myself as a runner. I talked about running for a year and downloaded the C25K app and used it maybe twice. I had so many excuses to NOT run. I am a good speed walker! I am a good wogger! I can walk/run fairly well!
This last year (2011) I have really started getting back to the gym and feeding my passion: yoga and pilates occasionally but mostly BODY COMBAT! However, sometimes I find it so difficult to get to the gym. It isn't exactly five minutes away and I usually have done about 2-5 trips/errands before coming home and who wants to turn around and go to the gym? However, I manage to get it in about 2-3 times a week if I'm lucky!
I needed a plan. I am a self motivating time and can dedicate myself to something once I see the plan of attack. I started running again at night using the C25K app that my friend Mandy (another Mandy!) told me she was using. After talking about it for so long, I ran my first 5K Thanksgiving Day 2011. It was a unusually warmer November day and I finished the 3.1 miles in about 37 1/2 minutes (something like that). I didn't think that was too bad since it was my first 5K and I ran the entire time The trail run was actually pretty easy compared to the last one I ran. I enjoyed the run along a little river and through some beautiful scenery at Terra Bella in Covington. The race was a Run For Hope (cancer charity) race and I actually saw a few friends there. It was hard, but I did it! I immediately began searching for races in the area and signed up for my next one.
So why do I run? (especially since I do not really see myself as a runner! I played soccer and tennis in high school and always enjoyed going to the gym but NEVER really ran!) There are a plethora of reasons: (in random order)
- it is free! there is no cost involved! no hidden fees! no annual-nothing!
- simply because I CAN. God gave me two legs. They work. Thank goodness they work!
- because I want to give back to charities-specifically cancer charaties. I have lost my father and uncle to cancer. My mother and aunt survived breast cancer. I had my own scare of pre-cancer cells in 2010 and ended up having a hysterectomy to "rid it." I thank God for my health and pray for a cure to cancer.
- I can set new goals. Once I complete a goal, I immediately set another one.
- because I am a winner no matter what! As long as I finish, I am okay!
- it is great exercise! I am getting older and desire to stay in shape!
- I want to be here for my children many years to come. They need me around for many years to come.
- It is theraputic! Yes, after a long day of teaching way too many to count hormonal 8th graders, I feel the need occasionally to destress! And it is FREE! Did I say that?
- It is for ME. I am a busy working mom! I do so much for my children like many of my friends who are working moms. It is about time I really do something for me! I deserve it.
- No one can take it away from me! (it is MINE! I own it!)---
Where am I headed? I'm not sure! I'm not too excited about the talk of running a marathon or half-marathon. That sounds crazy! I simply just want to run about 3-4 times a week and do other moderate activites in between! But I do know this! I have already completed a 2nd 5k and have another one set up for Februrary! Goals are great!
