iRun
I do!
Almost one year ago, I started running. I had been walking almost every day, partly because of a “walking club” some of my friends had started and partly because of a giant dog who needs some way to release energy.
But I was sort of bored with it and knew I needed a challenge.
One of my best friends texted me and said, “wanna start running with me?”
And that was all I needed – that push from a friend.
If you know me, though, you know what an absolute challenge this was! I have always been the quintessential hater of all things running. I would always say, “I could never run”, or the ever famous, “My knees give me trouble!”, and any other excuse in the book. (And believe me my knees DID give me trouble – but I ran through it).
But I started. Using the couch to 5k training program, I got my butt off the couch.
It was a slow start, but a start nonetheless.
And now, almost one year later, I have completed two 5k races and have set the goal to run a 10k this summer!
I am probably more proud of myself about this than almost anything I have done in years. I have conquered the nagging voice that tells me I can’t do something, or says just stay in – it’s too cold out, too hot out, or you don’t really need to do it. I have conquered laziness!
And I have to admit, I’m a little addicted.
I wear this necklace in the picture. I don’t wear it to brag, but to remind myself of the challenge I have overcome and to silence the negative voices and replace them with “YOU are a runner!”, “You can do ANYthing you set your mind to!”
When I run now, its like I am running off negative feelings, bad moods and stress. With every mile it gets easier now and I feel more awake, more free, more alive. I come back refreshed and new. That’s why running is addicting – you reach this point in your run when your legs are just on auto pilot and you just start feeling better and better. I used to just want to gag when people would talk about that runners “high” they would get, but I am one of those people now!
I get it!
So please, if you are sitting there, wanting to exercise, knowing you want the challenge, need the challenge, just do it. I promise if you can just get past the point when you first start – when you run that first mile and you feel like you are going to die, if you can just get past that feeling, you are home free! It will get better, easier and you will love it.
You wanna know why else running is so great?
Because you can eat more cookies. And I love cookies.
You know I’ve been running for years– even went as far as completing a half a couple years ago (four years?! wow). I totally burned myself out on it for awhile and had a sore hip and foot issues for a bit. Now I’m back to a moderate 3 with the sometimes interval thrown in. It’s funny, in all of that, I never felt an addiction. I don’t really get the high, and I definitely could very easily sit on my couch and eat the cookies.
So what gets me out the door? I gain weight way too easily, I like that it helps my cholesterol and blood pressure; I really do like the time alone and ability to think without distraction; I know it’s good for my doggy, and I think it helps level my moods.
I’m so impressed that you have started running and have taken it on with your usual Tammy-Enthusiasm! Go girl Go!
iRUNtoo! Awesome!
In many ways, I think this is one more way we are connected. Pushing through something that always seemed impossible to us.
Many miles apart, their feet pound the pavement…together. :-]
Julie, I think what you listed as “things that get you out the door” is great! Because for everyone its different, but the result is the same, you feel so good that you got out! And I know, there are times when sitting on my couch eating cookies sounds way better. Keep runnin’ girl!
Mary…. yes, connected once again through the miles. I dream of running with you one day soon!
Hmmm…. I NEVER knew you felt about running exactly the way I feel about it NOW! LOL
Great job, though, as always you are and inspiration to all!