For years I've wanted to be a runner. I like the idea of it, the high exercise payoff in a short time, and the way Isaac and I could run together. I would really like to have a runner's body and endurance! I tried running several times, but the problem remained that I just didn't like it. (The sweat and the exhaustion may have played a role in my dislike.)
Anyway, about six weeks ago I asked Isaac to take me on a run. He's a great encourager, and balances pushing me farther than I thought I could go with making me feel like I'm doing a good job with what little I can do. Anyway, we ran three blocks, walked one block, and so on to the library, where he dropped me off and finished another 3 miles before picking me up!
Since then, I've been pushing myself to run 3 times a week. I have a 1.5 mile street route that I've been trying to master. The first time I did it, it took almost 16 minutes and I walked 6 blocks and ran the other 18. By last week, I was down to 13:45 and walking only 3 blocks.
Yesterday, for the first time ever, I ran twelve blocks straight with the jogging stroller! (My previous record without a break was 8 blocks.) Then Ellie and I walked and rented a video, and ran back. I didn't know if I'd be able to run all twelve blocks back, but I did! (Full disclosure: I stopped and took a brief water break, but didn't walk at all.) I am so proud of myself!
I really want to get past the "feel-like-I'm-going-to-die" feeling and get to where I enjoy running. I'm closer than I've ever been, but I'm not there quite yet. But I'm finding that I love the feeling of accomplishment, and that confidence sticks with me until the next run.
I have a long way to go. I was talking to an acquaintance last week whose fourth baby was born a couple months ago. She's already up to running 40 minutes at a time while pushing a double jogging stroller! After I get to the point that I can run my route without a break, I'll start adding two blocks at a time until I can run for 20-25 minutes at a time. That's my plan, and I really hope I can stick to it!
6 comments:
YOU GO GIRL! i'm glad that you are finally accomplishing this! We've talked about it before so i'm SUPER happy for you. and jealous. i wonder when i'll be able to run again...
Brave, very brave. I HATE running. It definitly makes me feel like I'm going to die. I just blame it on my mother for smoking while pregnant with me and in the house/car all the while I was growing up. I have discovered a certain fondness for kickboxing though. I can take out any anger on the heavy bag!
keep trucking....it took me about 45 years to stop running and start walking...Just watch out for potholes and black ice....
Wait till you try running through a woods on a hot summer day or a cool autumn day. It'll spoil you for running on sidewalks in the city.
Dad
You can totally do it. You are one of the most dedicated people that I know. We all quit things, but the desire to continue on is something that always seems to stick with you and I admire that in you.
Good luck.
yeah, I'm impressed - you know personally how bad I am at commiting to exercise.
Post a Comment