Thursday, January 03, 2008

The New Year

... it's that time for New Year resolutions ... but I actually 'resoluted' back in October. I resoluted to run. I need to let go of this extra baby weight (especially since I had that baby ohhh about 8 months ago) and I hear that one of the best ways to get in shape is to run ... and run ... and run. So, Brian and I are going to run in a 10-K together on April 5, 2008. (I don't know about you but sometimes I need some outside motivation and a specific goal to work towards - like me being able to keep up with, or maybe even beat, my husband).


If you know me, then you will know how comical and monumental this is. Don't get me wrong, I love exercise and being outside but I have never - EVER - been a runner! Even in my days of prime fitness (yes, there were some of those days long ago) I wasn't a runner. Why would someone just want to run?

So I decided to go out and take a run, well more like a jog, one day and I didn't even make it to the stop sign up the road before I stopped. What? What am I doing? So, after some encouragement from friends (like Kim) who are real-live runners, I decided to try again. I had to start off slow - I decided (after some advice from Kelly) to jog for 1 minute and walk for 1 minute, jog a minute, walk a minute. So, after a few weeks, I decided to jog without stopping - and I made it about a half mile. (Don't laugh - that's really good for me - we're talking baby steps here).

It's been a slow process and my neighborhood has some hills that are boogers - but I guess that will help me in my training. I tried my first 3 miles last Saturday on a big, busy road in town (because it's flat) and I only had to stop once. I tried to push through the pain but then I remembered all those people driving by, watching me - and I knew I needed to stop so I didn't look like a crazy woman in pain.

So, I tried 3 miles again today - and I made it without stopping! Woo hoo! Now, my time is a different story. Running is a word that I am using loosely - it's probably more like a slow jog - but we'll work on speed later.

I will try to post more about this journey and maybe keep a tally on my sidebar (if Kim will help me figure out how to do that). So - if you have any tips, please let me know!

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Way to go! I remember all our walks around the SWBTS campus! I went to Pilates today and tortured myself! I am already feeling tight/sore!
Runnning with a partner has always helped me, too.
Love your music choices!
Have you gotten the newest Steve Fee? Really good!

Kelly said...

I am impressed! Although I have been into sports and aerobics, I DO NOT enjoy running. Can't wait to hear more about your journey--maybe I'll get inspired!

Sophia said...

Way to go, girl! Hey, from one non-runner to the next, 3 miles is a BIG accomplishment.
Mark and I are going to do the 10-K also, however, I have not even walked the first mile--training starts tomorrow. Maybe we can train together for encouragement on some days?
Sophia

Kim said...

You are doing such an awesome job! Go Jenn Go!

Kim said...

It sounds like you are off to a great start! Running has made me have so much energy...and it relieves stress,too..not to mention all the health benefits! It gets easier, so keep it up!