One of the many articles that I have read about running encourages the writing of a running journal. This will be mine.
The last time that I ran for an extended period of time has to honestly be in college, in 1998. The last time that I ran at all, probably 2003. Sad, I know. I met my wonderful husband, got happy, got fat, got married, had children... It's been a wonderful life, but I am carrying the donuts I ate in 2000 around my middle! No one likes a 13 year old donut. (A Twinkee, maybe.)
Recently someone repeated the old adage, "You're only as old as you feel." I admit to being a slow learner, so this was the first time that the reality of these words hit me. Ok, they really performed a full body check, but you get the point. I felt... EIGHTY! Considering I am not even half way to 80, that's ridiculous. I'm borderline obese, my cholesterol is slightly elevated, I have IBS (don't even ask!), my joints creak, stairs make me slightly winded, I don't sleep well, and I have plantar fasciitis. I am not sharing this for sympathy or pity. It is my own fault that I feel the way I do. Correction, felt! I cannot begin to tell you how simply running has changed so much of this laundry list of ailments.
About six weeks ago some of my co-workers came up with the genius idea of blending our after school reading program with the Couch to 5K runner's training program. I was scheduled to teach the reading portion, but with half excitement, half reluctance, I agreed to do the blended program. One of the aforementioned co-workers started running herself a few years ago and thus far has unintentionally served as my mentor. She's all encouragement and advice.
I'd like to lie and say that I didn't suck wind like a Hoover the first day, but I must not tell lies. (Thanks, J.K. Rowling!) I did. But my personal goal was to follow the running program, no matter how slow I was, and complete each portion at my pace. COMPLETION is a wonderful starting goal. Don't worry about anything but that, time and speed are irrelevant as long as you finish!
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