if my memory serves correct [ and i have a terrible memory ] i started running in 2009. i don't remember when or why. it had something to do with the fact that i had sold my stationary bike and needed to get in some cardio to shed some everyday holiday pounds.
i started my journey by running/walking around my little neighborhood when we still lived in Columbia, SC. i started by following the Cool Running Couch to 5k Plan.
now i wasn't "in shape" but i wasn't "out of shape" either when i started. basically it was a want to feel and BE healthier. i did want to shed a few pounds, but according to the ideal weight calculators i was WELL WITHIN my weight category. i have always fought with my weight + mindset of wanting to FEEL BETTER. running seemed like a good idea. on a daily basis i was already walking an average of 3-4 miles and I rode my horses on a regular basis. i wasn't an iron man, but i wasn't sedentary.
i was quickly hooked.
i loved how it made me feel, especially further in my career when i was doing "long runs". i loved how i was able to keep up with my students better. i handled stress better. i ate what i wanted and when i wanted!!
after finishing the 5k program i settled into a regular 3 mile daily run 3 times a week with a long run on Sunday mornings. my first 5k was July 4th in Huntersville, NC. i remember it well. it was HILLY and i tried to keep pace with a couple who started with me and ended up almost dying collapsing at the end because i had pushed myself too hard. i had a lot to learn about racing!
my next race i recruited my riding students to run with me. I picked a fun Pet Palooza 5k race in downtown Charlotte, NC. i brought along my best running pal, my Dalmatian, Duke. this race i ran my own pace. it was helpful to have one of the mom's [ and a fellow runner ] run with me the entire race. we talked and kept an eye on the girls. it took my mind off of trying to finish fast.
my last race was in 2011. again, i rounded up the girls and we ran the Greek Festival 5k in Downtown Charlotte. This race was probably my fastest finish. i don't remember the time now. something around 32:17?
surprisingly, i wasn't running regularly before this race. my running became sporadic when i was managing my farm. after a few months, running became non existent.
which brings me to today...
here in October 2012 i have had the plans to start back into my running career. i have been dabbling in getting back into running since June but no schedule or training calendar has developed. i am holding onto an extra 10 pounds that have crept up on me since my stressful start of the year + move + career 180. i am more sedentary than ever before and am now cooking even more than ever before which = no good.
BUT, i am on a role. for the last 3 weeks I have made an effort to get up at a regular time and set a running schedule. I am following the C25k iPhone app program. I have found it basically the same as the Cool Running program, but i can easily track and access it on my iPhone. I also track all my workouts via Nike+.
i truly love running. i love the way it makes me feel. that runner's high is real. it's a great feeling. you feel larger than yourself. it lifts away pain, stress and frustration. it's one of my best friends. it's nice to be reacquainted with it.
what is your running story? have you started then stopped? are you coming back from an injury? how does running make you feel?
Comments