So my intention was to update my blog on a pretty consistent basis for those who wanted to follow me on my journey to...well wherever I was headed this year. Um so that didn't happen. It's been awhile, and I started out by going back to reviewing my last posts about where I was at with my running.
Last time I was here, I was running 6 minute intervals, and I had just run the program in the sweltering heat of Florida (ahhh Florida how I miss thee!!). Jump forward a month - I am now running 25 minute intervals, and just finished doing 5.3K in 48 minutes.
Holy shit...can that be right?? Me, who 6 months ago could barely run 30 steps without feeling like I was going to pass out? Me, who 6 months ago was sure there was no way I could do it because my knees would give out? Me, who had managed to talk myself out of trying running every time I thought I might?
Yes, me. I. Am. A. Runner. I've waited a long freaking time to make that statement, so for good measure I'll say it again. I. Am. A. Runner.
So how did I do it? Other than lots of cursing when I didn't feel like going, and lots of sweat, there are a few things that I consider key:
1. Surround yourself with cheerleaders. You need to hear how great you are doing on those days where you think you sucked. My husband has become my biggest cheerleader and tells me often how proud he is of me. Sounds corny but it works. And remember that the cheering can come virtually too. A year ago I never would have posted anything about this journey on Facebook or Twitter...now I do it regularly and all the encouragement keeps me smiling - and running.
2. Don't do it alone. I have an amazing group of ladies who keep me on track. Knowing that they are doing it with me (eventhough we have yet to run together!) keeps me pushing myself out the door. And truth be told I'm a little bit competitive and don't want to look like a fool when we do run together. Sonia, Tina and Kelly - thanks for keeping me motivated and listening to me bitch when I need to.
3. Set a goal. We registered for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 6th. My goal was to run the whole thing - however long it took. Having that marker in the sand keeps me going. My next goal may be to do a 10K in the spring.
4. Ease up on yourself. This was the hardest one for me to embrace. I'm pretty hard on myself when "I think" I should be doing better - my own worst enemy for sure. In the past, the headgame I play with myself would have me hanging up my running shoes. I've realized that screwing up is inevitable - its how you turn it around that is important (doesn't that sound like a good lesson for my kids??). I have skipped running days cause I was too tired - but I went back out the next day with gusto. I've indulged in the foods I love, but gotten back on track the following day. And I'm not beating myself up over it. This is a lifestyle I'm embracing.
All sounds pretty easy, right? Well it's not. It's hard. It's hard to find the time, it's hard to stay positive, it's hard not to give into the crazy voice in my head that tells me to just quit. All I can say with utmost certainty is it's worth it.
Start small, do what you can, celebrate the small wins and tell the crazy voice in your head to sit down and shut the hell up - she's not the boss anymore!
