Friday, April 17, 2009

On My Way To A 5K

Hi there.

By the way.

I've been doing that wacky Couch to 5K program. You might remember me mentioning it, once or twice.

Just had to brag give you a quick update.

Wednesday was my 20 straight minutes of jogging and I did it.

To rebel against my rebellious dad, I am a rule follower. No skimping here - 5 minute warm-up walk, TWENTY MOTHERLOVING MINUTES at 5 mph, zero incline, and 5 minutes of walking because I couldn't remember how not to move my legs. That comes to 2.08 miles. Just saying. In 30 minutes. SO while YOU were eating popcorn and watching a Seinfeld rerun ... yeah, I burned 312 calories. (Is that all? Felt like more.)

I did it, I did it. I. DID. IT!

So yeah, I pretty much rock. I'm about the most amazing person to ever live. My body IS a wonderland.

NOW. According to my calculations,

5 kilometers = 3.10685596 miles

I need only to fit in one teensy little mile more and I will have 5K legs.

Perhaps a new pair of shoes are in order, now that I'm a runner, y'know.

Makes one wonder: if I was able to do the impossible on Wednesday ... could I have done that at anytime, but didn't think I could, so couldn't but really could have?

And what else am I not doing because I think I can't, but I really can? Putting the mountain of laundry away and keeping on top of it from here on out? Planning, preparing, fixing, and cleaning up 3 meals a day? Sticking to a budget? Eating healthy? Quitting caffeine (even if it is a vitamin)? Heading out to beautiful California for a retreat? Finishing up my degree, once and for all? Potty training the boy? Being a kind and beautiful wife? Being a super fun and awesome mom? Getting over all my issues?

Running is pretty freaking amazing. Highly recommend it.

I believe this, doing what you thought was impossible, is how one builds self-esteem.

No other activity in my life ever had me cheering myself on, mentally shouting, "You can do it, Brandy!" the way this running has. It is hard, but I am making these little ridges of "You CAN do it! I know you can do it. Just a little more," in my brain. Also: endorphins. Husband says the happiness you get from running IS natural.

Yay Me!

8 Brilliant Bits of Inspiration:

Momza said...

Go Mrs. Roth! That is so true--I used to love running. Now I'm old hag and must walk my fat off the slow way. Wahhh.
I love that you deemed caffiene a vitamin of all things! My dh would agree.
Keep on truckin woman!

Kim said...

Yay! Go Brandy!

I tried keeping my running program going over the past few months, but I run outside . . . and it's been really cold . . . and I'm a wimp. Here comes spring (and hopefully a smaller butt)!

BenCallAdams said...

Awesome!! I too always classified myself as a non-athlete, but ran my first event last year and understand that "whoa - I could've totally done this before" feeling. Kind of bewildering....

Way to go Brandy!!

Amy Btw M said...

I always hate that by booty jiggles when I run. Yes, I have a very booty-licious booty.

Laurel Nelson said...

Yay for you! I hate running too, but I'm glad you are on your way!

PS Thanks for the comment on my blog, I LOVE talking to and finding out more people affected by the same issues I am. It is SOOO important and I am always shocked at how little is done in that arena. :)

Maria said...

WA-HOO to you! I have to admit that mine is more of a love/hate relationship with running. I totally found that high from the "I Can Freaking Do This" feeling, but truth be told, I'm just a pretty sucky runner. In general I love endorphins and luckily can get them in forms other than running. :) But yippee to you and your couch to 5K program! Did you sign up for a 5K or you just wanted to be able to do one? I have to say, completing a race is pretty good for the self-esteem. I highly recommend it if that's not part of the plan. BTW, thanks for the words of encouragement. Maybe backyard bubbles and a sob-fest are in order. I'll put you on speed dial :)

LiteralDan said...

I wish I could run a lot, does that count? It always feels so great at first, so freeing.

Then my throat starts closing up after about half a block.

Just walking for me!

PHannie said...

WOot! Woot! Running is the best drug. I love it. It's wonderful that you have accomplished so much. Keep at it.