My journey started about a year ago when I decided to quit smoking for good. Of course I packed on the pounds in the process and I decided I needed a new addiction to replace the old one. As a mom of two high school aged boys and as a wife of a husband that travels, I had alot of down time. Unfortunately, everything I used to do during this time (read a book, hang out outside with neighbors, drink wine on the screened in back porch ) I associated with a cigarette so I needed to find something new to do to kill the time and keep me busy.
So, I joined the local YMCA and started working out. My boss at work, Pat, had just started running and I decided I wanted to try it too. It became a motivator for me to keep up with him (or surpass him, let's be honest, lol) and so I went full force. I bought the Nike + app for my Iphone which allowed us to challenge each other to competitions and the runs were synced to facebook which announced to all of my friends my accomplishments. It became quite the addiction.
But then, I did too much too fast and over did it which caused first knee pain and then ankle pain and I had to frequently stop the workouts to nurse the injuries. Instead of feeling 40, which is bad enough, I felt like I was 90 years old. This became frustrating because I was FINALLY sticking to something and seeing results. But my body wasn't cooperating. I filled the time with bike rides at the gym or the elliptical but I never felt the same accomplishment as I did after running.
I finally got back on track running and learned how to space out the workouts, how quickly (or non-quickly) I should increase the speed and length of those workouts and how to cross-train by mixing in the stationary bike, elliptical, weights and other programs.
Yesterday, I finally ran in my first 5K. It was exhilarating and exciting and gave me a boost of confidence!! The first step is always the hardest - and now that I've taken it I'm ready for MORE!! I've signed up already for 2 more races in April, and I'm looking forward to trying to beat my time and increase my stamina. My goal is to be physically fit enough to run the "Mud Run" (check out this link: http://www.mudrundfw.com/ms/) in September.
Me??? Running a boot camp style marathon?? In my 40's?? YES I CAN!!!
This blog will be about my journey to get there. I'm sure it will contain some ups and downs with training, some humor (helloooo, I'm 41 acting like I have a 20 year old's body) and my efforts to get my friends and family involved. This is the longest I've stuck to any fitness goals and a large part of that is due to the support my family and friends have given me.
So, follow me on this journey and cheer me on!! Maybe you'll get motivated to start a new challenge for yourself too!!!!
