Showing posts with label running. Show all posts

The Anti-Athlete Ran a 5K!!!


I am absolutely proud of myself and still slightly in shock that I ran 3.1 miles! I have never been an athlete. I danced but was never that good at it. I played softball but was given "Most Spirited Player." Gym class was my least favorite class ever.

I remember having to run the mandatory mile
in gym class and I once intentionally tripped over a cone to get out of running the mile.

Pretty sure up until I ran the 5K my dads proudest moment was the pop fly I caught once during softball. To this day, I think I was shielding my eyes when the ball fell into my mitt! I am pretty sure I got the point across that I was very much a non-athlete.

My big sister Sara started running a few years ago. I got to go and support her when she ran her first 5K and I think her second. It was so very inspiring and I kept thinking, "I will never achieve something like this." Last year something clicked for me and I decided I wanted to work towards that accomplishment. I started doing Couch to 5K that my sister recommended for me.


At Sara's first 5K!!

If interested, check it out here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I started running and was so stoked when I was able to run 20 minutes and my confidence was so high! I even registered for my first 5K! Then a few days later I started having terrible
stomach pains and ended up having to get my gall bladder removed. After the surgery I couldn't exercise for 4 weeks. Once I recovered and could run again, any progress I had made was gone. I was beyond frustrated and gave up.


A couple of months ago I finally got back the ambition to give the 5K another shot. I started Couch to 5K again and slowly worked my way up to running the 3.1 miles. I registered for the run with my sister Sara. It kept me motivated and working out. The day of the 5K, my confidence still was low and I did not think I could do it. Having my sister by my side, I felt like I could do it. The run started out great. I felt good. Right before mile 2 there was a terrible hill. I had been training on a treadmill so I did not think I could do it. I ended up probably walking a minute.

I didn't think I was going to finish but I did!!!! My best time on the treadmill was 49 minutes.
When I turned the corner and saw the finish line and that I finish in under 45 minutes I took off. I crossed the finished like at 43:05!!!! One of the best feelings ever and will be doing it again May 12! Hopefully not walking that time!!


Crossing the finish line baby!!!



Sara and I after the run!

With my husband who came out to support me!

Total Transformation

Although I am working towards a physical transformation, I think the first step is complete. That is the mental transformation.

It may not be complete but it is well underway. My sister Rachel had a job fair to attend in Virginia this weekend. It was a 6 hour trip one way and she didn't want to do the drive on her own. I agreed to go with her. It was only one night and pretty much one day but I still had to really plan. Whenever I get out of my routine, I have a hard time getting back into it.

I packed all of my favorite snacks so I knew I had healthy options and I also packed my workout clothes. I very easily could have slept in today but I didn't. When Rachel got up, I joined her for the Continental Breakfast. When I hear those 2 words I think waffles, pastries, etc. I was surprised by the healthy options at this breakfast. It was earlier than I normally eat but I had a hard boiled egg and some orange slices.

When Rachel left for her job fair I hit up the fitness center and did a great hour of cardio. The old Kelly, would have slept in, ate delicious whipped cream smothered waffles and watched TV.

I was running on the treadmill which was strategically placed 2 feet in front of a wall to wall mirror. I saw this person in the mirror I hardly recognized. Not because my weight loss is so drastic but my attitude and approach. I was red faced and dripping with sweat and running with all the confidence in the world. In the past, when I was just slightly out of my comfort zone I convinced myself it was hard and would stop. I used to claim I "didn't sweat!" How foolish do I feel now. I absolutely sweat but in the past I barely pushed myself.

When I finished my workout I was proud to look at the mirror and see this sweat soaked shirt. I hope this mental transformation can continue as I work my way towards the total transformation.
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