Last night I was feeling a little nostalgic (and maybe a little bored). I was getting things ready for today's run and started thinking of the fact that it has been a little over 3 years since I ran my first 5k. I started thinking of all I have done and all the miles I have put in. I pulled up my Garmin Connect account and went back to my first recorded run. It was in February of 2011!! I had been running for a few months at that point but hadn't tracked any of it. I was lucky enough at that point to get a friends old Garmin because she needed a new one with a battery that lasted more than an hour. At that point I was definitely not running more than an hour so it was great for me. The first run I have recorded with it was 4.95k and my "moving time" 46:15. That isn't completely accurate because I clearly forgot to stop my watch when we stopped to stretch and there is a huge chunk of time that I wasn't moving. Since then I have trained for and run several 5k races, one 10k race and one half marathon. I haven't run any races in a year and a half and that is very clear when I look at my mileage. I plan to change that in the next several months starting on New Years Eve with the 5k Resolution Run.
The part that gave me a bit of a laugh was that my time today is very close to all the 5k the times in that list. My pace has gotten a little better but only by about half a minute per kilometer. I haven't worried too much about getting faster over my running time but I have focused on doing the distance. Running for me isn't about winning races. I started running to get healthy and live a long life for my kids. I keep running for the same reason but also because it has made me feel so much healthier and happier. After a good run my body feels better but so does my brain. I feel happier and clearer. I feel like I can take on the world. I feel more confident. Before I started to run I wouldn't speak up for myself, I wouldn't volunteer for anything at work and god forbid I had to talk to someone new. Now I still have a problem speaking up for myself but I am much better at it than I once was. I volunteer for many things at work and I will spend tomorrow morning with someone I have never met and will answer a lot of questions. I love the new confidence I have and I'm so glad I took that first, very difficult, step.
Who knew back in September 2010 that running would be such an important part of my life. I may not get a whole lot faster and I will never win a race but all the other rewards are so much better!!
Loved this entry. Wow, you have come a long way!
ReplyDeleteI am actually thinking about signing up for my first half this May! There are 3 other bloggers I follow that are all signing up too! We should have a virtual running partnership to keep each other on track. :)
I love your title! There is a T-shirt that I have seen a few times at race expos. I think it was from 'Run Girl Run'. It says something along the lines of, "Always remember...the turtle won!". That is me for sure! A turtle! I am still thinking about the Women's half, but debating whether it might be wiser to wait and do it at the October race weekend. But then, Jim pointed out that I would be training all summer, and I do NOT do heat well. Are you definitely planning on the Women's? It is June 1.
ReplyDeleteI haven't signed up yet but I am working towards it. It is definitely my goal race and I plan to be back with the group in January to start training for it. I am also looking at the Chocolate Race 10k in May. It's a few weeks before so should work as a good rest week.
DeleteYour journey is truly inspiring. Reflecting on your progress since 2010 highlights not only your dedication to running but also the profound impact it has had on your overall well-being. Your story exemplifies how consistent effort and perseverance can lead to significant personal growth. It's a testament to the idea that the benefits of such endeavors extend far beyond physical health, fostering confidence and mental clarity. Thank you for sharing your experience; it's a motivating reminder of the holistic rewards that come with embracing a healthy lifestyle.
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