A Beginning Runner's Guide to Insanity

New shoes!

2011-09-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well I finally bit the bullet and bought "offical" running shoes from an actual running store. No sneakers from the shoe outlet this time. They had me try on a pair that was black with teal accents/laces that were SWEEEEEEEEEET, but the lady said that the ones I ended up with will be better for me.

So now I'm extra excited to get back on track! I also went out and bought some long pants I can wear as it gets a little cooler out, and a holder for my iPod - the last time I was running, I carried my iPod in my hand and that's just annoying.

Bring it on!!!

Back for more!

2011-09-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m back on the 5K bandwagon!

About a month ago, my brother and sister-in-law asked me if I would like to run another 5K if they paid the registration fee, as long as I would be willing to raise money for them. They are currently trying to adopt 2 orphans from Ethiopia and you can learn more about the fundraising and/or donate by contacting me for more info (flyer to follow in a few days). Donations can be sent to me personally, and 100% of what I raise will go directly to help a family adopt 2 African orphans and give them a loving home.

I picked a race on October 1st so that I could have enough time to re-train myself, since I hadn’t run since I finished my race in July. And I still haven’t run yet.

You could say I have a lot of excuses, and I do, but there really is no excuse good enough for why I haven’t kept running or haven’t started to train for this 5K. I stopped for a while after my last 5K, just because I was a little burnt out on running, but with every intention that I would start it up again. Especially after I already signed up for another 5K!!

But sadly, I haven’t been very diligent. A large part of that (which I realize is an excuse) is that I’m pretty sure I’ve lost my running shoes. They were just some old sneakers that I ran in to save money - I didn’t want to splurge on running shoes if I never raced again. So this weekend, I am 100% positive that I am going to go out and by real, official running shoes. And I will post a photo of them on here, just to show that I did!

Then I plan on really disciplining myself and running every day, no matter what. The morning is probably smarter, since it’s less likely to rain in my region, and I have to take a shower before work anyway. But if it’s the afternoon or evening, that’s alright to. I know I’ve done it before, so if I don’t, then I’m really just letting myself down even more.

I’m starting to see a mental pattern return to me on my daily drives to/from work that surfaced during my training for my last 5K. I see people running - at 6 am, 11:30 am, 4 pm and 7 pm - so why don’t I run? It’s free. It’s easy. And if I don’t, well then I’m just plain lazy. So I feel pretty good that I’ll be able to get back into my routine once I get my new shoes. I already know what I want to wear for my next race! (I may have to tweak the T-shaped Under Armor shirt and running shorts and add skinny running pants since it will be October).

Confused much?

2011-07-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

I’m confused. I hate running. I really do. I find it extremely boring. And maybe I’m coming off of a post-race high, but I think I want to keep doing it. I kind of want to do another race.

Why is my brain confusing itself like this? My mind keeps flip flopping back and forth between why I shouldn’t and then why I should run. I find that every time I run, I wish I was anywhere else, but when I see someone running when I am not, I wish I could be them. I always end the run with a red face, overheated and extremely sweaty. Yet if I’m sitting around not doing anything, I think “well, I could always go for a run”.

It passed the point of it being painful physically a while back. Fortunately, I am no longer sore after running, but then again I run extremely slow. I don’t really physically push myself – it wasn’t about time for me on Saturday (although, 12 out of 14 for my age group is pretty sad). I just wanted to see if I could do it, and I can. I guess I’m more a proponent for endurance instead of speed.

On the other hand, it’s a lot of work. It takes time to change clothes and get ready after I get home from work, and then about 45 minutes for the total time outside, then a shower so I don’t smell…just time consuming. But wouldn’t that help my boredom? Even though running itself is boring to me, it is a pretty darn productive way to waste time. And maybe if I keep running, I’ll be able to run a 5K without walking next time.

I did purchase the bumper sticker I was hoping to get. I wanted to someway reward myself for completing a 5K, with the original plan being that I was going to run the whole thing (which I didn’t). But I bought the 5K sticker anyway, because I was proud of myself. And I want to continue to be proud, so why not keep running?

But, my biggest question is if it’s something that will go strong for a while and fizzle out. That is my biggest weakness. I go gung-ho for a while, and then give up or completely stop whatever I’m doing. It’s like I have phases I go through – and yes, I realize all humans go through phases or cycles of things – but for some reason it really bugs me. For example (just to name a few) reading, cross-stitch, scrapbooking, necklace making, etc. I want to keep doing those things, but there are so many that I can’t decide where to start and don’t want to regret doing one activity and really feeling like I would have been much happier if I had chosen something else. So I do nothing. Good plan, right?

Anyway, back to running. I also have thoughts of keeping up with it, but then what am I going to do when winter rolls around? Will I give it up then? I still see people running in the winter (I think? I don’t remember…) and it’s not like it snows 24 hours a day here. I would just wear pants instead. And if I keep running, it will get easier and I will be able to go (and will want to go) farther.

Let’s see what happens.

Mission Accomplished.

2011-07-16T10:41:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Couch to 5K! Couldn't have done this without this program.

After my mini-meltdown on Tuesday, I went out Wednesday night with a weird new determination to not feel as miserable as I did the night before. I really felt like a failure. I did not like that feeling.

So on Wednesday, I ran 3 miles. I went out with a goal to stop after each mile and "re-collect" myself, so after the first mile, I stopped and caught my breath and let my heart rate go down. Then 2-3 minutes later I started the 2nd mile, and stopped again after that. I started the 3rd mile and about halfway through got a nasty cramp and had to stop again. But I ran the whole 3 miles. I can't even begin to describe how excited and proud of myself I was.

I was finally feeling ready for the 5K. For the first time, I could tell myself "I can do this". I grew up with very supportive parents, but I have always been hard on myself and very often say "can't" - so this was a huge accomplishment for me.

My dad picked me up this morning at 6 am (for the record, this is way too early!) and I made it in plenty of time for the race. I did feel a little nervous as well as excited because I had no idea what I was doing - and I didn't want anyone to know that I didn't know what I was doing! (This makes me laugh, because - who cares, right? But I wanted to look like I was an old pro).

The race kicked off at 7 am, and I started to jog. The energy from running next to all the other people was pretty amazing - until they got further and further away. But it was pretty electric with everyone standing around waiting to get started.

The first mile flew by. Which just blows my mind. I remember thinking "well, I bet it's only been a quarter mile or so" and then I saw the one mile sign and then thought "Holy crap, that was a mile?! I feel great!". I was able to make it all the way through the first 1.5 miles and stopped to have some water. This, I think turned out to be a mistake.

I only stopped for about 20 seconds or so and felt good enough to run again - this again made me feel proud because I thought I would be more tired. I finished the second mile, and just started to feel it. But I was doing good! I'd say just a few minutes after I started on the third mile, I started to get a cramp on my right side, right around my ribcage. I really think it was the water that started to bother me. But I was proud of myself when I decided to not let it bother me and run through it. It helped for a while, but then I got a cramp in the same spot on my left side, and couldn't run very much until I had to stop.

I probably walked for a half mile, which is a minor disappointment, but I didn't want to waste time standing around and then be the last person to literally cross the finish line. Then I saw the stadium and thought that I wanted to feel how it would be to run onto the field and have everyone see me running. So I finished the race running and it was pretty cool!

I'm glad to say that I saw it through, and I feel a sense of accomplishment, and for that I'm proud of myself. However, I still feel that I'm not a fan of running and don't see a real future with this for me. I don't entirely enjoying running itself, but more of the feeling of accomplishment and a good use of time after. I now know that I have an option if I'm bored or somthing - I can get a quick run in. Even if it's only a mile, that's more than nothing.

On that note, here are some shots from the race:

Mental Breakdown

2011-07-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

Had a mini breakdown last night after my run. I don’t know what it was, but during my whole training program, I haven’t stopped and given up midway through a run. Until last night. Then I couldn’t help but think “I’m fat, I’m lazy, and I can’t believe I can’t even complete anything”. I was just uncomfortable with myself.

I was mentally done with running. I don’t want to get out and do it, and while I’m doing it, I am BORED out of my mind. All I want is it to be over. And then I had a thought. I don’t have to run, no one is making me, there’s no gun to my head, so just stop. What will happen? So I did, and I was right – nothing happened. Life went on.

I figure tonight I need to push myself and run 3 miles, without stopping, and just DO IT. I was supposed to be doing that by this week anyway, and I’m probably more pissed that I’ve given up than the fact that it hurts and it’s boring. My problem isn’t the motivation to get out and run – I can force myself to grow up and do it – it’s what can I do to make the run more interesting and get the repetitive thought of “I. AM. SO. BORED.” out of my head?

At the moment, I run with my iPod and pick songs that are 5 minutes long so that I know how many more songs I have to go before it’s done. But I think that’s part of the problem. I know I only have “X” amount of songs to go after this one, and I think it makes it drag on because I’m not really concentrating on what’s going on or what’s behind me, but rather on how much I have left. And in my little brain, it’s like it’s insurmountable. Nevermind the fact that I just ran 1 mile, I have 2 more to go!!

So I think I will try tonight to run the full 3 miles without it. So I can fully concentrate on the fact that I am just going to run until I’ve gone the full 3 miles and then I’m done. When I map out a course in the neighborhood, I calculate 1.5 miles in 1 direction and then run it back. I don’t know when 2 miles is at, or what a tenth of a mile is. That way I’m not distracted by “I have HOW much left?!?” But I do worry that I will be even MORE bored without music as a distraction and it will feel even longer.

My only fear is that the race will have markers, and it will ruin it for me. I don’t know. Again, at this point, I just want to get it over with. But I don’t want to be defeated before even starting. This is just so annoying.

On second thought...

2011-07-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

I’m torn. Part of me is really proud of myself for planning to run the 5K, no matter what. But, I am really disappointed in myself for not following the training plan, and for being lazy and falling behind. I know I shouldn’t focus on that, at least for right now, because despite being behind, I am still forcing myself to run and am still planning on completing the 5K. I need to focus on the positive. I’ve struggled with doing that for years, and consider myself to be a pessimistic person. That can’t be good in the long run. So, I can say that even despite skipping several runs, I haven’t completely given up and am looking forward to finally completing something and seeing it all the way through!!

Disappointing

2011-07-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I have not had a good last 2 weeks – running-wise.

I did not run at all. For example, I took 2 days off to have a 4 day weekend and didn’t even run once. The good news (if you could call it that) was that I felt really bad about it. I knew I should have run but at the same time, I really just didn’t want to.

I think part of it is that we’re right in the middle of summer afternoon rainstorm season, and it’s always rainy when I get home from work. I am not about to try and go out running when I could get struck by lightning or get sick from running in downpours. But, that’s an excuse because it didn’t rain all day or all night – I could have run before or after the storms. But I chose not to.

That’s a bad weekend to have when you’re less than 2 weeks away from your FIRST 5K RACE!!! Now, I’m not even prepared to run the full 3 miles, which is my ultimate goal. It kills me that even though I knew I wanted to be ready for this race, I didn’t run, and now I don’t feel I’m prepared.

So I will do my best to get out and run this week. Each night, except Friday the night before the race. I want to relax and go to bed really early. I really still want to say I ran (or jogged) the whole 5K without walking any of it, but I am becoming less confident that I will be able to do it. I will just have to push through it at the race no matter what. It may hurt that I ran (or jogged/quickly walked) through the whole thing, but I think I would mentally feel worse if I know that I walked part of it.

The worst news – I think I’m over running. It’s never been fun for me, but at least I’ve been optimistic or excited to get my practice run in. Now, each time, it feels like a chore. If I skip it though, I do feel bad and upset with myself, but now I don’t really have the motivation to run in the first place, and while I’m running, I find myself just wishing it would end and thinking “why is this taking so long?”

My main thought this week – I want to just do the 5K and get it over with and be done with this whole thing. Then I don’t have to make myself run anymore.

That’s not a good thought to have if you’re supposed to be doing a 5K. But it’s just not enjoyable to me. It never really has been, but I think now I’m realizing that it’s not worth pushing myself to do if it’s not something I really enjoy. Ultimately, I think this is likely something I won’t pursue past this weekend. But I do want to complete my 5K, so I could say that I’ve done it. If nothing else, I will feel good about it and will finally have bragging rights. We’ll see how it goes.

I should, however, still make an effort to stay active so that I have no right to complain to myself or others if I feel like I’m getting fat or clothes aren’t fitting. I have no excuse if I eat junk and don’t do anything to combat that. The weirdest part about all this is that I enjoy walking, especially with Bailey. I just don’t do it enough. It’s funny that I find running extremely boring, but I don’t mind taking a 1 or 2 mile walk. Maybe it’s because I can fully enjoy the surroundings, my thoughts, Bailey having a good time, etc. without having to worry about my legs hurting or the fact that I can’t breathe.

I just need a little support and motivation to get me amped up for my 5K, so I don’t crash and burn. Any suggestions?

Disappointed

2011-06-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was scheduled to run tonight, but really didn't feel up to it. I must say, I am disappointed in myself. I really should have. I am already a week behind, and my race is approaching really fast. My main excuse was that I was at a concert until 12:30 am and worked all day and I'm exhausted. But I couldn't spare 30 minutes? Pathetic.

I won't really be able to tomorrow night either, because I will be at dinner all night with my sister. But I have the weekend coming up, and a lot of free time. So I know now that I no longer want this feeling, so I will run.

SUPER Quick update

2011-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

I should really own/wear this shirt at my 5K. If only to warn people.

So I am still running (I would really call it more "jogging slightly faster than walking". But I haven't stopped! Ran 2 miles last week - just awful. But I'm still alive. Gotta cram a lot of practice "jogs" in before July 16th - wish me luck!

Thoughts That Surprised Me

2011-06-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of thoughts went through my head today that really surprised me. I think I'm starting to enjoy this.

- My shins still hurt. I wish I could run tonight. Maybe it would “work it out”.

- Sunset is at 8:28? Wow, I could run at 8 when it’s really cool out. (I didn't - but I went to Yoga!)

- I’ll just walk up the stairs. My legs are already sore, so maybe it will help them. It’s only 4 stories.

- (As I'm driving home) So if from “here” to “there” is 1 mile, I can just run up there and then back for 2 – that’s actually pretty short.

Running on the brain?

2011-06-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

For some reason, since my blog yesterday, all I can think about is running.
All I want to do is go to the bookstore and buy all the books in their running section, whether they are “how-to’s” or funny biographies, especially the other books by Dean Karnazes.
All I want to do is “suit up” and go on my next run.
All I want to do is surf the internet and get as many tips as I can (which I can’t do because of our internet usage policy – no personal use).
I drive around not only planning my next route, but also going over in my head previous routes and feeling proud. “I ran down that street and then up here, then there, etc.”
I can’t decide if it’s because I’m excited about running now, because I’m not really sure if I am excited. I still have the sense of dread and laziness each time I think about running. Because it’s boring and it hurts. But that sense gets smaller each time and slowly moves towards “well if I can just get out there and get it over with, then I’m done, and I’ll feel better that I actually did it!”
I don’t know if that’s the way most people move towards becoming regular runners, but for me I guess it’s less “this is fun” and more “I can do it, even if I hate it, and then I feel better about it afterwards”.
And my shins still hurt from my last run – 8 minute jog, 5 minute walk, 8 minute run. I’m not sure if it’s because of the length of running, because I haven’t been sore in a while, or if it’s because there were some hills. Or both. But this 20 minute run with no stopping I have coming up next is a little daunting.
However, I had a mental breakthrough yesterday. For the first time, I though “2 miles in 20 minutes? I want to see if I can do it. I can’t wait to see if I can do it – better yet, I can’t wait to make myself do it so I can say that I ran 2 miles”.
I smell progress!!

Ultramarathon Man

2011-06-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

I recently read a book by a man named “Dean Karnazes” entitled “Ultramarathon Man”. He is an “extreme” long distance runner – he once ran 226.2 miles consecutively (that’s the equivalent of 10 back-to-back marathons). Yeah. And he's planning a 300 mile run in the future.

He's insane.

While I am not currently inspired to run that far or to that extreme, I really do feel inspired by his story. At this time, I’m still self-training for a 5K I have entered in July.

So here’s something weird. I think running may be growing on me. I say running, but what I really mean is jogging. I’m not running to achieve a goal of “x” minutes in a mile or anything like that, so I don’t know if those hardcore runners would even consider what I’m doing as running.

But either way, I’m still proud of myself for getting out there and at least, moving at a pace faster than walking. Last night, I ran the longest amount of time without walking – run 8 minutes, walk 5, run another 8 minutes. It was pretty rough for me (I am not now, nor have I ever been an athlete), and my shins are a little sore today. But here’s the weird part – I actually feel good emotionally about it. For me, that means that I am happy I did it, and kind of want to do it again.

I’m also seeing people running as I drive home or wherever, and think to myself “I wish I could run right now”. *Picture my shocked face here*. I wouldn’t say I could run a 5K tomorrow (I definitely would injure something), but I want to go running right at that moment to get more practice. Dean, the author, explains in his book that when people ask him why he runs so much, he doesn’t really have the exact answer, because even he doesn’t completely know. But the answer that he can give them is “because I want to see if I can”. I kind of feel like that’s my internal monologue – I don’t think I can, but I want to see if I can run.

Maybe over time, if I really get into it, I can worry about making a mile in a certain amount of time, or where I place in my age group, but my goal for this 5K is to finish it, and to run (or jog) the whole thing without walking. Because I want to see if I can.

I can’t really pinpoint why I wanted to start running, or what actually motivated me to just start – mostly I was lazy and didn’t want to be, and I was bored each night, and didn’t want to be. But I can say that I got myself to run, and Dean inspired me to start to enjoy it. I haven’t reached the point where I enjoy pounding the pavement and gasping for air and limping around the next day, but I can say that I’m starting to want to run more often. That’s got to count for something.

It’s almost an internal struggle each time – I think “I don’t want to. It’s hot and boring and it’s a lot of work to change and get ready and then finally run. I’ll feel gross after and just worn out. But it won’t take that much time, and then afterwards I can know that I ran and will feel good at least mentally that I did it. Ok self – you talked me into it.” I haven’t felt the official “runner’s high”, or at least I don’t think I have, but something tells me that if I’m starting to want to run, then something chemically is changing inside me and it could happen very soon.

Training plan update

2011-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am successfully continuing on my running training plan!! I may have dropped behind about a week or so, but I got back into it, and even when I feel like I’d rather do anything but run – I run! Then afterwards, I don’t feel guilty or mad at myself for skipping it.

I find that each time I run, it gets easier. That seems pretty self-explanatory, but that’s what makes me keep running. Each time I add more running time and reduce walking time, I think “this is killing me and I’m out. I’m done”. But then I think, “let me try it one more time and if it still hurts, maybe then I’ll quit”, but then the next run is better, so I keep going. It’s weird, but I think that the fact that I want to quit actually motivates me to tell myself to keep going. If I try one more run, and get through it, why not try one more run, etc.

I also start to think about it more – when I see people running, I think that I wish it would come that easy for me and then I remember that if I just keep training, it will be that easy for me. I wouldn’t say that I love running, just yet, but there is a fleeting thought that crosses my mind when I see someone running when I’m in my car – “I wish I could go for a run right now, instead of having to wait until later”. Now THAT’S progress!!!

Last weekend, I registered for my first 5K. Whoa. Now that thought is hanging over me each time I think about running (or not running). I keep thinking, “now I’ve registered for a race, so I HAVE to do it” or “I’ve registered for a 5K, so even though it would probably be ok to stop and walk if I’m tired, I really feel like it wouldn’t be a real accomplishment if I didn’t run the whole thing”. I would feel like I was cheating myself. I really could even just not do it if it really came down to it, and skip it entirely.

Ultimately, I HAVE to do it, not only because I paid for it and I feel like I should “get my money’s worth”, but just because.

Because I’ve never been athletic.

Because I’ve always been chronically lazy person.

Because my ex used to always pressure me to run with him, and I hated doing it, and I want to “stick it to him” and prove to him that I can do something that he never thought I could.

Because I don’t like how I’ve gained back most of my lost Weight Watchers weight and want it to go away again.

Because I’ve already told a lot of people and can’t bear to think about having to explain “I just didn’t feel like it so I gave up” a million times and be embarrassed.

Because I think my parents are impressed that I’m sticking with something like this, and I don’t want to let them down.

Because the more I keep running, the more I think, “this isn’t as bad as I had imagined”, and each run hurts less than the last one.

Because I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I can run a 5K. I can commit to something and see it through. I can do something other than lie around and do nothing.

I’d really like to see myself run the entire 5K. If no one else even knows if I did it, or cheated and walked a little, I would know. And I plan on rewarding myself somehow. Not anything excessive, but just something to reward myself, ONLY if I run the entire time.

I was thinking of either a magnet or a sticker for my car rear window that says a phrase about running that means something to me or simply just “5K”. That way it’s something I could see every day and think “I ran a 5K – ME. I did that myself!”

Seems very cliché, but I don’t have very much about myself that I feel proud of, so I would really be proud of myself every time I saw that.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more!

Couch to 5K - Accountability

2011-05-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

So I need to hold myself accountable -

I did well for a while, and I do have some photos of runs 6 & 7, but then I totally bombed the program. I really still do want to run, but I haven't gotten past 7.

Lots of excuses, none good.

I am sad to say that I am no longer on schedule (I am about a week behind) - BUT - I will still continue on this program, and I will still run.

I have a lot of free time this weekend and am determined to RUN. I will run at least twice.

End of story.

Runs 4 and 5

2011-05-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

So I have had my fourth and fifth runs and I'm on track!! I forgot to take a pic of my fifth run but here is proof of my fourth!

Runs 2 and 3

2011-05-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little behind, but I'm happy to say that I have stuck with it so far.

Granted, it's only been 1 week and 3 runs, but that's a major accomplishment for me. Run 2 was the day after Run 1. Can't tell you if that was a good or bad idea, but I was walking funny for the following 2 days. Oh man, was that painful!! The entire day I was having an internal fight - I am so sore and if I just took 1 day off, it wouldn't be that bad - OR - I'm really excited to get out there again and see what happens!Me = excited to run??? Yea, that's what I kept telling myself; while my other lazy-self kept arguing "You're just crazy - stay home!" But I got out there, and I did it.

Now for excuses that really aren't excuses - Runs 1 and 2 were a Monday and Tuesday. I have Yoga on Wednesdays (oh yea - I started doing that too. and YES it helped my sore legs with all the stretching!). Then Thursday was dinner at my parents, and Friday was a going away party. So I was going into Saturday worried that I wouldn't be able to make my 3rd run for the week. Then - my parents called and needed me to go to their house and feed their dogs because they were going to be gone. I had plans for dinner and a movie, so I wasn't able to.Then I figured - my weeks can be Monday to Monday, and was able to get out and run today. And my legs are really not that sore! I can already see a difference just after the third run. The running increases this coming week, so it will be a challenge. But I want to see how it turns out!The funny part was that the entire week I was actually anxious that I was going to miss a run! And this was the first week! I just hope that it stays like this because I know I have a history of starting things strong and then it fizzles out.

My next challenge - eating BETTER!!! I just need to eat less - my food choices aren't always bad ones, but I just don't stop. Which is why I feel over the last 3 pictures I look like I've gained weight...but I'm running! So that's my goal for this coming week - accomplish my 3 runs and feel good about my food choices all week.

Couch to 5K - The Beginning!

2011-05-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

So I decided to start the Couch to 5K Challenge. You can check it out here.

I'm all around lazy for the most part, and enjoy just lounging on the couch. But everyone in Colorado does something for excercise. And lets face it - laying on the couch is really boring after a while.

So I've decided to do this program and see what happens. I really hope I don't give up halfway through, but running is equally as boring for me as laying around all day is. But worse, because then I can't even watch tv! But, what I'm looking to get out of it, other than a better shape, is the feeling of "I did something. And now I have something to talk about!"

Here's my photo from before my first run:It had been snowing off and on all day, nothing stuck though. I had mixed feelings all day about whether I was excited or dreading my first run. I kept coming up with excuses, and then talked myself out of it by thinking of all the other people I see running and biking when it's really snowing. So why couldn't I spare 25 minutes?

But - I got home and changed my mind. I thought - Forget it. But then, I was checking my work e-mail and got a message from an employee who wanted to be featured in our employee newsletter (I write those) for completing - you guessed it - her very first marathon. That's 26.2 miles, people. And I didn't even want to get up and run half a mile? So, I got dressed and went out and felt good about it.

However, I was quickly regretting it. I don't know how people who run each day DO IT!!!

It was only 20 minutes, and I was supposed to alternate between 60 of running and 90 seconds of walking, but my legs are already sore and I can feel a little "something" in my core. This is going to be a looooong challenge. Especially since I'm supposed to be able to jog for 3 minutes straight by Week 3 - and trust me, for ME, that's HARD!

But - I did it. At least my first run. I can't stop now. Don't let me!!