OK GO

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I will run in my second 5k (3.1 miles) race, and run I shall.


I started trying to become a runner last November.  Before then, I never had a desire to run, and, honestly, thought people that liked to run or did so for sport were a little crazy. However, last fall it occurred to me that if I was spending so much time at the gym, wouldn't it be nice if there was a purpose or something to work toward (besides the weight loss)?


So after hearing from my friend Cindy about the Coach to 5k program, I downloaded the accompanying podcasts and started slow. It was hard. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I don't think I'm exaggerating.  I almost gave up a bunch of times. I had to do each week of the program at least twice before I was ready to advance.  About halfway through the program, you're expected to be able to run for 20 minutes. I did it one time, and then couldn't get back to that length again. So I switched to a run/walk 5k training program.  A run/walk program has you run for a set number of minutes and then walk for a short period and then run again.  This was more do-able.


My first 5k in April could not have been a better experience. Stefanie, a great friend from college and an avid runner, flew up from Orlando the night before the race to surprise me.  She came to run alongside me and encourage me in my first race. It was an amazing gift.  Even though she is a much better and more experienced runner, she kept pace with me the whole way. She walked next to me during my walk breaks, and she encouraged me to run even when I thought I couldn't any more.  Together with Cindy, we made it to the finish line and crossed together. I finished 3.1 miles in just 35 minutes and 30 seconds, but I couldn't run the entire way.


So while the first race was great, I know tomorrow's will be even better.  I've been training again strong since August after taking a break from running over the summer.  I've now run a continuous 3.1 miles twice. I've run for 30 consecutive minutes (which takes me close to 3.1 miles) 4 or 5 times. Each of these longer runs has been outside on pavement, with some slight hills, so I feel like I'm ready.  My goals for tomorrow are to actually run the entire race and finish in less than 35 minutes.


I think I qualify as a runner now after almost 10 months of fighting to be one, although, I wouldn't say I love running yet. It's still physically hard, even when I can see how far I've come. But on a "run day," I'm always eager to get out there and see how far I can go.   I  wish I had a running partner, cause I know the miles would pass by quicker with a conversation. In the meantime, I have decided that just me, my sneakers and the pavement will do just fine.  I can see and feel the difference the training makes.  Plus, "I'm going running" just sounds cool.


I've already downloaded a 10k (6.2 miles) training program that I hope to start on Monday.  We'll see where that takes me!


PS if you are wondering about the title of this blog, it's the name of a band. They have the best running song ever called, "Here It Goes Again." Check it out.Check it out here.


Here are some pics from my first race.

Ready to run

Lucky # 14 

Cindy and I as we near the finish