So I joined this running group.
I admit I was not very good at it.
In the beginning, I could barely run 2 miles [3.2 K] before I'd have to slow down to a walk to catch my breath. But I stuck it out and thanks to the efforts of the instructor, the support and positive encouragement from the small group of awesome women in the class, I slowly improved. Five weeks later, everyone in our group signed up for a local race and I ran in my first ever race on November 28, 2009. It was a 5 Mile Race [8 K] and I finished in 1:01:46. It was a slow 12:21 / mile pace and I recall having to power walk a couple of times to catch my breath, but I did it. I was very proud of myself for putting myself out there doing something new and something that was downright hard.
I decided to run that same race this year so I could see how much my fitness level has improved over the last two years.
On Saturday, November 26, 2011, I ran the same 5 Mile Race [8 K] and finished in 51:17 !!! :)
That's more than 10 minutes faster than my time two years ago! My pace was decent at 10:15 / mile, but this actually placed me in the bottom 20% of the 800+ people who participated in this race. Ugh, that stinks. There are a lot of really fast runners out there, people! But this is about me, not them, so whatever. Besides, I look SUPER FAST and HAPPY in this [blurry] picture, don't I?
And that's what really counts. Not the super fast part, although that is nice. The HAPPY part.
Get out there and try something new. Challenge yourself. Work for it. Make yourself healthier and happier. It feels good. :)
You look HAPPY and fast and awesome, Ms. Christine. Congratulations! Yes!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Christine!!! Congratulations! You have much to be proud of :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're so awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could RUN for a whole KM let alone 8. :P
Rock on, awesome lady!
That is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am re-starting couch 2 5K after I get clearance from surgery. I was doing pretty well--up to 2k---and can't wait to run further :)
Congratulations! I am so proud of you! You've worked very hard this year and are doing great! WTG Christine!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to exercise again....being sick bites.
Thanks for the high fives, everyone! I can't believe how far I've come! :O
ReplyDeleteFelicia, Ouch! Sorry to hear about your surgery, but it's good to hear you're gearing up to running again! I'm sure it will feel good to pick up where you left off. Get well soon! xo
Brandy, I know not exercising is driving you batty, but you need to be well first. Don't stress over these missing workout days--it happens. All your exercising helps keep your body strong so it can pull through for you when you need it to work hard. Like getting better. Hang in there and get well soon. xo
WTG lady!! You must feel awesome!
ReplyDeletePaula
Congrats! That’s so awesome, I think it all comes down to doing something you enjoy, having support and a lot of perseverance, if you have all that you can pretty much accomplish anything, you might not be the best at it, but you will do it and it will be rewarding. Of all the things you said the most important was that this is about you, not them, and that’s exactly it! Love your spirit and now I feel like running LOL. BTW, I bought some running socks the other day, and they make a huge difference, no more blisters.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!
ReplyDeletePaula, I DO feel great! :)
ReplyDeleteBrie, I agree with you 100%. And you're absolutely right. This is true for not just fitness goals, but ANYTHING we might want to try. Oh and I'm SO psyched that the new socks were the solution to blister issues! Yay!
ames, thanks! :)