Soo..I started running in May 2010..finally. I followed the Couch to 5k program. I got a little faster but mainly my endurance got better. I felt great mentally and physically. I managed my time more efficiently, ate healthier, drank less and made sure I had plenty of sleep. I could tell I was losing inches and I lost about 5 lbs. pretty quickly.
I ran my first 5k 7/17. I was slow..about a 15 min. mile when my best during training had been 12ish. I felt good because I did it. I was looking forward to doing more. I was soo sore and realized I needed bigger running shoes. A friend who got me running in the first place said to give myself a few days of recovery. Those days turned into more days and here I was still sore...the weather was hot as HELL..and the longer I went without running the worse I felt. Then it was even harder to get up early. I'm not great at drinking water so I knew I wasn't hydrated enough to run.
Morning runs are best for me because I get it over with and feel better all day. I sleep better and I can't talk myself out of an evening run, which is what I did when I didn't drag myself out of bed in the am..and put it off until after work. It didn't happen.
I bought new Mizunos at Fleet Feet, a size bigger with inserts. I got my new Runners mag in the mail. I signed up for another 5k 8/28...but I still wasn't back to running. I went to a Tae Bo class with Billy Blanks to benefit the flood victims in TN. That was a great 1-hour workout. About a week later I worked out on the elliptical at work. Even though I was taking the stairs at work, I could tell my fitness was on a downward spiral and my mind was going with it.
Today, a week shy of a month later, I ran again. It was 9am and around 90 degrees with 81% humidity. I started out feeling good, like I hadn't missed a day. I was happy..but not even 2 miles into it I was running out of steam. I felt better today and tried not to get down on myself because I lost some endurance. I still enjoyed thinking and listening to my songs..just me, myself and I..knowing I can continue to improve and I can get back on track in time for my next 5k. I looked forward to not feeling guilty all day because I didn't run. I enjoyed wearing my new shoes for the first time and having water actually taste GOOD when I finished. I didn't even mind my hip pain because it was a reminder that I got my fat ass out there again. I'm sure in the am I will be in even more pain..but that's ok. I'll crosstrain tomorrow and run again Thursday. I'll follow the 10k training program and get more shirts. Now I know after my 2nd 5k to keep running..no long breaks. I still have some weight to lose and goals to meet..personal records to set. :)
