Today I had the opportunity to go for a long run and I took it. Sometimes when I get out on the street and start off I can immediately feel myself giving up. Let's be honest, I'm not a runner. It's just something I'm forcing my body to do. Today, however, as soon as I got out of the house I was pumped and ready to go. I knew I needed to get eight miles in and I wasn't the least bit scared or uncertain that I could do it.
Let me take you back to how I first started running. I was 29 and had a three month old baby. My triathlete husband signed me up for the Indianapolis Monumental 5K so I downloaded the "Couch to 5K" program. I'm dead serious when I tell you I am not a runner. Yes, I played field hockey in college. Yes, that required running. But you can ask my coach, I was one of the slowest distance runners on the team. A three mile run in preseason practice nearly killed me. I had to stop multiple times and cramped almost the entire time. Sprinting after a ball? Now THAT I can do!
To me, running was always punishment. "Take a lap," was the common shout from most of my coaches growing up if I screwed up or wasn't paying attention. So who would want to take a 5K lap?! What's the enjoyment in that?
I started out the Couch to 5K program slowly and little uncertain of myself. I finished it able to run 3.1 miles nonstop, averaging a 10 minute mile. It worked. Plain and simple. If you're looking for a way to get started, I highly recommend it.
Now, two 5Ks, two 10Ks, one 15K, three mini-marathons and one marathon later, who would have thought I'd be getting faster and improving my form as a runner? Certainly not me. I firmly believe if I can do this, anyone can. Don't believe me? Sign up for a 5K today and put yourself to the test.
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