Monday, September 6, 2010

Running on Fumes

So...I have NEVER been a runner. To me running was tortuous. I couldn't think of an excercize I would dislike doing more. But, now I would consider myself a runner. Not a good runner by any means, but a runner none the less. I shockingly look forward to my runs. Well, not those runs :P

The reason I decided to start running in the first place was for lots of reasons. I wanted to get in shape, not really to loose weight but that would always be nice. I wanted to challenge myself. I haven't worked out in the last 20 months because I always thought I would be pregnant. But the real reason I decided to start running is because M really wanted me to do the Vegas Ragnar with him.

So I started training really slow. I did 15 minutes a day three days a week. And that was hard! There is something about picking up my legs that just kills me. Literally! I got shin splints so bad I could hardly walk for days after running. I wondered if I had stress fractures it was so painful. I was temped to quit, but I kept going and I'm sooo glad I did.

This morning I ran 4.65 miles in 59 minutes. It's not fast, but I did it! I ran for an hour! That's the farthest I have ever gone and I didn't think even in my wildest dreams that I could do it. But I did. And I did it.

I started out my training being so self consious. I wondered what everyone thought as they drove past me. But I saw a sign once that has become my motto "If you see my butt jiggle, it's just me waving goodbye."

Well, I hope that motivates someone to try something challenging. It's worth it to not give up. And that is coming from someone who has always been a "quitter". Good luck!

3 comments:

Megan and Brian Askew said...

You're amazing! I'm cheering for you!

Me said...

I know I never would have thought i liked running either!! I HATED it in high school. But now there's something about it that makes me like it! And I used to hate running outside too cause I hated anyone to see me (well i still pray no one i know will see me) but then I get to the point where i'm like I just don't care! Anyway congrats Erin I've never done a ragnar and always wanted to! Good luck! :)

Lindsay said...

Good luck! I know you will be able to do it!