For the past several months, I have been in training for a 5K. I even declared I would be running a 5K on my resolutions list for the year… and so far, I’ve kept all of my resolutions!
I had these visions of how cool it would be to be a runner. Wow… I think of all these other bloggers that run their little hearts out and how much they love it. I mean, I could love it like that too, right? I mean, Lynne loves it so much that she can’t wait to begin again. And, Monica? She just traveled across the country to run in a relay. I seriously could go on for days about how many Healthy Living Bloggers are running up a storm.
I also have a ton of real-life friends who love it. They claim to find it relaxing and freeing. My friend Natalie loves to kill it on the treadmill; Donna‘s run a half. I even have a friend training for an Ironman right now. I mean, Mel is uh-mazing… and she’s totally going to do it.
I’m surrounded by runners!
So, considering all that contact with fast-moving folks, why am I just not into it?
I’m FOUR days away from Jodi’s Race for Awareness… and I don’t feel ready at all. Mentally or physically. The biggest issue I have is that I haven’t figured out my breathing. The crazy part is that my legs are good. No knee issues, my ankles don’t complain. My breathing, on the other hand, gets strained really quickly and then I get nervous. I push as long as I can, but often find myself walking after a period of about 5 minutes.
Knowing my physical limitations, I’m pretty sure that I am going to be doing some walking on Saturday. In my head, I’m also thinking that I might be HIGHLY motivated by the crowd and inspired by the energy at the park. I’m hoping that’s the case. Sincerely hoping that’s the case.
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I’m not very good at failure. And, I’m HORRIBLE at hearing other people comment on my failure (i.e. “Didn’t you say you were going to run this? Wasn’t this your idea?”) Now, I’m going to try EVERYTHING in my person to make sure that I’m successful with this run… but I’m just putting it out there as a warning: There may be a little walking.
When I think about Jodi’s Race year over year… there’s so much to be excited about.
- My friend Bev is cancer-free!!!!!
- I’m down about 25 lbs since the last race.
- I’m in MUCH better physical shape this year.
- I would have NEVER even considered running this 5K a year and a half ago.
- Did I mention my friend Bev is cancer-free??
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nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
Walking is definitely not a bad thing or a sign of failure! When I first started running I would get cramps within a few minutes because my breathing was so bad. I had to really, really focusing on my breath before I was able to start running cramp free. Even during a run I sometimes can feel a cramp coming and and then know I have to focus on my breathing again. Good luck and have fun!
I LOVE the things that you are excited about – especially for your friend Bev. As for 5K’s – are you wearing a heart rate monitor? I’m with you that my legs are ok but I am gasping for breath. I was running to fast for me. I run at a very slow pace, but if your heart rate is too fast it is not good for you. The advice I got was to slow down and over time my speed would improve. It is completely fine to walk part of the 5K. And aren’t you at a higher elevation? You could probably run rings around me down here in Florida!
Hi Kelly, I just found your blog and I love it! I ran my first 5K almost exactly one year ago and it was actually BEFORE I lost my weight. As you can imagine, it was incredibly hard, but will power is an amazing thing and you have lots of that. Being at the race will give you such an adrenaline rush. Figure out ahead of time what you are going to think about while running. You might want to think of something to take your mind off the fact you’re running (I like to plan out what I’ll make for supper) and toward the end you’ll want to start thinking of how far you’ve come and how you never thought you’d be here! Have fun!
Congratulations on sticking to your resolutions! I am so happy for your friend that she is cancer free. I also saw an awesome quote floating around blogland that said “Winning isn’t always coming in first. Winning is doing better than you’ve ever done before.” It’s so easy to get caught up in this ideal vision of what winning should look like, and I love that this quote smashes that notion. You will do amazing at your 5k!
I am SO with you!! I could’ve written this exact post. I want to love it so much, but I also struggle with my breathing. I do all of the checks to make sure my limbs are all working but I always find myself struggling to breathe. I also have an issue with telling myself I should just stop when I need to be encouraging myself to keep going!
I know there is no shame in walking, but when so many other people are doing it, why can’t I?? I know the answer is that we can, it’s just a matter of trying over and over again. Good luck in your race.
You can do it Kelly!! I know I’ve said this before, but to manage my breathing, I managed my pace. I just kept saying to myself: “Ok Hilary, don’t stop! Just keep moving your legs no matter how slowly – just don’t stop. And look, you’re still breathing just fine… just the same way you would be if you were on the elliptical, so it’s no different. ” I kept repeating some rendition of that over and over… that and to “relax my shoulders”. The meditation sounds like a good way to relax your thoughts about the race.
My take on walking is this (for ME): When I start walking in a 5K and then resume running, it’s that much harder for me to keep running. My legs get sore and heavy so quickly and easily once I start allowing myself to walk. It’s actually easier/better for me if I just keep running – it’s less “painful” than if I were to walk. I pretty much know as soon as I start walking I’ll be walking the rest of the way.
But do what you gotta do… the quote in Kristen’s comment is spot on!
You will be great! I did a 5K last weekend and fast walked it and lots of participants were jogging/running and if you go with the vision of just going out and enjoying the day an knowing how far you have come to make it to this point where you are actually participating. I found myself living the experience and excitement on the day that built up to the marathon and upon completion the sense of having done it and while I was doing it thinking along the way how far I had come because 5 years ago I had to learn to walk again because of an accident and surgeries on my leg. Just go and enjoy the experience an know you are doing it for all the right reasons! Surgite!
I’m just so proud of you and how far you’ve come. To me, it doesn’t matter how long you run, but that you continue to push and not give up. You inspire me! (just not enough to go to yoga, lol)