2.20.2009

COUCH TO 5K


I AM NOT A RUNNER. With that said, I am trying to be a runner. It's something that has never come naturally or easy to me. In fact, if you see me running you might think I'm going to need mouth to mouth resuscitation any minute. I struggle with my breathing, my stamina and endurance are pathetic, and I'm worn out easily. Not to mention, my face turns beet red and I sweat like a mad woman.

So why am I trying to become a runner, you ask? Because it drives me crazy that it's so difficult for me. It's something I've yet to defeat. I ask myself daily, how is that I can do most physical activity for long periods of time, yet I cannot run a mile? Why is it so hard for me? Last year I tried to run a 5K, which I entered and finished but I was not able to run the entire race. I had to stop and walk during the course. This did not satisfy my original goal. The funny thing is I "trained" for the 5k (training for a 5k sounds pathetic, I know). Several weeks into my training, I said to my husband, "I don't think I'm progressing. This isn't getting any easier."

Well needless to say, here I am...training again. I'm using the Couch to 5K program I found online. I used it last year, but this year I'm totally dedicated. I'm going to finish the SL5K if it kills me (and running the entire way). It has made me feel a little better to read of others running struggles on their blogs but this is a personal thing. This is a mental challenge I need to overcome before I can lay it to rest.

7 comments:

  1. Amen sista! You said it perfectly. I feel like I can be at the gym for up to two hours doing classes or whatever, but running a simple mile puts me over the edge. It's crazy! and so frustrating. I wanna be that girl who just looks like she glides along and not the girl who looks likes shes about to have a heart attack! I have a runner friend who is trying to "train" me and I feel the same, like it's not getting eaiser. You go girl. Holla for all the running challange out there! Good luck on the 5k!

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  2. jenn, i love and admire your determination. you can totally do this!! running is not a fun thing to me at all, but my mom and laura love it, and amanda is trying to love it too. it really should be in my blood. oh well. maybe someday. good luck with your training!! maybe we will come see you at the finish line, i love watching people complete a race - it is so emotional!! ps, i am excited you won my little contest . . . i've got to now figure out what to do!!

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  3. thanks you guys. it makes me feel better that I'm not the only one who struggles.

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  4. Good luck! My motivation for that damned half marathon has worn out already. My knees hurt, my ankles feel like my tendons rip everytime. I might be walking my half marathon but I don't care. I hope you can do it. I curse that I signed up for a half instead of the 5K. See you out there!

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  5. I did this before my knee surgery and I actually started liking it. I ran outside in the early morning, but when I hit 25 minutes in the program I only did it one day because it was getting too hot by 6 am. I have decided to do it again too, but this time I will do it at the gym...at least until it warms up a "little" bit

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  6. I would rather run outside in nice weather but it's easier for me to track my time on a treadmill while I'm still in the beginning mode of my training. Once I build up a stamina (hopefully!)I will probably start to run outside.

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  7. Ok, I am so with you! I practically pass out by the first half...well I'd like to say mile, but more like minute. I'm pathetic. Wish I was with you, so we could try together! :-) I'm inspired by your efforts, though! Best of luck!

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