So a little background on me: I’ve never been a runner. I never did track during school and never really had a desire to. I always thought I wasn’t capable of running – you know, those who can, do and those who can’t – well just can’t!
About a year ago I stumbled across a website called The Couch-to-5k Running Plan. I was at a point where I had put on some weight and thought “What the hell, I’ll give it a try.”
Turns out, I LOVED running. Starting slow really helped me, as I was by no means in shape. But with each week came a different challenge, a longer distance, and I found myself actually looking forward to running. Crazy, I know. Once it started cooling down out here in the desert, I moved my running outside. I actually even woke up early on Saturdays and Sundays to run – friends, I was a running machine!
I dropped 10 pounds, was eating better, and felt great about life. I ran my first 5k in December and I couldn’t wait to call my parents to brag about it. This girl, who thought she’d never be able to run, had just completed a 5k! Stop the presses!
So, you would think that a half marathon in January would be no big deal, right? That I had kept up my running and doing 13 miles would be a breeze.
Eh, not so fast.
I don’t want to admit it, but I’ve slacked off. Big time. After I completed my 5k, I cut myself some slack. I didn’t have another goal in mind and found myself missing more and more workouts. And then I started dating someone and after work runs turned into nights on the couch watching tv, early morning runs were replaced with sleeping in and going out for breakfast, Del Taco at 1 a.m. sounded like a splendid idea – you get the gist.
I’m not putting the blame on my boyfriend (who seems to have the metabolism of an Olympic swimmer.) I just lost my dedication, plain and simple.
Needless to say, I have gained back the weight I lost and my running has fallen to the backburner. So when I got an email from Big Brothers Big Sisters about participating in the P.F. Chang’s Rock & Roll Half and Full Marathon, I thought “It’s time to kick my ass back in shape.”
I’ve been a “Big” for almost 2 years and it’s a great organization. My little sis is hilarious and it really is inspiring to be a part of this program. (That's us in the picture from last year.)
About a year ago I stumbled across a website called The Couch-to-5k Running Plan. I was at a point where I had put on some weight and thought “What the hell, I’ll give it a try.”
Turns out, I LOVED running. Starting slow really helped me, as I was by no means in shape. But with each week came a different challenge, a longer distance, and I found myself actually looking forward to running. Crazy, I know. Once it started cooling down out here in the desert, I moved my running outside. I actually even woke up early on Saturdays and Sundays to run – friends, I was a running machine!
I dropped 10 pounds, was eating better, and felt great about life. I ran my first 5k in December and I couldn’t wait to call my parents to brag about it. This girl, who thought she’d never be able to run, had just completed a 5k! Stop the presses!
So, you would think that a half marathon in January would be no big deal, right? That I had kept up my running and doing 13 miles would be a breeze.
Eh, not so fast.
I don’t want to admit it, but I’ve slacked off. Big time. After I completed my 5k, I cut myself some slack. I didn’t have another goal in mind and found myself missing more and more workouts. And then I started dating someone and after work runs turned into nights on the couch watching tv, early morning runs were replaced with sleeping in and going out for breakfast, Del Taco at 1 a.m. sounded like a splendid idea – you get the gist.
I’m not putting the blame on my boyfriend (who seems to have the metabolism of an Olympic swimmer.) I just lost my dedication, plain and simple.
Needless to say, I have gained back the weight I lost and my running has fallen to the backburner. So when I got an email from Big Brothers Big Sisters about participating in the P.F. Chang’s Rock & Roll Half and Full Marathon, I thought “It’s time to kick my ass back in shape.”
I’ve been a “Big” for almost 2 years and it’s a great organization. My little sis is hilarious and it really is inspiring to be a part of this program. (That's us in the picture from last year.)
Last night, I made my commitment to raise $1,300 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and run the ½ marathon in January. (Flashes of Clark Griswald chanting “This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy!) ran through my head. This is a HUGE goal (monetary and physically!) but i'm excited for the challenge.
Check back - i get my running schedule next week and then the fun begins...
And, if you'd like to help me out (which would be AMAZING), Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Big Brothers Big Sisters - Central Arizona.
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3 comments:
Way to go! Ever since I've moved and now have to run outside I keep finding reason why not to run. Good luck with you training! I can't wait to hear all about it.
that's awesome mel!! i totally feel that way about myself, i've never been able to run, and never had the desire to. this week some of my friends asked me to do a 1/2 marathon with them in early december. although it sounds crazy, i'm actually considering doing it, because i need motivation to get back in shape. your story is inspiring though, maybe i can do it too!
Thanks you guys! I figure the more people i tell i am doing this, the more determination it gives me to actually complete the goal. :)
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