Today was the day, my real start day. I went to the gym, after my 12 hour shift, and braved the track with Cullman's most elite 80 year olds :)
Here is the breakdown. Mile 1-buddy I'm owning it. I am smiling, singing with Beyonce's 'Love on Top' and Gaga's 'Edge of Glory', passing and lapping the old folks like a kid chasing an icecream truck. Mile 1.25- The pain and hypoxia begins to kick in. It would have benefitted me to have a chest tube and bipap at this time. Mile 1.50- I'm slowing down tremendously. I'm not lapping MawMaw and PawPaw as much as I was when I was "owning it". They are not laughing out loud but I feel their inner chortle. I press onward to finish up with mile 2. I've never been so happy :) I stretched like I just finished the half marathon, because lets face it....momma is out of shape and does not deal with soreness well.
How did I get here? When I was a little girl, I could beat all of my male cousins in a foot race by a "big ole" country mile. Until today, the only time I ran regularly was when it was raining, cold or the pizza delivery man was at the door. Again, I refuse to be a statistic. Knowing that every day I will get stronger, I know tomorrow I will have a much better and longer run.
My first race is next Saturday. I'm getting nervous. Please pray that I develop some endurance. I don't want the people to be packed up and at home when I finish. I need to be able to keep up with Heather and LaShay.
Loves,
Jenn :)
P.S. Any advice you may have on running clothes for cold weather is welcomed. I'm gonna be looking this weekend and next week.
buy an ear warming headband.. my ears always kill me when i run in the cold. plus they keep your hair back. :-D ps proud of you for keeping it up!! ~kaci
ReplyDeleteThanks Kaci!! Wish u lived closer, you are doing such a great job with your running!!! Girl, I got a underarmor ear thingy today after I read your post!!! Been looking for running pants.....you know how.cullman is.....no such luck :( keep in touch!!!
ReplyDeletei know here its just me running all by my lonesome. my sister inlaw (and bff) had to stop due to her knees hurting to bad. but i'm still trucking the best i can. have fun on your first race. just remember that you can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!! You are very sweet. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI was, seriously, cracking up at this because it reminded me of when started training for my first 5k! The more you do it, the better you get and the more you crave it...running becomes an addiction!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you and look forward to reading more about your journey...you've inspired me to start running again =)
I don't have too much advice...definitely keep track of the miles you're running. The more miles you put on your shoes, the quicker you'll have to buy new ones (it will definitely make a difference)!
Also, with the 5k coming up (and any race, really), be sure to start off at an even pace that works for you...with all of the excitement of the race and seeing everyone take off (many at a MUCH faster pace), you'll find yourself wanting to go with them, but trust me, DON'T DO IT! It will kill you and you'll run out endurance fast! Definitely take advantage of the drink stands set up; they definitely help (even with the smaller races). And as long as you have good, motivating music to keep you going, you'll do just fine!
I'm excited for you and cant wait go hear how it goes!!!
Awe thanks girl!!! I just got off the phone with your hubs, he was saying my blog was funny.....that's saying a lot coming from him. Thanks for the advice, I will use it!!!! When y'all come in town call me and we will run together!!! And tell Chris to message me ur number...I'm sure I will have a lot of questions!!!
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