For the past two weeks as I’ve been eating right and slowly getting back into exercising on a regular basis, I’ve been keeping my running goals fresh on my mind. Learning to run is a process so having smaller goals really keeps me motivated to push harder. My first running goal was to run a mile. I’ve ran two times in the last two weeks in an attempt to reach this goal. Each time I only made it about four minutes before stopping. I felt defeated but I knew that with time my goal would happen.
After yesterday’s morning walk, I came home and did a kickboxing workout that was on TV. I also did 100 jumping jacks and 50 squats. Feeling my heart beat so hard in my chest was such a joyous feeling because I knew I was pushing my body. Maybe it was the endorphins, or maybe it was me just dying to mark off a goal, but I was itching to go try and run a whole mile without stopping.
Before I knew it I had my new Garmin on, my shoes laced, and I was driving to the road I run on. I hopped out, didn’t think about warming up or stretching-I just took off. I didn’t care how fast or slow I ran. I just ran. I barely looked at my watch because I knew exactly where the half mile turn around was. Shortly after the turn around, I felt like I was breathing through a straw. My body and legs felt fine but my lungs felt like they were going to explode. I kept doing positive self talk and knew that if I could just make it back to the car then I’d have a goal to check off my list. Thank the Lord I made it back to the car in an upright position. Sure, I didn’t go fast and it hurt. But I did it. I felt like a rockstar and I felt like I could take on the world. One small goal down and I can’t wait to conquer the next goal!
woo hoo!
Good start! I find LOTS of elliptical training helps prepare me get back on the road when I’ve been off running for awhile (like after my stress fracture last year).
BOOM! you are on a roll!
Good for you!!! Way to be able to cross something off of your list!! Great way to start!