Today is the day. I spent last night reading up on how other fat gurls like me started running. It all begins with 30 seconds, it seems. Today I’ll run a little, and tomorrow a little more, and after that a little more and more. Double up, run slow, run for distance. Slowly but surely they all say I should quickly build endurance and be on track in no time.
I’m hoping I can be strong enough to run a 5K. I know, I know. A 5K? People who run are always like, “MEH. A 5K. That’s only 3.1 miles.” Yeah, but this is me we’re talking about. ONLY 3.1 miles? I practically cough a lung after a block or two. 3.1 miles IS a feat.
Running is romantic. People who do it are like demigods because who in their right mind likes going out and feeling as though their lungs will burst WHILE their legs turn to rubber and you sweat like a pig? WHO? Bradley does. He’s amazing like that. And really, there are a bajillion other people who also like it, OBVIOUSLY. But I haven’t counted myself among their numbers ever. EVER. And I’ve never wanted to try because of all the sweat, pain and lung bursting, you know? The closest I got was when I was in Europe and I could zip up a hill with my 100 pound backpack on while everyone else panted along behind me asking me to slow down. But even then – I did not run. I speed walked. Or is it sped walked? All I know is that it wasn’t running, that’s for certain.
The 5K seems reasonable to me. Wish me luck as I take that first official training step tonight! I hope to be running around that track in no time at all. I’ll even try not to grimace. I suppose all I need is a little Katy and I’ll be cruising in no time.
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Two links for suggested 5K training pacing guides:
http://www.runsforcookies.com/2012/11/on-starting-to-run-and-running-faster.html
Plan by: Running for cookies
And this one that does not seem novice to me (since when is running a mile and a half novice?!) But some people could use the Hal Higdon version. 🙂
http://halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program
Sorry about the cut paste. My app for WordPress is being a spaz.
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PS. Wanna know the most exciting part, though? I have been regularly working out enough that I feel invigorated after the work out. That is a change. Exercise is GIVING me energy instead of stealing it. Yum!