It's official.
You now know a graduate of the Couch to 5K running program.
You really should feel honored.
I know. I know. I've kept you all on the edge of your collective seats regarding this little goal of mine and I'm happy to report that 9 weeks later I can run 30 minutes straight without stopping, which, for me, is approximately 2.75 miles, more miles than I have ever run in my entire adult life.
The hardest part? Ignoring the voice in my head that tells me she's tired. She's now pretty easy to ignore, if you take it one step at time eventually your body takes you there, even when you are dog tired, it's pretty amazing.
What's even more amazing is what you are capable of if you stop listening to all the reasons why you can't do something and focus on your goal. I've always been goal oriented, in the most recent years I forgot that but now that I have set a goal and reached it, I'm addicted. All I want to do is set more goals and reach them. Silly I know, but I really feel like I have achieved something, even if it’s only proving to me if I want something bad enough I can get it.
Running is way more of a mental challenge than anyone will ever tell you – physically you are capable of more than your mind will allow you to believe you are capable of. If you stop and listen to that voice for even a second it will have you convinced this is just too much and you should stop now, grab a latte and head to the mall. Seriously, that voice in my head thinks a sale is way more important than my health. After weeks that voice now sees no harm in 30 minutes of running 3 times a week, in fact it may help with my shopping stamina, endless benefits I tell ya.
You now know a graduate of the Couch to 5K running program.
You really should feel honored.
I know. I know. I've kept you all on the edge of your collective seats regarding this little goal of mine and I'm happy to report that 9 weeks later I can run 30 minutes straight without stopping, which, for me, is approximately 2.75 miles, more miles than I have ever run in my entire adult life.
The hardest part? Ignoring the voice in my head that tells me she's tired. She's now pretty easy to ignore, if you take it one step at time eventually your body takes you there, even when you are dog tired, it's pretty amazing.
What's even more amazing is what you are capable of if you stop listening to all the reasons why you can't do something and focus on your goal. I've always been goal oriented, in the most recent years I forgot that but now that I have set a goal and reached it, I'm addicted. All I want to do is set more goals and reach them. Silly I know, but I really feel like I have achieved something, even if it’s only proving to me if I want something bad enough I can get it.
Running is way more of a mental challenge than anyone will ever tell you – physically you are capable of more than your mind will allow you to believe you are capable of. If you stop and listen to that voice for even a second it will have you convinced this is just too much and you should stop now, grab a latte and head to the mall. Seriously, that voice in my head thinks a sale is way more important than my health. After weeks that voice now sees no harm in 30 minutes of running 3 times a week, in fact it may help with my shopping stamina, endless benefits I tell ya.
This journey just gets easier, sure there are days when I feel like my legs are concrete blocks and running is the last thing on my mind but, doing it, running through that stubbornness, makes the days that are easy seem that much better.
My first official race is October 7th, hoping to finish under 35 minutes without walking. I'll update you with a quality race report, of course.
Oh, and Kyan's birthday was a blast.
This Bounce House? WORTH.EVERY.PENNY!!!!!!!!
6 comments:
Congrats, Graduate! You have me inspired, but I'm still in talks with that little voice inside of me...
My body thinks 1 mile is far enough then I bargain for the 2nd and by 2.75 I have officially lost the mental battle to continue, really what would one more lap be?? In reality....about 3 minutes but in this head of mine it would enter me into the scary land of 3 miles and HELLO I can't run 3 miles!! I plan on graduating tonight and then working on a non-track run so I can actually get to 3 miles without knowing exactly what step gets me there. Mental? Who? Me??
I miss my running partner, the social side of me loved when we could meet up and do this together but still I thank you for holding me and calling to let me know I should get my butt to the track!!
For those of you out there Kandace is really modest about how awesome she has done. So here let me brag about my fantastic sister for just a moment. Don't get me wrong she has always been a HOT MAMA but over the last 9 weeks she has transformed into the HOTTEST MAMA EVER!! When we started I had my doubts but then it became obvious that she was the strong and dedicated one who. Its so easy to make excuses and with 2 small children she has gone 3 times a week even if it means strapping them both in that double stroller (good old BOB) and getting it done. YOU ARE AMAZING, I know how hard its been for me and without you I would not have made it this far- I WILL GRADUATE!! Can't wait for the race!!
Ali
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
OMG -- you should be so proud of yourself. My family is trying to talk me into the army 10-miler next year, so maybe this is something i should look into!
hey :) congrats. i have thought of taking up running it would do me some good but oh how i hate it lol. good job!
Congratulations Kandace! You have totally inspired me. I even bookmarked the website so I can start when I am a little more recovered from giving birth! I can't wait to hear about your first race. That is just fantastic!
Congrats, Kandace! That's so great. Wish I lived closer or I would run with you...I hate running alone.
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