I'm sure I'd get some funny calls like,
"Why can't you look happier while running?"
"Aren't you supposed to be going a bit faster?"
"I don't think you are wearing the latest-greatest gear."
It is what it is. I'm a rookie runner and I'm taking it slow.
I'm proud of myself, though. I can run for 20 minutes without stopping or getting out of breath now. Before my problem was shin splints. Oh how they hurt! Serious pain, my friends. I would crash in the living room massaging my legs and icing them (not like cupcakes) like crazy wondering what in the world I was doing wrong. I got some great advice from facebook friends and some workers at The Running Room in St. Paul, Minnesota. A big thanks to everyone who helped me!
Since I've taken everyone's advice, my shin splints are almost nonexistent. Phew! I got specialized running shoes for my feet and I do tons of shin stretches before and after running. My favorite exercises are spelling the letters of the alphabet with my feet/toes, and walking on my heels, toes, and both sides of my feet to stretch my shins. Then I do all my usual stretches on top of that.
The view on our road is simply breathtaking while running. I like to watch the ducks, geese, and birds fly around and land in the marsh and on the river. The island across the river paints a beautiful reflection into the water. There is an awesome trail behind our house, but I'm afraid to run it alone. I've had too many close calls with strange men over the years and I just don't feel comfortable back there by myself. It sure would be nice to run there, though.
I've decided my goal is to run a 5K this summer/fall. I'm nowhere near that goal now, but I figure if I keep training I can do it! I love running to the song "Eye on it" by Toby Mac, it's such a perfect running song. I put that one on when I'm on the last stretch.
I need to bump up my time to running for an hour now. *Take deep breaths* I can do it. I can. (Just to remind you, I was the girl who always came in last running the mile in junior and high school P.E. class. This is the mind game mentality I'm trying to beat here. My past won't dictate my future!)
I like having goals. Things to reach for. Dreams I never thought possible. It challenges me and pushes me to be better than yesterday.
Oh, and let's not forget the pre-baby clothes that are fitting once again! Yessssssssssss.
Come find me running in 3 months and then you can call that number on my back :)
*After I wrote this, a little certain someone decided to add to this blog post. Can you guess who?*
sitora'\
No comments:
Post a Comment