Monday, October 08, 2012
The BLC 20 challenge for the weekend included blogging about a success on my Spark journey. I think the biggest change for me is becoming a runner.
Almost 3 years ago I did a couch to 5K program and completed a 5K race and then a Half Marathon, doing a run/walk. Somehow I still didn't feel like a runner.
Then I took a break from running and broke my arm by trippiing when I was out walking. I realized that if I could break my arm just walking, then I might as well run. I couldn't do much more damage running. So, back I went to the running group and completed the same Half I had done before, but running the whole way--however slowly. But I still didn't feel like a true runner.
I continued with the running group. I only joined them on the long runs on Saturdays, because I live a distance away from most of the runs. The group re-grouped and there was a lot more focus on longer runs. But I decided that my goal is really to be able to go out and run 3 miles on any given day and not feel like it is an overwhelming effort, that I would still aim for just 3 miles on my Saturday runs.
Then, I joined a gym with a treadmill, loaded Jeff Galloway's Easy 5K app to my iPhone, downloaded music to the app, and began running twice a week on my own on the treadmill. I decided that run/walk intervals work just fine for my longterm goals.
All of the pieces came together. I really enjoyed listening to music when I ran. I ran longer and faster. And, when others went on for longer distances on Saturday mornings, I was able to put my earbuds in and happily run on my own. My form has improved. I'm staying upright and not leaning too far forward or hunching my shoulders. And, my speed is picking up.
I've got a persistent case of fascitis, but that's okay. I'm taking it easy and letting it heal. And, I can't wait to get back to running! I kept waiting for that runner's high. It just happened to take me three years.
I'm a runner!
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