Saturday, August 8, 2009

Never Thougth I'd Say This ...

Every morning as I drive to work, I marvel at all of the early morning runners. I frequently would watch them run -- wishing that I were the kind of person that could get up and run like them. For YEARS I figured that I couldn't do it. I have been addicted to my sedentary lifestyle. I allowed food and the TV to control my life.

Joe signed up for his Wasatch Back Relay and disciplined himself to get into shape. Multiple times a week he would leave myself and Jace at home so he could run. He was doing it. I didn't really want to be part of that life style. I was ashamed that I could barely run a block without giving up. Thinking about it, I don't know if I gave up because it was just too hard -- or if because I hadn't really succeeded at it before and I was afraid to.

As mentioned several weeks ago, I signed up to run my first ever 5k. I have ran 3xs a week for three weeks now, each day beating a personal record from the time before. Three weeks ago I could run .4 miles without stopping. I was so proud of myself (as I should have been). Each time got better and better. Earlier this week I completed my first two mile stretch. It hurt -- but I was so proud of my accomplishment.

I needed to run tonight in order to get my 3xs this week. The problem is that I am surviving off of less than an hours sleep last night. My body is exhausted. My mind is tired ... but I know I have to go. All I want to do is better than Tuesday.

We start and my calves just cramp. I stretched them out and pushed through the pain. Once I noticed that I had come pretty far I realized that I would be passing my 2 mile mark -- and I was still feeling pretty good! I could go 2 1/2. Once I got to what I assumed was 2 1/2 miles I knew I had to finish my 5K ... which is approximately 3.1 miles.

There is a website you can go to and track how far you ran. Immediately when I returned home I mapped out our course. My jaw hit the ground at the result. I NEVER NEVER thought I would be able to run 3.7 miles straight! AND there is still 2 weeks before the big run. I have far surpassed any of my expectations -- I now know not to underestimate myself.

I am so happy of the changes that Joe and I have made in our lives. Neither of our goals are to be stick thin -- or super model - ish ... Our goal is to be healthy. I want to be healthy for my family. I want to be healthy for Joe ... and for the first time in my life ... I want to be healthy for me.

12 comments:

Buck & Ashley Higgs said...

YEAH! Congrats! One day I will be running with you! =)

Buck & Ashley Higgs said...

P.S. What is the website that you can see how far you have run?

Beano-Bayno said...

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com

Mandee Lue said...

You've officially KICKED my trash!! I've only measure out 2.9 so far without stopping! WAY TO GO, JEN!!!

Jess and Jen said...

That is great! That's a big change in just a few weeks!

Joanie said...

Good for you! Keep up the good work!

Sarah E Boucher said...

Congratulations! That is amazing! And the attitude, healthy for yourself and your family, I think THAT'S the epifany needed to both effect change and stay with it. Good job little sis!

Unknown said...

wow! that is awesome! you're amazing! keep up the good work!

Kirsten said...

Way to go!!!

The Butler Clan said...

good for you! I'll warn you, it is very addicting!!! Especially with company as good as a little boy jabbering away in the stroller ahead of you!

Mom and Dad said...

Whoa, Jen -- GOOD FOR YOU!!!
It is so fun to be able to MOVE, isn't it!
So pleased for you, dearie!!!

Cody said...

oh my gosh-- so funny cuz i just did a post like this too and i had no idea about yours! we rock!