Shocking...I know.

Today I ran a 5k...shocking..I know!  Not only did I run, but got a personal record for finishing in 30:45 and running a 9:55 pace.  It's a personal record because I've never actually run a 5k.   I know you're laughing because you think I'm kidding...but as my friend Annie said, "hell has obviously frozen over" cause this is true!  See, I have a picture to prove it.

McKenna, Annie, Me

So here's the mildly short version of how this shocking event came to pass.

Back in Sept/Oct I kept looking in the mirror and thinking that I was fatter than I want to be.  In my case, 4 babies in 6 years left me with several extra fat rolls pounds that I'm not loving.  Unfortunately, I have the self-control of a 2 year old, and much to my dismay, you cannot just wish the pounds away.  (believe me, I keep trying)

I knew what I had to do, but there's two things that I really hate...getting up early and running.   I  have always hated running. I was a fairly decent athlete up to college, but NEVER EVER did I run distances...ever.  I distinctly remember feeling sorry for the kids who ran cross country.  And as I drive around and see people running, I always assume they are miserable!  So naturally, that's the exercise I chose.   I talked with a few gals (that I knew weren't already running) and convinced them to join me.  BEST-DECISION-EVER! There is no way that I could have done this without them.

We started the first week of November.  Our first run was twice around the outside of our neighborhood...it was 1.6 miles and I walked 4 times.  It's embarrassing.  BUT, we quickly increased our distance, and before I knew it, we were running over 3 miles.   We faithfully meet up at 6am, 3-4 times a week to run.  A now, a month and a half later, we always run over 3 miles, and have increased to 4 and even 5 miles on occasion.  And, I kind of like it, because now, instead of gasping for air, we can chat and that makes the time go faster.

I'm a novice runner.  I'm sure the real-runners snicker behind my back.  But, I'm out there in the dark, cold, and rain, and I'm proving to myself that you can teach this old dog, some new tricks.


So, the question remains, am I a size 4 yet?  Sadly no.  And, unfortunately, my thighs still touch.  But I'm on my way to a healthier (thinner) me, and I feel great.  And, if I can say it, I'm pretty damn proud of myself. 



Have you seen this...cause I love it!

PS...Here's a little something I learned at the 5K today.  A lot of the "real" runners wear their old marathon t-shirts.  I'm pretty sure they do this to let everyone else know just how awesome they are.   In which case, I'm contemplating making my own t-shirt that says, "I barely made it through the 5K."  I like to keep people's expectations really low.