It’s been a while since my last update. A LOT has happened since then.
The biggest and most important milestone to date…I (mostly) ran 6 miles this past Saturday (Aug 4th)! “Mostly” means that I ran for 5 mins, then walked for 1 min. Ran for 5, walked for 1 and so forth and so on. There were a few runs that were less than 5 mins and walks that were more than 1 min. There was even a run that went for 10 mins. Uggg.
I have to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to my Saturday running partner and motivator, Michelle Nation. Michelle is training for the Nike Women’s Full and is a “C” runner. Which means she’s an experienced runner and can go much longer distances, a lot faster and with fewer walk breaks (if any).
First the back story…I was getting very frustrated and dejected with my training and progress. The injuries that I experienced early on in the program had a huge impact to my training progress and my mental attitude. Thoughts of “giving up” and/or joining the Walk Team entered my mind on several occasions.
Michelle and I talked about my training progress and frustrations. I mentioned my thoughts of joining the Walk Team, but that I didn’t want to give up. In typical Michelle fashion she stated that I could do this. I still had enough time to catch up with the Team and be ready for October. She had absolutely no doubt in her mind that this was an obtainable goal for me. She then announced that she would be my “training partner”.
No more training alone all the time. Even if it’s just to sync up with each other on who’s doing what for their weekday training.
Michelle then said she’d run with me Saturday morning til my halfway point. You have no idea how important this was to my success on Saturday. It’s so easy to give up when you’re running by yourself. It’s a lot harder to give up when someone is there with you saying, “Come on, you can do it!”, or “Come on Lizzie”, or “Good job, you made it!”
Plus, Michelle has this wonderful ability to talk, about anything and everything. This is a great distraction and gives you something else to focus on, besides the desire to give up and stop running. :-)
This was a true sacrifice on Michelle’s part. Like I said, she’s a “C” runner and is training for the full. I definitely slowed her down on Saturday.
However, Michelle’s support and encouragement helped me to succeed on Saturday and I feel so much better about reaching my goal. Huge win for my state of mind!
Michelle – THANK YOU!!!
I have regained my focus and my positive mental attitude. I CAN do this! Saturday was a huge “win” for me and you’re the driving force behind that.
Next Saturday I’ll be running 7 miles.
The weekend after that (Sunday, Aug 19th) is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K. (http://www.afchalf.com/) I’ll be running the 5K (3.1 miles). This will be my first official running event, ever. I’m now looking forward to participating in this event, instead of dreading it.
Quick update on the shoes…
Pair #4 is the winner!!! New Balance is the brand for me. :-)
What I've learned...
When I started this journey I had NO idea how hard it would be. Sure I thought it would be a bit difficult and that I’d learn something new and I’d get in shape. Wow – how naïve can one woman be?
- I’ve learned that running is hard, especially if you’re not a “natural” runner.
- I’ve learned that lots of runners hate to run. (Weird, huh?)
- I’ve learned that while running is not truly a ‘team’ sport, it’s so much easier when you’re running with a partner.
- I’ve learned that ice is my friend.
- I’ve learned that the right shoes make all the difference in the world.
- I’ve learned that your hands and feet swell, a lot, when you run.
- I’ve learned that Ibuprofen is truly a miracle drug.
And so much more!
Update on fundraising…
While donations have slowed down, support has not. My friend and former co-worker Valerie Prestidge made cupcakes and cookies (on her day off) and brought them to me at work so I could have a Bake Sale. Sold out in record time and raised $59!!! Thanks Val!!!
Candy/Snack sales are going well also. If you’re in the San Diego Active office, stop by my office to pick up a treat for the low, low price of $1.
The fundraising deadline is September 28th. So, for those of you that have been holding out, now’s the time!!! I need to raise a minimum $3250. If I haven’t met the minimum by this date I will need to pay the difference. Ouch!
http://www.active.com/donate/tntsdh/Lizzie
For those of you that have already donated, THANK YOU!!!!
