Today I have spent a lot of time wondering what in the heck I've gotten myself into! :) I really, truly am feeling so much better just having some activity in my life again. I definitely see a difference in my energy levels, so that's a good thing. My motivation has been really good and I actually look forward to coming home to my workout! That is a huge change for me and I hope that the motivation stays high.
I'm coming to the end of week 3 in my couch to 5k program. I've been doing the majority of my workouts on the treadmill. I tried going outside last night. OMG! After being eaten alive by bugs (I counted 8 very swollen bites by the time I got back home), I seriously thought I might die! Who would have ever thought that running outside was that much more difficult than a treadmill?!? I had to ice my legs when I got home they were so sore. I must say though, that the direction I ran, I did have to do hills, so that was an addition to my workout that I haven't been doing on the treadmill.
So after last night, I began my wondering, what I'm doing. Why would I ever agree to do a half-marathon? I mean, that's 13.1 miles. Right now, I jog 3 minutes and then I stop to walk for another 3 minutes and I'm supposed to run 13.1 miles, in a year's time?? Seriously?? I know I don't technically have to "run" the entire time, that walking is allowed, but wow, 13.1 miles. That's a long ways to run!
Then, I think, why can't I? Yes, I'm overweight. Yes, I'm out of shape. No, I've never ran more than 1/4 mile at a time before. BUT, I can do this! When I started my run/walk program, I looked at week 3 thinking there was no way I'd run for 3 minutes without stopping and look at me, I'm doing it! I've decided while I have to keep my eye on the big picture of running that half-marathon, I need to focus on the little things; like making it through one workout at a time! If I have to repeat a week, so what.
I read recently that running is 90% mental and 10% physical. That is becoming clearer to me. While I think it's more 50-50, I definitely see how self-doubt and negative self-talk can stop you dead in your tracks. With that, I'm going to stop wondering what I'm doing, and begin wondering how great will I feel when I accomplish my goal!
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You have to own this. Like most women you are probably self conscious of taking pictures of yourself in tight clothing but you should do this. Privately of course, just so you can see the changes over time. You will run into a lull and pictures of progress will help you pull out of that lull. I'm sure your husband wouldn't mind taking some pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're gonna rock this and look effin' awesome in the process.
It's funny you mention this, as I was thinking pictures would be great and keep me motivated over time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words of encouragement as well! I appreciate a lot!