I have always tried to become a runner, but for some reason it just never worked out for me. I love taking the kids for walks, I enjoy doing pilates and I like to stay active, but for some reason running and me never saw eye to eye.
And then at the beginning of May, my aunt Carol informed me about the iphone app Couch to 5K. I figured since I was taking the kids for a walk everyday, I might as well kick it up a notch and start running instead of walking. I gave it a try and I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. It is a 9 week workout program that gradually increases your running time until you are running 30 solid minutes. Since I did it more than 3 days a week I finished the workouts in about 5 weeks. And keep in mind I was pushing both kids in the double stroller during all of the workouts, so probably an extra 60 pounds. My cousin Lesley was also doing the workouts, so it was fun to hear about her progress and share stories of how much we were enjoying running. Then we heard about a 5K that was going to take place at Oak Ridge Golf Course and I thought maybe we would give it a try. Now we were both a little nervous because obviously we know every little in and out to the golf course and we know how brutal some of those hills can be, but you will never know if you can do something if you don't attempt it.
The race took place on June 9th at 6:00pm, and of course it was brutally hot that day. Oh and I forgot to mention that this was only a couple of days after I quit breastfeeding, so I was rather engorged, just to paint an accurate picture of how uncomfortable I was. I decided to take my running partner Teagan with me, but I didn't think I would be able to do it pushing both kids. The first mile was rather easy, and it was on the back side of the course where all of the huge hills were. Lesley and I stayed together and we were making really good time. The second mile seemed to be the hardest, and then by the last mile you just want to finish!!! We did have to walk some parts, but our main goal was just to finish, and that we did. I was rather impressed by our success, considering that we both just started running 4 weeks before that. I didn't even care what my time was, when I crossed that finish line I had a huge smile from ear to ear on my face because I knew that I had worked hard and I had accomplished a goal that I had set for myself, and that was a great feeling.
I hope that I am able to continue running and maybe even run in some other races. But I will have to find a new partner in crime because Lesley and her husband are expecting baby #3 in February, isn't that exciting.
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