Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Happy runaversary to me!

It's a week early, but my gift from myself to myself came in the mail yesterday. I heart you MEC and online shopping!

Presenting my very first running tank:

Hi, collarbone! It's so nice to see you. You were gone for years.


Next week marks three years - three! - of this lazy, desk-bound woman running. Three years ago it took me nearly an hour to shuffle/hobble through three miles. Saturday I knocked out 7.3 in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 33 seconds and it felt GOOD. Oh how far I've come!

Speaking of, those new shorts and top? They're a MEDIUM. A medium. In running shorts and a tank. That my friends, is more than a little unbelievable to me. While I'll have to still wear a bra for long runs, the built in in this tank is suprisingly snug and will work for 5 k, hills or track workouts on its own. Wow. When I started running I tipped the scales somewhere in the 180s. Today, the scale is in its happy place in the mid-140s. I wear a medium in most things, down from L and XL. I can fit most 8s and some 6s when once you had to put a one in front of both those numbers to squeeze me in.

But so much more has changed than the numbers. My head space is better because of running. My body is stronger, as is my focus and resolve. I feel more capable, better equipped to handle stress. I know I can do things, because it's just one foot in front of the other and all the negative self talk will only bring you down and defeat you. Sure, that sounds like bullshit but get out and tell yourself you CAN run and you will (I still fight this talk every single run). Finishing a half marathon isn't what I'm most proud of - it's doing the training that leads up to it and then finishing. It is a culmination of balancing schedules, finding energy and motivation and sticking with something. And it feels so good.

Sure, I have miles to go - figuratively and literally. My next race is a ways off and I've got a whole lotta endurance I need to build up to make Oct 3rd fun and not just hard. I'd like to shave off 10 more pounds and build more strength and flexibility. I'd also like to relay more of my running lessons into my everyday life: setting goals, achieving them, setting more, all with a positive attitude.

It's just one foot in front of the other, people. Say it with me now!

***
All Caddywumpus comment generator: What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? What goal do you have for the next six months? September is just around the corner and to me, September is the New Year, not January. Let's make some resolutions (and no, I am not high...except on - wait for it - life)!

5 comments:

L-Moe said...

Wow, you look fantastic! Way to go!! So proud of you!

Sarah said...

Great job - you look fantastic!

My goal for the next 6 months - get through my family's move to Australia from Vancouver in mid-November. Manage to continue running during the transition, and find some great running routes in Brisbane!

Cheers,
Sarah

Jennifer P said...

Sweet tank!

For once I am speechless (as to answering the questions). Is it bad I have no idea?
For the next 6 months I will take care of myself, not gain 60 lbs and give birth to a happy and healthy baby.

I'm happy to have been a part of your running revolution.

Beth said...

Congrats on your runaversary! Very cute outfit, too. I love the blue! I enjoyed reading and will keep checking in!

Farmer Flinta said...

I want to be high on life too! You and I have talked about this before - my year starts at September too. Now that ball is almost done, I want to start running more regularily and become stronger. A desk job has made me soft, in more way than one. Reading your accomplishments makes me believe I can do it too. AND HOT MAMMA! You look amazing! That's reason enough for anyone to get motivated!