Keep the faith

Week 5 – still going strong!

Today I completed Day 2 of Couch to 5K’s Week 5 running program. This week is a bit trickier than the previous four. The first four weeks hold the same running/walking interval for all 3 days within each week. However, here is the Week 5 breakdown:

Day 1 – Brisk 5 minute warm-up, 3 intervals of 5-minute runs, with 3-minute brisk walk rests in-between the runs, cool down 5 minute walk
Day 2 – Brisk 5 minute warm-up, Run for 8 minutes, rest (brisk walk) for 5 minutes, Run 8 minutes, cool down 5 minute walk
Day 3 – Brisk 5 minute warm-up, Run for 20 minutes, cool down 5 minute walk

I struggled to run on day 1. I thought, if I can barely do these three 5-minute runs, how can I possibly run for 8 minutes, TWICE, in 2 days, let alone run for 20 minutes in 4 days?! Plus, my first 5k is less than a fortnight away! So after I got home I spoke to my running buddy, my Auntie, who is running the 5k with me, to tell her of my worries and woes.

She reminded me that even the best runners have off days. Even she, who runs a 5k 3 times a week already, has off days where she really struggles to run. She went on to say that I’ll do great in the race and if we have to walk, so what?! We’re in this together.

Her words were encouraging and just what I needed to hear. She was right and I knew that. I recently read a blog entry about training for a race. The writer talks about the new Miley Cyrus song, “The Climb,” and about training says, “I love the training more than the actual race…the process of life more than the "perfect" moments at the end.” Her point is that “no matter how many mountains we manage to summit (or move), there is always another. And the process is what we have to enjoy: the riding, the running—even on an aching foot in the rain.” She loves that the MC song encapsulates this very idea. And yet, as I listen to the song, what I hear most is MC's line that says:

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby

So keep the faith, it’s what is keeping me going. I prayed this morning that I would be able to complete the 8-minute runs. Was it hard? YES. Was it hot out? YES. Did I do it? YES YES YES! Keep the faith, it’s all about the climb.

Old Faithful

When I was younger, there was this woman who either walked or jogged along our street everyday. Since my parents continued to see her day after day, they began calling her “Old Faithful.” We’d drive by and they’d say, “theeeere’s Old Faithful!” Eventually she must have picked a different route, so we stopped seeing her.

Today I officially became this little city’s version of Old Faithful. There was I was, chugging along on a running interval for week 5 of Couch to 5K and I was passing moms and kids heading to the local elementary school. I headed up one of the hills and as I reached the top, I saw the crossing guard (CG) watching me and saw her say something. So I pulled out my iPod earbud and said a breathless, “What?!”

She proceeded to tell me that I looked fantastic and remarked that I’m going to lose a ton of weight. I laughed and said that I hoped so, having already lost about 8 lbs. She then asked if it was just from the running, which it isn’t of course, so I told her I’m working on eating healthy and nutritious too. CG then asked what a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner was for me, she said, “a lot of salads, huh?” Answering this question was actually difficult. What do I eat that I could tell her to make it sound possible? Her question reminded me of celebrity weight loss articles that share in little boxes what that celebrity eats. It always seems so blah and like oh sure, she can do it, she’s a celebrity! Of course when I mentioned that it wasn’t always salads and that I try to be creative, turning my favorite meals into a healthier option, she kind of nodded and started talking about Weight Watchers POINTS. I told her I wasn’t doing a diet, that I had joined FirstPlace4Health at my church and it was about balancing my life – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. She seemed very interested. Then 2 children came along who needed help crossing the street, so that ended our conversation. As I was gearing up to head off again, she shouted that she would see me again and was excited about watching me progress.

Becoming the new Old Faithful? It feels awesome.

Obsessed

WELL!

It's been absolute ages since my last post -- almost 2 months! But there's a reason, or an excuse rather. I've been obsessed with myself! And in a good way! I have some new loves in my life which I had been ignoring before. As a result, I’ve been focusing on these things and just ignoring my blog. So I apologize and I’ll try to be better about writing.

Here are my loves (aka my obsessions):

• Couch to 5K – I’ve been following this podcast to get myself into running shape, enough to run a 5k in 9 weeks. I’m on week 4 and moving steadily along! My first 5k is this coming Saturday (which I’m choosing to walk), but then on June 17th, I’ll actually be running that one! And it feels great. I’m starting to feel like the runner I was before.
• Food/Dieting blogs – Since deciding to get healthy, I am on the constant search to read about other people’s weigh loss struggles and also to read their recipes and tips. It helps with the motivation!
• Books – I can finally read guilt-free again as the sales season comes to a close. And have I ever been reading! It’s a good escape.
• Being crafty – In addition to reading, I’m getting in touch with my crafty side. Just finished an embroidery project, working on sewing next. I love it!

I think that may be it! The list seems short, but it definitely is taking up a bit of time. I’m a happier girl for sure!