Friday, August 13, 2010

Counting Down!

OK, so I'm SO excited, and I can't believe I have made it this long without telling you, but then it would have ruined my idea for this milestone post....

One month from today, I start training for a 5K!


Yes, I really am excited about it!  So, why wait a month?  Well, it's too stinkin' hot to go outside for very long right now, unless a pool is involved.  And then there's the whole the kids don't think this is all it's cracked up to be part.  School isn't back in session quite yet, and I just can't see dragging them along in the heat - which would include pushing 60ish pounds of jog stroller and preschooler.  (Been there, done that!  Ugh!)  Oh, and there are coaches and a training schedule - and it all begins on September 13th!

This is my 3rd attempt to get into the training program - and I've gotta admit, the training that started in January would have been my choice - but I'm so excited to have a spot in this session!  (I think I might have mentioned that already....)  The timing turns out to be great, though, since we will have a couple of weeks to settle back into the school routine before I add 'training' to my regularly scheduled events.

So why put it out there for all to know?  Well, that's part of my accountability to myself.  See, if I'm going to keep you all up-to-date with my progress, you have to know what I'm doing.  And I have to make progress.  And I might be hoping for a bit of encouragement in return.  Putting it out here is kind of scary, even though I am excited.  What if I fail?  It's a risk I'm willing to take, because I want to do this so badly.  I want to be more fit.  I want to have more energy and not tire as quickly when I play with my kids.  I want to make time to enjoy the outdoors - because I really do enjoy being outdoors, I just don't make time.  I want to be a better example for my children, and show them that exercise needs to be a part of their lives.  And I have always - always - wanted to be a runner.  It's been a crazy dream in the back of my head for a loooong time.  "Run a marathon" used to be on my bucket list.  It's not anymore - 'cause a marathon is long, y'all!  But if the 5K thing works out, who knows what else I can do?

I haven't challenged myself in a long time.  I don't think I've ever challenged myself in this way.  It's a physical challenge, to be sure, but there's a lot of it that's mental.  As the start date draws closer, I'm feeling the mental challenge more and more!  Thankfully, there are quite a few folks who are already encouraging me and counting down with me - and that's exciting!

4 comments:

The Smittys said...

you can do it! i'm proud of you for even signing up! go girlie!

Heather {Desperately Seeking} said...

so excited for you! and can't wait to see pictures of you crossing the finish line!

Heather said...

All I can say is YAY! I am proud of you already. I hate running, but enjoyed the time by myself when I started a year ago. For some reason it was the only thing that completely cleared my head and I could just "be." It definitely was a mental challenge for me and I know you can do it. Keep us posted!

Shannon said...

Good luck! I hope you really enjoy it. I never could get into running, but I only ever ran on a treadmill. It's a whole different ballgame out there on the pavement. And once you do the 5K, you might be addicted. They *do* have half marathons you know! And the Disney ones have cool medals.