Got On My Mark, Got Set, and I Went!

Last Sunday was my very first race EVER!
If you know me, you know this is huge for me. I have always declared that my body is physically incapable of running. Walking has always been my exercise...but, this year I started up my walking sessions on the treadmill and NOTHING was happening. One day I was hamster-ing away on the treadmill and I thought to myself "I'm walking so fast, why don't I just try to run?" So, I did. It felt good...so I made a deal with myself to see if i could run a mile before I turned 27. At the time, my birthday was about 2 weeks away...well, to my surprise, 3 days later I ran a mile. I've been hooked ever since!
I won't say that it has been easy, but something has happened to this chick and I am suddenly declaring myself a runner. (My guess is that pregnancy and childbirth enabled my body to be stronger and awsomer, what do you think?)
Anyway, so, after just a few weeks of running, my cousin suggested I sign up for the Corktown St. Patty's Day Run in Detroit. Lately I just can't say "no" to a challenge, so I signed up....thinking it was a 5K. Two weeks before the race I found out it was actually 4 miles. I got a bit panicky about the almost extra mile, so I stepped up my training.
On race day, I was so nervous! I just wanted a guarantee that I wouldn't be the last one to cross the finish line! LOL! My time wasn't spectacular by any means, but it was a personal record...and NO, I was not the last one to finish! At one point in the race, I just wanted to cry, I was so happy to have challenged myself like that!
A special thanks to my coach (Tim, former high school track star) for being there for me and being my photographer! AND another thanks to my Dad for having THE BEST corned beef sandwiches ready when I got home!

My favorite coach!

Waiting to start the race.

Starting off with a smile.

Just a 1/4 of a mile to go!

My first crossing of the finish line :)

Wordless Wednesday

Waiting for my 1st race to start! An incredible feeling...

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A Thousand Words Thursday

Sometimes, being ahead of schedule is particularly exhilarating. Notice that I'm ahead of schedule with Hal Higdon's plan...do you know how geeked I get when I get to whip out my Sharpie marker and write that I've gone a quarter of a mile over the plan???
I started running a couple weeks ago. I've often stated that "my body isn't made for running", but my New Year's resolution was to get back in shape. I began by walking on the treadmill...but I got to the point where I was walking so fast I thought I'd see what would happen if I tried running again. My goal was to be able to run a mile before my birthday (Feb. 19th)...but as you can see, I've doubled my goal and I still have about a week to go before my birthday! I'm also contemplating participating in a 5K on St. Patty's Day.
I think in the past I have done "too much too soon" with running. I ended up dreading the days I had to run and eventually gave up and went back to walking. This time, I really wanted to fall in love with running. By taking it slowly I've really grown to look forward to the days I run.
It really is true...slow and steady wins the race :)
And you know what else? I haven't lost a single pound! But, I DON'T CARE! I feel so fabulous and that is enough for me to keep up with my plan. Even my husband said that I seem more confident in general. Gotta love "runner's high".
I just thought I'd share this with you all...just incase some of you momma's out there had a New Year's resolution that you've been struggling with. Just remember that it's worth it...and if you have to make changes slowly, that's always better than not trying at all!

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