Saturday, January 1, 2011

A New Beginning


Look who's back at running!


It's been seven months to the day of my last post on this blog and the reason for the lack of post is simple: I stopped running. From the highs of completing the half-marathon to nothing in just one day. There are many reasons/excuses why I stopped going out, but the main one is this: I had met my goal, which had been a priority in my life for four months, and once I crossed the finish line, I put running at the bottom of my to-do list. In doing so, I also put myself last, the result of which, at the end of seven months, is a mix of weight gain, reduced self-confidence and a dash of self-loathing.

Looking back at 2010, I can say however that I am still extremely proud of my running accomplishments. If you had told me last January that five months later I would be running 21.1 km, I would have looked at you as if you had three heads and a barrel of monkeys. Yet, a year later, I have run 259km! In fact, in the last five years since I started running, on and off, I also have completed two 10km races, a 5km race and the half-marathon. These are a few accomplishments I want to be proud of. And while I could continue to focus on the 7-month hiatus, I have chosen to look forward instead.

So what better way to move forward than with a symbolic run on a gorgeous, spring-like, New Year's day. Outfitted with my brand new running shoes (thank you Santa Tyler), I headed out the door this morning with purpose and optimism. Though we didn't have a specific goal in mind, we knew that this run had to count. I was secretly hoping to manage a 10 km but wasn't sure how much I would be able to do, especially when my legs started feeling like lead. Tyler pushed me through the physical stumbling blocks, and we finished our run totaling 12.5 km. For someone who hasn't run in 7 months, it's not too shabby, don't you think?

Though tonight, I have a hard time moving and my left knee is screaming at me, I am blissfully happy. One of my running mentors asked me today if I was going to run another half-marathon this year, but for now my only goal is to run consistently all year long. Another race would sure feel great, but becoming a consistent runner would be pretty sweet too. I'll need all the encouragements and support I can get, so don't be shy and leave a comment.

Stats from the first run of the year


Until the next run!

3 comments:

  1. Today's weather made me want to get out running. I really want to run again, too. Haven't run in over a year except for a handful of times. I like your goal......consistent running for the year. After I reach my Pin Up Girl goal, I want to be very careful of going back to my old ways as soon as the goal is reached. I will come here for motivation. GREAT run, btw. Holy smokes! Way to start of the year!

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  2. I've always wanted to be a runner. But I HATE running. Start the 5K training with lots of enthusiasm and hope, then fizzle out. Maybe I'll try again...you're inspiring! Good for you, and fun with your fancy new gadget!

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  3. Well done! That is a great achievement and a great way to kick off the New Year. I think the way to see it is that everytime you do run you are doing something great for yourself rather than being upset if you don't go. I agree consistency is all, I love it when I get in to a great rhythm with kickboxing, but sometimes life gets in the way, don't feel bad about that. Sometimes being good to your kids means you can't be good to yourself!

    Well done you for starting as you mean to go on, I'm sure it will do you nothing but good.

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