Monday, March 10, 2008

Couch to 5k Week 5 Done: Oh hell yeah!

I RAN 20 MINUTES STRAIGHT!

Well, I mean, I didn’t run straight the whole time, I ran around my neighborhood so I actually went in circles a little, but you know what I mean. I ran 20 minutes without stopping.

I almost didn’t do the 20 minute run. The 20 minute run was week 5 day 3, and I almost repeated week 5 day 2. I just couldn’t imagine that I was ready for a 20 minute run. I’d almost talked myself out of trying, and then I told myself that I should at least TRY. If I can’t sustain a jogging pace for 20 minutes, fine, no harm done, but I should at least TRY. And I tried, and I did it!

I look back at the fact that I almost didn’t try it, and it makes me wonder how many other things in my life I didn’t do because I didn’t think I could do them. I suspect I’ve missed out on a lot because I was scared I would fail, and failing seemed worse than not trying.

That is so messed up.

So anyway, I ran! And it was good! I was grinning like a fool when I finished.

Truth be told, I ran slooooooowly. I’m not sure I’m going as far as I’m supposed to go each time I run. The program is set up where you either run a certain distance or a certain time, and I’m going with time so I don’t know if I’m getting my distance in. But I’ll worry about that when I’ve finished the program – I can work up to running faster/longer. One thing at a time, right?

Hmmm, what else do I need to tell you guys? It seems like ages since I’ve checked in. I completely fell out of the blogosphere for almost 6 days. I have a lot of catching up to do on everyone’s blogs … my Google reader overfloweth! If you’re reading this and I haven’t been to your site yet, I promise I’ll stop by soon.

My time away was lovely. I had a great time with my brother and the rest of my family. I hadn’t seen my brother since Christmas, and guess what the first words out of his mouth were? “Hi, skinny! You’ve lost more weight!”

I love that man.

I took the day off work on Wednesday, and it was fun. We didn’t do anything too exciting … we met some old friends for lunch, then did some shopping, met some other friends for dinner, and then went to see the Spiderwick Chronicles. I bought myself a couple of treats … I got a Nike+ gadget for my iPod that will track my run distances. I don’t have the special shoes, but I found something on Amazon that I can attach to my shoes that should do the trick. The attacher thang should come in this week – when I get it and I’ve had a chance to play with it I’ll let you know how it all works. I also bought myself an on-sale skirt from Old Navy in a size 6. Woo hoo!

On Thursday I went back to work, but my parents and brother came over and spent the night that night, then my brother flew out Friday morning. It was a great few days. Over the weekend I had to get caught up on work … with a day off and people in my house for part of two work days, I was a little behind.

I’m still a little behind, actually. I have a TON to do at work. It’s going to be a busy week.

Oh, and did I mention that my eating got a little off track during the family time and the weekend? But it’s all good; I’m back on track today. I have to say that any gain was worth it. Last week was a great week.

I hope the last week has been wonderful for all of you, too!

13 comments:

Paul said...

I've missed you, HappyBlogChick. :) I'm glad you enjoyed time with your family. It's good to get away from the computer sometimes, isn't it?

GREAT JOB on your run. I don't think I could run *5* minutes without stopping! I like your point about not trying because you don't think you can do it. Not that I have a great example of my own to share, but a friend and I play racquetball. I used to tell myself frequently when a shot looked too far away, "Nope, can't get that one." And I wouldn't even try. I've been going for those seemingly impossible returns, and you know what? Some of them aren't reachable. But I've surprised myself more than once by getting to those that I would have dismissed out of hand before. If I'm not careful, I might start thinking about other areas in my life where I do the same. So I'd better be careful! :>

In any event, welcome back.

P.S. I use Excel to do my tracking/charting.

Grumpy Chair said...

Sounds like you had a great visit with your family.

I say mark all as read on all your posts and don't worry about "catching up"!

Heather said...

great job!! and you are so right...we shouldnt be afraid to do things because we miss out.

Holly said...

20 minutes!! Great job!! I'm starting week 2 tomorrow and it freaks me out to think that I will actually be at that point soonish. Good for you for tell the bad voices (the I can't do it ones) in your head to shut up and doing it!!

healthy ashley said...

TWENTY MINUTES?! You rock!

I'm easing myself back into the running and C25K program, so hopefully I'll be there soon!

Hanlie said...

Awesome! You're a rockstar!

I'm so with you on missing out on things before because you didn't think you could do it! No more, I try everything now!

Anonymous said...

20 MINS - that is awesome! Fantastic effort... I know exactly what you mean about talking yourself out of even trying (I considered doing a 4th week 3 run because I wasn’t sure if I could handle week 4, week 4 pushed me but I lived to tell the tale).

I will make sure I read your blog for inspiration when I get to my first 20 min run. Wow…. 20 mins, I am looking forward to being able to run for 20 mins.

I wouldn’t worry about the distance, you are right…you can suss that part out after the end of week 9.

Have a great week. Keep smiling. Cheers Julia

Kathy said...

Congratulations on the run! I wish so much that my body would let me do more physical activities! Go You!!!

Anonymous said...

Great job running! I ran 15 minutes straight, but barely made it. You are much farther in your 5K training than I am since I just started on Friday.

JavaChick said...

Sounds like you are doing great with the running! I'll be interested to hear how the Nike+ gadget works out for you. Right now I'm using a treadmill, but when the weather turns decent, I'll probably start going out doors for runs.

Anonymous said...

my favorite line of the whole entry?

the ANY GAIN WAS WORTH IT.

so healthy.

MizFit

Trisaratops said...

Dude, making that run is amazing. Congratulations! And being called skinny, that's fabulous. Welcome home!

MomOf4 said...

Glad you had fun with your bro! I loved your point about almost not trying because you didn't think you could do it and then DOING it! Good for you! The 20 minute run is my next run - I will remember your words! :)