Okay. So it's a New Year, and I've made a decision: by this time next year, I will--I WILL--run a half-marathon. I can do it. I've made my mind up to do it. Yet the thought of running scares me to death. I'm not much of a runner; the last time I ran I think was in a kickball game in 4th grade. I'm not an "outdoor" girl either; I'm much more of a "sit inside and read a book" type of girl. But I'm going to do this. It's not just that I want to, but that I know I can. So here's where I'm going to talk about how it's going. So, let's get started...
I started this past Saturday when I cleaned my house for 4 hours straight (including rearranging the furniture 5 times). And if you think that isn't exercise, you'd be wrong. Because it is and my muscles hurt something fierce the next day or two. On Sunday afternoon I took a walk (I'm not quite to running yet). Monday was a "rest day." I've read a book entitled The Non-Running Marathon Guide for Women and the author encourages two rest days a week. Well, I'm much more comfortable with activity than inactivity so this will be a challenge for me. Ask any of my friends: Sabbath rest is hard work! Anyway, this morning I got up at 5:30--that's right--and walked for 30 minutes. My legs are a bit sore, but I think it was worth it.
So that's where I am. I guess I have just a few more details to share with you all including why I'm doing this project and why I'm writing this blog. I don't have any full-length mirrors in my own home, but when I was at my grandparents home over Christmas vacation I saw myself in a mirror. I saw all of myself in a mirror. Yuck. I was not pleased with what I saw. As a Christian (and as a minister) one of the things I need to work harder on is embodying my faith. And I'm going to take embodying seriously--my body needs to show my faith. So I'm going to make some changes. As to why I'm writing this blog--I think that telling people about my project will help keep me accountable. Because I know I will want to quit at times, but I really think this will be good for me. So if I haven't written anything in a while, ask me how it's going. Kick my rear end until I get it back in gear. This might be the only time I ever give someone else permission to tell me what to do, but if I fall off the wagon, tell me what to do to get back on it.
Just thinking about running makes me tired, but eventually I'll be tired from all the exercise. I can't wait!
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Elizabeth, I am so proud of you. In fact, I'm going to join you. I'm not going to run 1/2 a marathon but I am planning to get in shape and lose 35 lbs. by the end of May when my son, Josh, graduates from high school. My motivation is that my son is meeting his birth mother for the first time and I have gained that much weight in the 17 years since I've seen her. Whatever works, I say. Good luck, Elizabeth. We miss you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making the commitment! I just ran my first 1/2 marathon in October, and it was a lot of fun! I personally hate running by myself all of the time, so I cross-trained by adding in swimming, Zumba dance classes, and yoga to help me build up my endurance! Good luck on your training!
ReplyDeleteHooray!!! For your commitment and for your blog! I so prefer the blog world to the facebook world. I will be following along with you, and here to encourage you along the way. All the best my friend! I know you will do it!
ReplyDeleteMama Bear loves it!!! I really like the Blog idea and I will be a follower. I am not going to join you in the 1/2 marathon, but I will join you in the walking and the journey.
ReplyDeleteLove you!!!
For motivation, check out the Newbie Chronicles by Marc Parent at Runnersworld.com. He's been doing a series of articles staring with his "first run" published 8-27-08.
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