I’ve officially lost my mind.
You may have thought it’d already been lost, but now it’s official.
I signed up for Couch-to-5k yesterday.
I’ll give you a minute to stop laughing.
Done?
(jerks)
Now, I’ve never run IN MY LIFE. They tried to make me in PE and stuff when I was in school, but I always weaseled out of it. I could make it about halfway around the track and when I got to the other side, I would make running motions but really, I was walking.
If you’ve paid attention, you’ll know I’ve been seeing a rheumatologist for the last 6 months or so. My joints swell and hurt and in general, give me fits. I’m on some good medicine that helps with that but even just pretending I was going to start doing something that had any impact is startling to me.
I woke up yesterday and for some reason, I just signed up. Then I realized it was National Running Day so I’m pretending I knew that and was celebrating.
I downloaded the app and all that jazz. Talked to some folks who’ve done it and got some tips to be successful.
Henry went with me on Day 1. Really it’s day -2 because I’m starting Week 1 Day 1 on Monday. I figured I would do half of W1D1 twice before I started for real. I like to practice and all before I start something.
Anywaaaaaay…
I learned a few lessons today and thought I would share them with you.
- I’m out of shape. This should come as a surprise to no one. I’ve gained weight and haven’t exercised in forever. It’s not a secret. Really, just saying “I’m out of shape” is a gross misinterpretation of the real facts. I’m COMPLETELY AND FRIGHTENINGLY out of shape. But whatever. That ends today.
- People are not kidding when they say “get shoes that have been fitted for you.” Why? Because sneakers that are 7 years old are crap. End of story. I’m going to get new ones (fitted for me) today.
- My toe is definitely broken. But I don’t care. I mean, what are they going to do for it? Nothing. So I’m not going in to see anybody. It’s no big deal. That’s what Advil was made for, right?
- Kids are born in shape. Seriously. I’ve realized that just like kids don’t know when it’s super hot or super cold, they’re also born in shape. Henry ran circles around me (literally) and didn’t even break a sweat. I was like, “Henry,
I think I’m dyingI have to walk for a minute” and he’s like “Hold my hand, I have super powers that will make you be able to jog.” Nope, son, you don’t. So people, keep your kids active. They’re born in shape and if they get used to jogging or something, maybe they’ll never stop doing it. - Walking a mile (one way) to find Jim Cantore in 50mph winds on sand is waaaaaaay easier than walking/jogging on the sidewalk for 1.67 miles. I think the moral of this story is that Jim Cantore should always be at the end of my run so I can have something to look forward to.
- And last but not least, Starbucks tastes freaking AMAZING as a reward at the end of the walk/jog. Don’t worry, it was a non-fat chai so it’s all good. And we had to walk a half a mile home, so there’s that. I totally worked it all off anyway!
So the good news is that I’m still alive. I’m excited about starting this and have only set one real goal.
I want to be able to take a nice jog in Central Park when I’m in New York for BlogHer. That’s it. I don’t foresee any marathons or half marathons, but who knows? I do know to never say never.
Source: someecards.com via Jana on Pinterest
I totally just left a comment but I think it disappeared. The gist of it was: “Yay you, sad me, would do it but can’t b/c of single thing, and want to run in central park with you.” Then there was a sad face.
Law Momma recently posted..Mornings
COME WITH ME!!!!!
Jana- you KICK ASS for getting started. Day one is always the hardest. (Ok. I lied. Day 3 is actually the hardest because that’s when you are most sore. But you have to get up on that day and get out there anyway.) YOU GOT THIS!
Also, not all kids are born in shape. Miss N is way to pretty to get sweaty. Haha
Hahaha! I bet she could totally outrun any of us!
It doesn’t get easier, but it gets more meaningful. One of my serious running friends told me this when I started. I remember this every time I lace up. I see a number of kids HL’s age running in 5ks all the time. When you’re ready to race, sign him up too. He will love it!
Oh – and I have a shirt that says – I love running, just not while I’m doing it. It pretty much sums up my relationship with this stupid addiction that I have acquired. Good luck to you! And be sure to post pics of your shoes. I’m always on the look out for new ones. I run in Brooks Ravenia 3s.
Did you see my shoes on FB? They’re SO LIGHT!
I’m actually excited for Monday to come. Read: I’ve finally lost my mind.
smacfiltered recently posted..Are you a voyeur?
Maybe if we run in the right direction, we can find said lost minds.
Yay you………….Just Do It….and I’ll pretend it is me !! HaHa
Good for you. I took up dancing. Yup, I am over 50. Zumba is freaking fantastic. So you are not alone in starting new stuff. I used to say that round was a shape to explain why I didn’t exercise. Looking forward to hearing about your run through the park.
Ruth recently posted..Learning from others
Ooh, that’s fun! I’m sure it’s great!!
Congratulations, Jana!
Looking forward to reading future updates. Best of luck with the Couch to 5k.
Take care,
Casey
Casey recently posted..Grieving and gifts
Thanks! I’m excited and still wondering WTH I’ve gotten myself into.
I’m right there with you. I run less than not at all and I’ve committed to doing the Broad Street Run next year in Philly which is 10 miles. Craziness.
Good luck to you! I hope it helps with your pain!
Amy – Hamlet’s Mistress recently posted..This mission brought to you by…
Yay us!!
I can totally relate to this post. I started C25K last year. I gave up on it. I HATED it. I swore I would never again run unless I was being chased by someone with a knife. But my husband is a runner and after going to a couple races with him this past winter I decided that it was something I could do, and I stared again. I just completed my first 5K not too long ago. I have even done a 2nd one. Am I fast? Hell no. I don’t think i ever ran a mile in high school or middle school when we were supposed it. But I do enjoy it more now. Mostly after I am done, not while actually doing it. But I am totally jealous of your goal to run in Central Park. That would be AWESOME!! So AWESOME. Can’t wait te hear about it when you do.
Mandi McClure recently posted..Impromptu, overnight trip to the mountains.
I don’t plan to be fast. But I’m kinda secretly excited! Little goals. Like not dying between here and Starbucks
Girl, I am laughing so hard reading this, cause it’s all true! Get some good shoes – go to Run Fit Sports of whatever equivalent they have in Atl. This is not a request. And, keep doing it because you will be great! You will hate it and it will seem impossible, but one day you will walk outside, run 3 miles, and be done. And, it’s awesome when that happens.
Amy Hiley recently posted..Remembering…
I’m CRAZY. I’ve lost my mind. I went and got shoes today. They’re awesome. Maybe we can run together soon!
Starting next week (because I’m too lazy to start today) I need to get my butt in shape. And the rest of me too. I want to be able to go for a nice jog without panting from just leaving the house. I want to be able to jog a 5k and not feel like death is on the horizon. I want to walk the 3 Day Walk in November and not have to use a sweep van because I can’t cut it. I want to walk all 60 miles and then celebrate with an entire chocolate cake. And a bottle of wine. And then sleep for a week after. Haha. So I’ll encourage you, if you encourage me!
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