proud runner

I feel like I may soon be able to actually classify myself as a ‘runner’ – though a part of me still thinks that term is reserved for more elite, seasoned athletes. But today I am feeling pretty proud, because I just ran twenty five minutes without stopping for the first time in my life. Ahhh! I can hardly believe it now, much less when I was actually huffing & puffing out on the pavement. These little achievements & milestones are one of my favorite things about running (also up there: feeling strong, being healthy, and having alone time). Just last Friday I crossed the 20 minute mark and I have already broken that personal record. I can see why people become addicted to this.

It’s absolutely bonkers to think that a little more than two months ago I could not run a single minute without feeling like I was going to pass out and/or melt into a puddle on the sidewalk. But I made a promise to myself, a commitment to make fitness and my health more of a priority (NOT to be skinnier at all, that is soo not the point of this). I started out alternating running for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds, working my way up to lengthier runs and shorter walks, and now I have reached the point where I don’t walk at all, except to warm up & cool down. It’s been HARD. Hard to motivate myself to get out of bed, hard to actually stretch before leaving the house (the most boring part of running if you ask me), and extra hard to push through those really tough stretches when you have to start mentally cheerleading yourself just to keep going.

Aside from the week that we moved, I haven’t missed a day. I’ve wanted to, for sure, but I’ve stuck to my guns (it helps to wake up & immediately put on running shorts). In a strange sort of way, I’ve become kind of protective over my runs. It’s become a part of my routine. The thought of skipping a run makes me feel defeated and lazy. I really don’t know how I managed to live this many years without having something like this in my life. I crave that sense of accomplishment – it’s the best feeling ever! Yes, there are moments when I’m running up hills where I seriously want to scream – if I had any breath, that is. But in the end, it’s more worth it than you can imagine. And it really doesn’t take that long – about 30 minutes, 45 when you factor in getting dressed, stretching, drinking water, etc.

I don’t think I have shared much about my new running program here, but after reaching this milestone today I wanted to scream it from the rooftop because I am proud of my hard work. I figured it was a good time to comment about it. I’m definitely not done – my first real goal is 30 minutes without stopping, but I think I’ll be there in a few more weeks. And then I think I may have to find a 5k!

Are there any other runners reading? What’s been the biggest hurdle for you, mentally & physically? What’s the biggest accomplishment?

Photo: I think it’s a Nike promo shot, but I found it here.