Finally getting faster

I started running in August 2006. It was a huge lifestlye change for me. I have never ever in my life had a significant commitment to "working out" or physical fitenss. I always wanted to be one of those people who goes to the beach and runs on the sand in the early morning, but I never was. Not even close.

I found my SeeMommyRun group through my husband. Weird, I know. But he is a Runner. That's right, a runner with a capital "R," and he coaches high school runners. One of the women he coaches with is in our group and she told him about it and he told me. So, I found SMR through my husband. I first came out as a committed walker. But, then I realized that from a fitness standpoint you get so much more bang for your buck if you run! But, I had NEVER been an athelete or a runner type, and the transition was daunting.

Enter husband, again. He hooked me up with a good book, and I started training with an interval program out of Daniel's Running formula, second edition. I was very ordered and cerebral about it, following the program with commitment. I didn't actually believe I could actually accomplish my goal of being able to run for 30 minutes without walking. Following the program gave me confidence. Much to the amusement of my "running buddies" and my friends, I would not stray from the plan lest I not be able to accomplish a workout. The plan had four levels and each time move up a level I felt a little nervous. But each time, I did it. And in twelve weeks, with three work outs a week I trained my way to being able to run a 5K without stopping! I cried after I ran my first 5K race (but I often cry when I'm happy). I used chant to myself when I was running and heaving and wanting to quit "you will get faster, you will get stronger. it won't hurt so much..." I would repeat it over and over again. Even though I had made my goal of running the 5K I didn't feel much faster but I felt a little stronger.

Last summer, on our family vacations, I was that girl who got up early and took a run on the beach. I was so proud of myself. Now when I'm a little miserable during a run, I remind myself that finally I am becomming, in this way at least, the kind of person I always have wanted to be. For me, this is a big huge growing edge. And I am so thankful.

This winter I registered for a 10K race in June. Having never actually run 10K in one shot it's a decent goal for me. Also, I want to run those 10K's at a 10 minute mile pace. Really, I'd like to go a little faster so I can hit 60 minutes as a race time. This part is a HUGE goal for me, but after today, for the first time I think I really may be able to do it. I hurt my leg on Christmas, so I'm just getting back to running, but I had a pretty crazy fall and let's just say I wasn't too committed to my sport even before I was injured. I've been back at it for about a month.

Last week I ran around a local lake with a couple of teammates. In general, it's safe to say they are faster than me; significantly so. They ran speed intervals while I plugged around the lake with my goal being to make it all 4.7 miles without walking. They kept coming back to check on me, which was awesome because having company always rocks. I ran my fastest time around the lake that day- 48:33. I was so happy. Previously my fastest time had been around 51 minutes. I finally felt like I was getting faster.

Today I ran around the lake with my good friend and teammate, one of the girls who I ran with the previous week. Carin paced me around the lake, and I pushed myself just a little harder than usual. Today I ran my fastest time around the lake. 46:27. Go me. Thanks for the help, Carin.

Finally after all this time, I believe my ability to run. I will get faster! And now, I actually believe I might be able to make my race goals in June. This feeling for me is HUGE. In a few more weeks, I'll be ready to add "speed work" to my routine. Right now I'm just working to get in four runs a week. I am faster. I am stronger. Sometimes it still hurts, but not so much, and it doesn't make me as miserable. I am so glad I found my running friends. I am so proud of myself. I love being the kind of girl who runs on the beach. It is so good for me in so many ways.