Brink of insanity

So, 6 months ago I decided to start the Couch to 5k running program.   You start the program with 60 seconds of running, then 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes.  After 9 weeks you should have worked up to 30 minutes of running.


I am a goal oriented gal.  I LIKED that I had specific training and it all spelled out.  "This is week 5, this week you will do XYZ"  So, if I did XYZ, the I did what I was supposed to, so mission accomplished.  So let's do it...


You all... I can not TELL you how hard this was for me.  The first week I literally felt like I would vomit after 60 seconds.  It was SO.HARD for me.  I hated running to begin with.  I was never able to run.  My lungs hurt, my knees hurt... I had excuse after excuse! (albeit legit ones).  I was in tears getting through a 60 second run and living in fear of the next 60 seconds. I hate it.  I cried.  I cussed.  But, I ran.

My husband and I (along with some friends) signed up for a 7 MILE off trail run.  It is run that has creek crossings (9 of them!) running up steep hills (as in you have to grab a rope sort of steep)... and did I mention it was SEVEN MILES??  To a girl who can barely run 60 seconds, that is sort if insane.

So, I kept on going.  And probably to 10 or 11 weeks (hey, I have kids! Things happen!!) I RAN! I ran a 5K.  It was a pathetic time (42 minutes and something...) BUT I DID IT!  And for the record, my goal was just to finish without dying.  Under 60 minutes was my goal, and under 45 minutes was my unrealistic goal.  I consider it all a win.

Then a month later was the off road race.  OMG.  I was so scared.  I had a panic attack just waiting to start. But, I did it.  Again NOT an impressive time.  2 hours 12 minutes.  There is a lot of time waiting to cross the creeks and funnel through tunnels so not ALL my fault =)

So, I was done.  I "graduated" this 5K program. Ran my races.  And I got the feeling of "Hurmp... now what?!?!

So I found the "Bridge to 10K" program.  OY! Well, may as well... I mean I have to fancy shoes and all.

Again you gradually build up to a 10k race.  This time your goal is to take the 30 minutes up to 60.   I just graduated.  =)  A week early actually.  This week I was supposed to run 25 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 25.  BUT, I got to the 25 and thought "I don't want to stop... let's see how far I can run before I need to stop" So I kept going.  And I got to the 45 min mark and said "Well, it's just 5 minutes until I am done with this week... let's see if I can make it 60 whole minutes" And I did.  YAY!

THEN, if by magic... the local running club sent out their newsletter.  It had training schedules for a marathon and half marathon.  SO, what the hell, let's see how a half marathon works out.

Someone shoot me when I say "Eh, may as well try a marathon"

Because... I do hate running after all.