When I wrote my goals for this year, one of them was to run a 5K. The thought scared me so much, I had to put it in really small font as if that would make a difference. But I accomplished that goal and ran one Saturday morning, and no one is more surprised than me.
I am not a runner – so to set a goal like running a 5k was tantamount to saying I’m going to stop shopping. My brother even asked if it was an April Fool’s joke when I told him. I tried training via the Couch-to-5k program very early this year but gave up when it got hard – aka, I had to run five minutes at a time. The 5k plan was abandoned sometime around March, but I stuck with interval training in the meantime.
Then summer hit, and I needed a confidence booster. I started researching local 5Ks and found that my hometown’s annual race was nine weeks away, exactly the length of the Couch-to-5K program.
I had a legit, real goal. Before I could change my mind, I signed up for the race.
I downloaded the Couch-to-5K app, which I cannot recommend enough, and made a training plan. And then I woke up 30 minutes early three days a week to run. It sucked. It didn’t get easier. But I did it.
The night before the race, I slept for about four five six hours. I never did sports in high school (marching band, holla!), and I had no idea what to expect at the race beyond a bunch of people in much better shape than me. My goal was to run at least two miles. Secretly though, my goal was to run the whole time.
My mom, stepdad, brother and sister-in-law were amazing and came to support me and my boyfriend, who was nice enough to be my training buddy, early in the cold on Saturday morning. I tried to act calm and cool. Inside I just wanted the race to start so it would be over.
Big points if you can find me (on the right of the photo). They shot off a blank at the start of the race, and I hate loud noises – so I missed the start because my ears were plugged. Oops.
When I looked at the route prior to Saturday, it didn’t look that bad. But running was a different story. I thought I was close to being done, and then I saw the 2-mile mark and almost cried. The cursing, which had been nonexistent, reached a new level, and I’m pretty sure the old lady walking running in front of me heard everything. I didn’t care. It was painful.
I’m pretty sure I finished close to last – and behind the old lady who had to be around 85 years old. I jokingly told my mom it would probably take me 45 minutes “if I’m lucky” – and it ended up taking around 43. But I finished – and I ran the whole damn time.
I think saying to yourself “I’m not a runner” is the get-out-of-jail card we non-athletic types give ourselves. And it’s a shame – because you don’t have to be an athlete to be a runner. You just have to be motivated – and of course cute shoes don’t hurt!
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Congrats on your first 5k dear – that is awesome!
XO
http://www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com
OMG we’re so proud of you!!!!!! love the part where you wrote “I just wanted the race to start so it could be over!” exactly what we could think!!!! this post is very very very inspirational!
seriously, congrats!!!
xo. c & v
cake & valley
Good for you! That is awesome. And who cares how long it took you to cross the finish line?! You ran the whole time and reached your goal. Woohoo!
so awesome! i did the couch to 5K program for my first 5K too and it was great!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Great job, Catherine!
YAHOO you made it! How exciting is that for you to reach a goal and you looked amazing as you ran too!
What style that your top and shoes matched!
That’s AWESOME! I’ve been doing the couch to 5k, and you’re right, it’s REALLY hard! I’ve been wanting to run a 5k for a while, but I’m super nervous to commit to it. Good job sticking to your guns, signing up, and RUNNING THE WHOLE THING!
BIG congrats on your first 5K! I am so happy for you. It really is a huge accomplishment.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
You did great! congrats again!
work-it-blog.blogspot.com
Way to go girl! I flipping love you plugging your ears before the start gun! You’ve inspired me to get back out there and start running again. Major kudos to you for sticking with it and finishing it out strong!
Congrats, that’s such an accomplishment! Those running shoes are super cute.
CONGRATS!!!!!
I love that you said the “I’m not a runner” thing is a cop-out….I say it all the time! I need to stop. I also just printed out the couch to 5k program!! I.will.do.it.
Thank you for the inspiration!!! and YES LOVE your shoes
were they comfortable??
Yes they were! You can find them here: http://www.zappos.com/nike-lunarfly-3-cool-grey-pink-flash-mulberry-white. I started using them when I started the program, so they would be broken in by the time the race rolled around.
Well done Catherine!
Though I do beg to differ on the “I’m not a runner” thing…for some of us it’s not an excuse. It’s a lifestyle choice. ; P
Traci
I’m so proud of you BBF! I think it’s awesome that you ran the whole time- I definitely couldn’t do that. Running is terrible. Ps, you and the boy are so cute
Congrats! That is quite an accomplishment! I’m planning on starting the Couch to 5K soon, but life keeps getting in the way!
congrats on finishing girl!
CONGRATS!! I have never done a 5K. And I always say look I am not a runner. And I have been on sports teams (badminton & tennis holla!) but nothing that involves real running. I can do a working, love me some Body Pump but I give you a high 5 for running!!
Giiiiiiirl you rock! I never could run in the morning! SO happy for you–what an accomplishment
I ran a half-marathon two years ago and at the end I was cursing at the top of my lungs to anyone who would listen and I messed up my knee and couldn’t walk right for days…and I’m training for my second now.
I’m just warning you, it’s an addiction. No matter how awful you convince yourself it was haha! Hope to see more running updates
Aaah I don’t know!! I haven’t run since, I hate to say. I LOVED finishing… but that’s about it! I have been walking a lot though, if that makes up for it. Congrats on running a half!!
Haha! Walking is a good substitute. I once read that running 3 miles and walking 3 miles burns the same amount of calories. And walking is way less awful. So you’ve got the right idea. I also love your shoes and new boy toy
I can’t wait to see/meet Brian in February and ask him WHO WAS THAT GIRL YOU WERE RUNNING WITH AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY NIECE??? You, as always, are SOOO awesome…..and always with style and grace. Shall I check for the 5Ks in Scottsdale while you are here?