Like most people, I have a bucket list. I am so incredibly grateful that I actually get to scratch something else from mine. I ran my first 5K!
| This is a guest post by Sheree Adams. Sheree is a Christian, wife, WAHM of three, nurse, blogger and speaker, who is forever drawn to all things health-related. You can find her blogging about marriage, family, health tips and more as Smart & Sassy Mom. Sheree is committed to helping blended families and keeping marriages strong, healthy, fun and SPICY! Follow Sheree on Twitter (@SmartNSassyMom), and check out her blog. If you want to guest post on my blog, check out the guidelines here. |
Now, for some of you, this is nothing. I know it’s not a half-marathon or a marathon, but from a non-runner’s perspective, it’s kind of a big deal. I ran 3.1 miles…YAY ME!!! Yeah, my time sucked, but I am a real-life story of someone who went from Couch to 5K.
Running a 5k? Maybe next year, or the year after…or…this year!
A few years ago, while living in Philly, I registered to run the Broad Street Run (very popular run), but I fractured my foot. So, naturally I was bummed and put the whole “running thing” on the back burner for about 3 years. I figured it was time to re-visit the idea. Besides, I think I’ve “liked” every runner page on Facebook, subscribed to every Runner’s email newsletter and basically, it was about time I joined them!
Plus, a lot of my friends are on this “Healthy is the new Sexy” kick, and I love it! I’m so happy to see so many pics of awesome looking 30 and 40 somethings doing Ironman (I know right?), FULL marathons and triathlons. It’s great!
Before my run, I felt a tremendous amount of support from them all as I embarked on this challenge to not only run three miles but to not cause a scene by needing emergency personnel to come and rescue me by mile marker two.
My journey to 5k begins…and so do the doubts
So, my journey began when I downloaded the app onto my iPhone called, Couch to 5K. It was the best thing ever! It’s an interactive app that coaches to you run for a few minutes and walk for a few minutes until you’re running most of the time and walk for a few moments in between.
Like most things in my life, I was bit inconsistent with the app, but tried to make sure that I moved around, and did cardio at least three times per week. As the time for my run came closer, I got more and more nervous. I doubted myself, as well wondered what the heck I’d gotten myself into.
Ready for race day…I can do this!
Well, guess what? The morning of my race, I felt great. I had my cheering squad with me (my hubby and 3 kids), and I did it. I ran for 45 minutes with only a few short spurts of walking. Was it easy? No, but I felt amazing afterwards.
I got through the rough spots with a running buddy during the race as well as blasting 90’s hip/techno in my earbuds. Hey…You gotta do whatever works. My advice to anyone who wants to run a race is to remember a few things.
Three for you to remember when running your first race
- “Your race. Your pace”. Don’t try to keep up with anyone.
- Finishing = Winning. You are already a winner just by being in the race and simply finishing.
- And last, like Nike, just do it! You’re not trying to qualify for the Olympics, just take control of your health and your goals and rock out!
Happy Running!
Question: Are you a runner? If so, please share the experience of your first distance race in the comment section below.