Just Do It! 5K
In January I signed up to run the Hot Chocolate 5K run. We've already established that I love hot chocolate, and so I thought that might be a good motivator to train for a run.
I don't consider myself a runner. In fact, I'm not a very good exerciser.
But I also made the cliche goal to focus on my health in 2020. So I found a 5K training program and got started!
It wasn't easy to get started. My mind is a very powerful motivator to do nothing. It is very, very, very good at talking me out of doing anything. And I'm very, very, very good at listening to it! And I have a long, long, long track record of starting to exercise and stopping after a few tries.
This time around though - I did it!
Finishing up The Hot Chocolate Run 5K around my neighborhood. Sweaty and happy that I did it!
I ran on the treadmill at the gym two days a week and bundled up and ran outside two days a week through January and February. When Covid-19 happened and we all self-quarantined I transitioned to running 100% outside.
Then the in person race was canceled like all of the events around the world in an effort to stop the pandemic. The race went virtual, and, instead of stopping, I just kept on training! I was so close, I didn't want to stop.
Running through my neighborhood once the office (and the office gym) closed.
I know I was successful this time around because of all the people who cheered me on and supported me!
-My fabulous friend and co-worker Stephanie Foster! (Who not for nothing, ran a 15K all on her own today!)
-My husband who often bought and delivered me lunch so I could run at the office gym at work
-My friend Becky who started her own Fit February and even went out for a run with me. She pushed me with many Fitbit challenges.
-My best friend Marci who was always up for a run together, and patient with my pace, and where I was in my training schedule!
And when we all had to entrench at home - the support through texts and phones continued!
I really did it!!!
Me with my bib and medal that got mailed to all participants!
I didn't let my head get in the way. (Although to be honest sometimes it took me 3-4 hours to convince myself I DID have to go and run.) Sometimes I had the mantra of "I hate this, I hate this, I hate this," while I ran. I discovered that very specific music helped with that. Then I discovered Nike Run Club and that was a huge game changer.
So...now I guess the question is....what's next?
Sam doing his part!
After a run - will I always feel like this?
Getting my shoes tied and ready!
Shot on a Sony A7iii, 24mm & 50mm
Shooting: Handheld + tripod + Imagining Edge Sony app
Photo of me running and with my medal was taken by my husband
Practicing: Editorial + editing style + focus
