Running. I’ve never been a runner. I admit that. My best mile time was maybe about a 9:30 and that was when I was like 15. Let’s forget that year I tried to play soccer, ‘cause hoo boy, that was just bad. I always associated running with something worse than death. That’s pretty intense considering our ancestors have been running forever whether in battle or from like the dinosaurs or whatever, but I just didn’t find it enjoyable.
I got this crazy idea in my head that I would finally try taking up running, even going so far as to say I’d run the half marathon this year. People, young and old, in-shape and out-of-shape were doing it, so why shouldn’t I? Hating and avoiding it was just stupid considering all of the great health and fitness benefits it provides.
Getting fitted for shoes was the first step and I had a pleasant encounter at The Athlete’s Foot in Shadyside. The guy was so knowledgeable and really didn’t just try to sell me just any pair of shoes, but a pair of shoes that would work for me. Flash forward and I was getting up at around 5 a.m. to run around a bit in my neighborhood. Once I joined the gym in December (yeah, I beat all those resolution bitches to the punch — pow!), I found myself on the treadmill with the colder weather on tap. I wasn’t running much through all of this. I could only run about 30 seconds before I was gasping for air and walking for like 10 minutes (dramatic effect, really like 2 or 3 minutes).
My running stopped once I fell on the hardwood floors around Christmas time at an undisclosed location (that’s a story for another time!). My knees and most of both legs were pretty bruised to the point where walking, sitting or crossing legs was excruciatingly painful. Once I started to heal up, I found running still pretty difficult to handle on the treadmill, so I turned to the elliptical finding that it didn’t put too much pressure on my knees and toes (which I also mangled — again, a different story for another time).
My thoughts were still on running. I knew months ago that I wasn’t going to be running a half marathon any time soon as I hadn’t been doing any sort of substantial running since high school (aka 10 years ago). If I couldn’t run 30 seconds without wanting to die, how was I going to handle more than 13 miles?
I decided to be realistic with no real game plan in mind, but with the idea that I’d at least try a Couch to 5K (C25K) running program to see how far I could get. With a positive recommendation in hand, I downloaded the GetRunning C25K iPhone app. Five minute warm-up (I’ve noticed that most people running at the gym don’t warm up for more than three seconds without breaking into a run — hardcore, but no thank you) and five minute cool down with the run in between guided by some pleasant British chick.
I started on February 15, running 1 minute and alternating walking for 1.5 minutes for eight sets. On Monday, April 4, I enter Week 8 with 28 minutes of continuous running.
I will tell you that it hasn’t been easy. I start with a bit of pain in my left knee (which eventually subsides) and end sweaty and red in the face (hawt). I’ve had to decrease my pace to survive the longer runs, though I may still be running that pace anyway contrary to what the treadmill says.
I feel good for most of the run and can breathe without experiencing side stitches 95% of the time. Hitting the last five minutes of the longer runs is the hardest because my body wants to give up, yet I somehow power through to the end.
If you told me I’d be running 30 minutes straight in two weeks, I’d have laughed at you, but I’m almost to that point and I’m extremely proud of myself for sticking with it. What started as a crazy idea has turned into something that is getting me back to a healthier lifestyle.
I’ll run a 5K eventually and maybe I’ll hit that half marathon in time, but for right now, I’m just determined to finish what I started. Also? Don’t ask me what I listen to when I run. It’s pretty embarrassing, but it keeps me going.
In conclusion: if I can do it, you can. Real talk.
