I never really considered myself a runner. In fact, all through high school I abhorred running--I couldn't stand PE which helps to explain my current state! :) In college I actually took a jogging class--I'm still not sure why--and liked it, although I very rarely jogged. In order to get an A, I simply had to improve my time on 1 mile. There was ONE time during that class in which I jogged the entire time. That was the first and last time.
I've been a couch potato for a long time too. There are times when I still am. However, in the last 8-9 months I've begun to change that. As I said in my earlier blog, I've begun walking. I don't know if the walking by itself would be that successful. I think what drives me to keep walking, more than anything else, is competition. Much of the time that I'm walking, I'm preparing for some race. It gives me something to look forward to and a purpose for walking/training other than just weight-loss--which should be its own motivator, right??
Anyway, I started with my first official 5k on September 11, 2010 for the Boost the Bayou 5K here in Lutcher. Since then, I've completed two more--Tanger Fit Families 5K and the Bonfire Festival 5K. In these months I've also convinced myself to complete a Half Marathon--that's 13.1 miles people! For someone who was sedentary much of her life, that has to be some accomplishment right?!?
I am signed up for the Rock-n-Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon on February 13, 2011. This has given me something to train for. It's currently 5 weeks away. The farthest I've walked to date is 7 miles. Today, I completed 6.5 in the Houma Heart and Soles Half Marathon Relay as a part of a 2-person team in 1 hour and 26 minutes--that's a 13 minute mile, mostly walking!! I have 5 weeks to complete walks that will get me as close to 13 miles as possible before race day.
Understand that I am under no delusions that I can win any of these races--my goal is to complete them--each one faster than the last if possible. My competition is myself--but the races are extremely fun especially when my entire family can get involved.
Now that the new year is here, I'm looking forward to the SCC Run for the Son, United Way of St. Charles Bridge Run, and of course the Mardi Gras Half Marathon. I'll keep you updated on all of these!
Mandy
Mandy, weight loss is usually never a great motivator for exercise. Because it's such an unsatisfying, frustrating, and often elusive goal. At least I've found. But other things are better motivators: going the distance, whatever it is, or beating your last time/distance. For me I find a great deal of comfort and motivation in having a training schedule. Marking off each training day on my training calendar makes my day sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I get little payoffs every now and then, like listening to a group of friends complain about a hill we're walking up on our way to lunch and realizing that I hadn't even noticed we were on a hill.
Good for you and congratulations on your relay! Have fun training for the next. I don't know if you have a training schedule yet but you should essentially train the same way someone does when they plan to run the whole thing. The biggest thing is to never skip the long run (or walk).
If you're looking for ideas for training for a half-marathon (or even to walk a full marathon) take a look here for a good basic training schedule: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm
That schedule has you walking 4 days and doing cross-training on some other days. My first half-marathon I did Wii Fit on my cross-training days!
Have fun!
Jen Favaloro-Sabatier
Weight loss is very tuff. I battled this problem as a child from age 9 to 17. Found my way to the military that really put me into shape. Later as life progressed I fell into the same old routine again from 27 to 37.
ReplyDeleteLast year was a rough beginning and sad to myself I needed that change in life again. My early mid life crisis as you will.
So far I've put my mind to it and said I'm doing it and did it. I reached my goal, Lost 53lbs yea, but now have to stay and track to stay there.
Holidays were not nice. Up 10 lbs since Dec 18th.
I also know I wont win 1st place but this is my change of life to better myself and to show my family a way to better health and life style. It is definitely easier when the entire family works together on this and not just one person fighting not to eat all the junk in the house. It is also nice to have the entire family evolved in the races. It's teaching the boys early about exercise and fitness.
Stay on track, you can do it. Reach your goal. I'm here to help.
Rick.