Thursday, December 24, 2009

I love running. (HOW did THAT happen?!)

I'm on Week 8 of the 9-week Couch-to-5K running program. I blog about my running at C. Beth Run.

I've always been someone who said, "Ugh, I hate running. I hate that feeling where my lungs are burning. I admire people who run, but I don't want to do it!" So how in the world have I gotten to this point that I'm actually enjoying it?

By "enjoying it," I don't mean I love every minute of it. The last few minutes of the run are distinctly un-fun. In fact, during the whole run, I look forward to it being over! But there are several reasons I've ended up loving running:
  1. It's so simple. No special gear is absolutely necessary except shoes. I can quickly get ready and get out of the house.
  2. It's fast. No trip to the gym, no one-hour training sessions. In under 35 minutes, I get a great workout. (And I only run three times a week.)
  3. I have a very, very active dog, and when he runs with me it gets out a lot of his energy. (As I write this on Wednesday, several hours after our morning run, Hammer is sleeping in the back yard.)
  4. It's something I can do without the kids--a type of "me time."
  5. Afterward I feel great--energized, with my blood pumping. I love looking in the mirror and seeing my flushed cheeks. I feel so healthy after a run.
  6. As a beginning runner, my stamina and speed have quickly increased. I know I won't always see such rapid improvement, but right now it's exciting.
  7. It gets me outside. I can sometimes be a hermit, and enjoying the morning sun (or clouds) starts off my day on a good note.
So here I am, nearly done with my Couch-to-5K program, but wanting very much to keep running. It's crazy...and wonderful, too.

5 comments:

Tia said...

All the reasons I love it too! Exactly the same!

Tom said...

Running is 80% mental, and 20% pure guts. I commend you for setting such a great goal offrom couch to 5K in nine weeks.

When I was a youngester, and in the Marine Corps, we ran three days a week, distance varried, and so did speed, but being a leader, I have to alwyas be there. Even the last week before I retired I ran with my fellow Marines.

The mindset of "you can" is so powerful, and setting your mind to the fact that "you can" make 5K in nine weeks, is outstanding.

Madam, I salute you.

Call Me Cate said...

I've really enjoyed reading your updates as you've gone through the c25k program. Running is awesome for all of the reasons you've stated. And probably even a few more.

I miss running. I miss the accomplishment. I'm envious of my husband's many miles of training and ability to tell me that his 5-miler is like a walk in the park.

Some day...

Roban said...

Good for you! I was one of those hate-to-run folks until I finally got past the one-mile mark. It took a while to do that, but I did.

And once you get into the routine of running, it is hard to give up. I went from 5K to marathon-training over a few years time and absolutely loved the feeling of accomplishment I felt after every run.

Yea, you! Keep going!

(I had you in my blog list, but haven't been by to visit in quite a while.... Just thought I would take a peek while waiting for Santa to arrive!)

Anonymous said...

Good for you!!!