Running

[bewize]

Yesterday, I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. My distance is too slow, but so the f what?

I *ran* for 20 minutes without stopping.

And didn't die!

Do you know how awesome this makes me?!?!?!?

I know a couple of people were thinking of starting C25K. I can only say, "yes, do it." I never ever ever was a runner. I hated it. I loathed it. It tried to kill me.

But this program takes that and makes it workable. Not easy. I don't think I ever finished a week and thought, "Damn! Piece of cake! Easy as pie! Please, tell me when this starts!"

But the point is, that I finished the week. Then finished the next week. Then finished the week after that. Week 5 is the "hard" week where the intervals jump from 5 minutes, to 8 minutes, to a 20 minute straight run. And every single run this week (except the first), I thought, "Oh, lord. This is the one I fail. This is the one where I prove that I can't do it."

But that wasn't true. I totally did it. *smug glee*

I am a bit disappointed in my speed. But, I'm going to start running on my "off" days and work on sprints. I think that's supposed to be the best way to help you get faster. That and just sticking with it.

I've been doing some reading on it, and that seems the best way for me.

My knee issues are resolving. Neither are really purple anymore, although both still swell slightly. My right one has started clicking. Once I get through this round of "issues" with the eye doctor and the asthma drugs, I shall make a point to get to the bone doc and see what zie says about my knee.

I don't even think it's making an excuse when I say that I believe my knee slowed me down some. I think it's just fact. My knee is slowing me down some. But, I'm going to keep going and work around it.

So, that's a total victory!

I'd really like to run a 5K near the end of August. If anyone is planning to run one, or has one to suggest, or anything like that, please let me know!

It takes 21 days for something to be habit. 90 days to get an addiction. And according to the guy at the shoe store, if I run for the rest of the program here, I'll never want to stop. I can live with that.

I've not really lost any weight, I don't think. But I can see my body taking a different shape. And I'm definitely in better shape than I was before. My asthma is no where near as bad as it was. I don't even need the inahler anymore. *knock on wood*

I'm still on the two daily drugs, plus an anti-allergy drug, but I'm so hopeful that I'll eventually be able to come off those.

Also, running helps with osteoporosis. It runs in my family so badly, but the doc told me that whatever you do before 35 helps prevent, and whatever you do after 35 helps treat. Running causes your bones to become denser and less likely to shrink, so I think trying to get in at least 4 good years or "prevention" is a good plan before I turn into my grandmother!

Last, but certainly not least, running is exercise and as always, exercise helps with mental mood issues. My life is so crazed that my mood swings are pretty violent sometimes, but now instead of giving up the running to try and fit more crazy in, I put the crazy on hold, go and run, and when I come back... things are magically calmer. It's a miracle all on its own, right there!

So, in other words, I think this is good for me!

Well that's enough from me for now. I've got things to do and docs to go and see. Wish me luck!

Comments

[haruka]

Congratulations! It sounds like your running is having the same effect on you that swimming is having on my wife. :)

[bewize]

Thanks! If that effect is smugness, then yes, indeedy! Hee.

I don't know. Right now, it's about the only thing in my life that feels in control. XD

[branchandroot]

*applause* It's so cool when you get up to that point and realize you can actually do it. When I got up to 20 minutes biking I was bouncing. My body works again! Yay! Plus, endorphins for the win.

[bewize]

I WAS bouncing! I felt amazing, if tired, and like I could do anything. It was a truly mindblowing experience.