My 5K Challenge COMPLETED!
I did it! On Sunday, May 4th I ran my very first official 5K race! I went from barely being able to run three minutes a few months ago to being able to run three miles!
I found the Couch To 5K running program on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. The program starts off really easy with short increments of running and walking. Gradually the running times are increased and over time, you run a little bit longer and a little bit farther. The plan takes nine weeks to complete, but it took me longer because I repeated some weeks if I felt like I wasn't ready to move on. I also didn't do a lot of running in the winter when the weather was cold.
When I set out to do this, my goal was simply just to get to the finish line even if I had to walk part of the way. I seriously didn't think I could do it. I didn't always look forward to running and it was a mental challenge to motivate myself to run three days a week as much as it was a physical challenge. As I was able to run longer distances and for longer periods of time, I started enjoying running more and started thinking maybe I could do it. Maybe I could not only complete the race, but complete the entire race without walking. I'm happy to say that I DID run the entire course and I did it in 32 minutes and 30 seconds!
There were several running events on Sunday and lots of people participating. This was the 5K run and the crowd of runners went all the way down the street. I was really glad to be in the front near the starting line!
In my mind, this is how I look while I'm running, because it's how I feel.
But in reality, this is how I look when I'm running. So yes, there are some obvious differences. I'm not as trim, fit and toned as this woman. But there is one big difference you may not notice right away. It's the huge smile on my face as I see my family cheering for me at the finish line and knowing that I accomplished my goal!
You can read more about my 5K challenge
in these previous posts.
Have you set any goals for yourself recently?
Have you completed them?
I'd love to know about them!
Inspired by this pin for the Couch to 5K running program.
Well done! I'm all motivated now to start running again!!
ReplyDeleteGo Bonnie! Congratulations! I'm working my way up to a 10K, but I'm in no rush to get there. OTOH, I don't want to take 2 hours to complete the distance, either. I'll get there eventually, and I'll be very excited if I can do it in less than 90 minutes.
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