Runner, Runner

Despite the title of this blog, this is not a post about the movie Runner Runner.

However, this post is about running.

Recently, I've started training for a Run or Dye 5K that's coming up on November 9. This will be my first ever 5K and I thought it'd be a good one to try out first. In no way would I call myself an excellent runner. I'm definitely still a beginner and it's been challenging. I've actually always hated running, but secretly desired to love it. Too bad I was awfully unhealthy, obese and too out of shape; nor did I ever believe in myself enough to ever even try. I missed out on a lot because of that. Yet, I've always had this desire to just go out and run. I'm not even sure where that desire comes from, but it has been there for a really long time. However, any time that I've ever even attempted to run, I've always given up way too easily because of different reasons or excuses.

At the beginning of this year, I tried following a training program but gave up on it. Summer came and so did all of the gnats, mosquitoes, snakes and humidity - and even rain. It's not very enjoyable to run with all of those things. I guess I could've used a treadmill but I don't own one. I've actually never even been on one because they kind of scare me. All I envision is faceplanting and breaking my nose or something. However, now that it is Fall, it is much more enjoyable to be outdoors. I'm glad that this 5k is going to be in the Fall.

Training Schedule:

Week 1: 15 sec run/45 sec walk for 30 minutes (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 2: 20/40 for 30 (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 3: 30/30 for 30 (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 4: 30/30 for 30 (M) 35/25 for 30 (W) 40/20 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 5: 40/20 for 30 (M) 40/20 for 30 (W) 45/15 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 6: 45/15 for 30 (M) 50/10 for 30 (W) 50/10 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 7: 30 minute run (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
RACE DAY: November 9

I also do other workouts and stretches to help prevent injuries and strengthen my body. I am trying to do strength workouts M/W/F prior to my runs. The following is what I've been doing post runs.

Post-Run Yoga: http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/essential-yoga-for-runners-with-rebecca-pacheco

 

This morning my run was a 20/40 for 30 minutes. After my first week, I was feeling pretty good. However, halfway through my run this morning, I wanted to quit. I was tired, felt like I couldn't breathe and kept hearing a voice in my head saying "I can't do this". However, instead of giving up and quitting, I started speaking positivity and telling myself that I CAN and WILL do this! I prayed and kept repeating the name of Jesus. There's power in the name of Jesus!  

 

I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

Seek God First

Recap: Since the beginning of the year, I have been on a journey to live a healthier life. I started off this journey at 265 lbs, feeling terrible and in need of a big change! Thankfully, I wasn't experiencing any serious health problems - praise God - but I was heading down the path to them. I knew that things would only get worse if I continued down the path I was on. That is what ultimately set me on this journey. However, I had tried making this change so many times in the past and always gave up. Therefore, when I started out on this path for the one billionth time, I was doubtful. Yet, something was different this time. I started making changes and progressing more and more. Even though I faced some challenges and set backs along the way, I never gave up! By July, I had lost a total of 68 lbs - weighing in at 198 lbs. I was finally under 200 lbs! I can't recall the last time I was under 200 lbs so this was a huge accomplishment for me. I was on a high by the end of July. At the beginning of August, I weighed in at 194 lbs and was expecting more progress throughout the month. However, when I weighed in on September 1, I was at 195 lbs. While I didn't make the healthiest choices at all times, I thought that I would have at least lost 5 lbs so I was bit disappointed to learn I had gone up a pound. Instead of letting that get to me, I decided to get buckled back down. I set my goal to lose at least 10 lbs in the month of September.

I'm not going to lie. I didn't buckle myself down every day like I hoped I would and was feeling that I wasn't making any progress. I needed some reassurance so I decided to weigh myself in this morning instead of waiting til the end of the month.

I weighed in at 184 lbs!

That means I am down 11 lbs and have already made it past my goal for the month. I believe some of that weight was water weight and bloat, but it's gone! Also, I wanted to point out that I've noticed more tone in my muscles, especially my arms. It's not a large difference, but it's progress! I have lost a total of 81 lbs and have 34 more pounds to lose before I reach 150 lbs - my goal weight. However, I don't want to get caught up in the numbers on the scale because my ultimate goal is to just be healthy. I still want to reach that goal weight, but I know how much weight can fluctuate. I don't want to be too set on a number knowing how easily it can change. As long as I am making healthy choices, I don't have to worry about the numbers.

Also, while working on my physical self, I need to pay more attention to my spiritual self because God should always come first. I want all I say and do to glorify Him. I don't want to get healthy only for myself, but so that I can do more for the Lord. Also, I want to take any wisdom and insight that I have gained in any area of my life and pay it forward.