Only?... SEVEN?!?!?! Sorry, what? Let's be real people, what sort of psycho casually runs 7 miles after a full day, and then feels bad about it? And in an hour? This is a world I did not understand, and wanted no part in...
I don't know why or where it came from, but last summer I got the idea that I wanted to run a 5k. In fact, I wanted to run multiple 5ks- I wanted to improve from each 5k to the next, and I wanted to get to the point where there would be absolutely *no* walking during the race. Just a straight 5k run (3.1 miles, in case you were unaware). And so last July, the 5ks began...
And here are the results to date:
| DATE 7/4/2013 |
RACE Firecracker 5k |
TIME 39'32" |
||||
| 7/14/2013 | Biggest Loser 5k | 37'36" | ||||
| 9/7/2013 | 9-11 Memorial 5k | 36'33" | ||||
| 10/12/2013 | Amnesty 5k | 34'30" | ||||
You may note that it has been many moons since a race has happened...well, that's because I don't like running and I don't like the cold- so the chances of me running in the cold are slim to none. [Closer to the "none"]. But my friends, that all will change this weekend, when yours truly goes up to Philadelphia to run the hot chocolate 5k with Mary. For the past month or so I've been putting a lot of effort into running, so we shall see if that pays off.
It's funny. I've always been someone who hates running. To me running has always kind of been one of those things that really seems to highlight and lay out all of my insecurities in public display. Like "hey, I'm slow, and weak, I'm out of shape and I'm going to quit- so now everyone watch while I do it!" I mean really, what grace or joy is there in running a short distance only to find that your lungs are near a point of explosion, your muscles have exhausted and you're probably sheer moments from cardiac arrest?
Well, it's probably slightly less excruciating for those in better shape than I am, but I think I'm starting to be on to something. I probably run outdoors about 2-3 times a week in distances that range from 1 mile up to 2.5 miles just depending on how I'm feeling and how much I want to push it. And regardless of the distance or my pace I'd say the first 5-7 minutes suck. Every single run. They suck and I want to stop. It's that same feeling- my legs feel tired when I've barely begun and my lungs feel like they're begging for more air and my heart really picks up the pace. For those first 5-7 minutes I feel like my whole body is yelling at me and begging me to stop. It throws every punch it's got to make me abandon the run and just walk. And for those 5-7 minutes all I can think is, "I have to stop. This sucks. I'm quitting. I'm walking home. I'm done." But for the past month or so, I've done this crazy thing where I don't quit after seven minutes. I feel the tiredness in my muscles and I feel my lungs and heart working in overdrive and I keep going anyhow. And after those 7 minutes all of a sudden something happens- I don't mean that metaphorically. Something physically changes in my body- my muscles stop feeling tired my heart rate steadies and my breathing, while quickened, becomes controlled. And my mind stops begging me to stop. It's as if all of a sudden my brain and body simultaneously say, "Oh, you weren't kidding? We're doing this? Okay then, let's go." And then I go for another mile and a half. And the feeling you get from continuing long after every part of you has wanted to quit- the feeling of overcoming your own self-doubts- well to me, that's the runner's high that everyone seems to rave about. Now, I don't think I can be classified as someone who loves to run- but hey, maybe I'm on my way?
Even if not, I'm on my way to Philly to run again, with two main goals in mind- to not walk at all during this race, and to beat that 34'30" time. So wish me luck and I'll report back next week!
~Rachel~
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