abbeyej Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm just still so excited that I *did* it, so I had to share. :) I have never, ever, ever been a runner. Up until last July it was something I would do "only when chased by bears". ... I was a reasonably athletic child and even teen, but man, running was just something I *hated*. But along the way one of my friends commented that she ran not because she like it, but because it was efficient. And over time I was able to take that and mull it over and realize that I didn't have to *like* running. I could do it just because I should. It was sort of a relief. All this time I thought I was missing a key element -- "liking to run" -- but it turns out that that's an irrelevant element! Some people like to run and that's great -- but you can run even if you hate it. ;) In July I started Couch to 5K. Running for 3 minutes (even very slowly) was *so* hard. My brother told me that all I had to do was "maintain a running form", even if I was super slow. So I worked on that. And I followed the plan. And sometimes I had to repeat a week. In October I ran my first race. A 10K. A fellow WTMer ran with me on one side and my brother on the other to make sure I'd finish. ;) And I did. In February I ran (and sometimes walked) my first half marathon. And today I completed my first triathlon. I swam 1/4 mile, biked 12 miles (of horrible, awful hills), and ran a 5K. And now I'm a triathlete. :D I'm still getting older, and I'm still a little fluffier than I'd like to be. But I'm also strong and determined. I did it. So... Um... If anyone's thinking, "You know, I should do *something*." You should. :) And you can. You don't have to love it. But maybe you'll love the sense of accomplishment... BTW, Niffercoo (another WTMer) is also a triathlete as of today. :D She's the one who ran beside me each of my first two races. Today she whoooooshed past me. ;) Thanks, Jen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arghmatey Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 That is really awesome! Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Wow! How cool for both of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorganClassicalPrep Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :party:Awesome job!!!! I've thought about trying to start a running program, but it will have to wait until DD can join me. Can't very well leave her home alone. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpe Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :thumbup1::thumbup::thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Awesome. I want to improve my running time and distance, that's my current goal. Mind you Im not working hard at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I have chills!!!! You are truly amazing!!!! Congratulations! I especially liked what you wrote about not having to like running. I was the same way. I mean I liked how I felt when it was done, but I didn't used to like the actual running part. But, as I ran longer, I started to crave it. I loved listening to the birds and seeing other runners. Races keep me going. I was thinking of you the day of your half marathon (Disney - right?). How was it? Don't they do a great job with their races? I'm SOOOOO jealous that you got to meet and run with Jen!!!! Some day I'm going to run a race with her!! (Jen - are you doing Disney next January? I'm doing the half again!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatDilan Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :party:Awesome job!!!! I've thought about trying to start a running program, but it will have to wait until DD can join me. Can't very well leave her home alone. :tongue_smilie: Sure you can! Get a running stroller. I borrowed one from a friend. My 5 yo still goes on runs with me occasionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted June 4, 2011 Author Share Posted June 4, 2011 :party:Awesome job!!!! I've thought about trying to start a running program, but it will have to wait until DD can join me. Can't very well leave her home alone. :tongue_smilie: I do know moms who've found parks with a track that circles the play area, so they're never out of sight of their kids while they run. She might also surprise you by how young she's able to try something like this... I know kids as young as 7 and 8 who run 5Ks with their parents. (That said, my dd was 9 before she could turn down the whining enough to build the stamina to run with me -- and yet almost overnight she surprised me by how much she could do.) So... Five is a tough age -- too big for a jog stroller, too small to be left (probably even on a swingset you can see from the track) or to run much with you -- but she'll be older and more able soon. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Now, you are going to need a cute outfit .... www.skirtsports.com www.athleta.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted June 4, 2011 Author Share Posted June 4, 2011 Yep, exactly. Almost from the start I liked how I felt *after* a run. But liking it during is still hard. It's not as *painful* as it was early on... But I'm working on "liking" it. ;) Races are so much energy and excitement though, and that's great. :) I need something to work toward next. I *think* my next goal is going to be to do the same 10k this year that was my first race last year and finish in under an hour... Jen's running her first marathon this year. :D I'm very proud of her, but I just don't have the "base" to be able to attempt it. Yet. And yes, I did the Disney Princess Half this past year. Lots and lots and lots of fun. (Also, my medal was WAY better than the one they gave us for the tri today.) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meriwether Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :thumbup: Good for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classical Country Mama Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! You're my hero!!!! That is so awesome, and you SHOULD feel excited and proud for finishing and for doing such a great job. :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Yep, exactly. Almost from the start I liked how I felt *after* a run. But liking it during is still hard. It's not as *painful* as it was early on... But I'm working on "liking" it. ;) Races are so much energy and excitement though, and that's great. :) I need something to work toward next. I *think* my next goal is going to be to do the same 10k this year that was my first race last year and finish in under an hour... Jen's running her first marathon this year. :D I'm very proud of her, but I just don't have the "base" to be able to attempt it. Yet. And yes, I did the Disney Princess Half this past year. Lots and lots and lots of fun. (Also, my medal was WAY better than the one they gave us for the tri today.) :) Oh yea- Disney's medals are awesome!!!! A 10k in under an hour is an awesome goal! I love that distance. I need to PM Jen. I ran my first marathon this year. I'm glad I did it once, but that's enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorganClassicalPrep Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Sure you can! Get a running stroller. I borrowed one from a friend. My 5 yo still goes on runs with me occasionally. I actually considered this- but she was down with the stroller at 18 months, I'm not sure I could get her into it! :D I do know moms who've found parks with a track that circles the play area, so they're never out of sight of their kids while they run. She might also surprise you by how young she's able to try something like this... I know kids as young as 7 and 8 who run 5Ks with their parents. (That said, my dd was 9 before she could turn down the whining enough to build the stamina to run with me -- and yet almost overnight she surprised me by how much she could do.) So... Five is a tough age -- too big for a jog stroller, too small to be left (probably even on a swingset you can see from the track) or to run much with you -- but she'll be older and more able soon. Good luck! There are a few places with tracks, but I still wouldn't be able to have my eyes on her at all times, so it makes me pretty uncomfortable. We've been walking the past couple evenings and the whining is driving me crazy- glad to know it isn't just my DD!! :lol: I worked out a deal with two friends to watch DD for an extra 2 hours after I get out of class starting in September so I can go to the university gym- I'm thrilled about that! :D I may try and start running then. I'd love to do a race at some point in the future. (far.... far future! :lol::lol:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susann Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Now, darn it, my day spent snoozing on the couch doesn't seem quite as fulfilling as it did:tongue_smilie: Major congrats and :party:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Congratulations!! That is such an awesome accomplishment!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Good for you! That is great. Doesn't it feel when you work hard and then complete it? It does make you feel strong. :cheers2: I'm not into the tri (not that fond of the bike), but I do enjoy running. I'm in better shape now than I had been my entire life. It's a good feeling. My dh has done one triathlon, and is going to do his second this summer. He loves them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Simply fabulous! I could handle the run or swim, but the bike and all the transitions....mind boggling! VERY WELL DONE!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted June 4, 2011 Author Share Posted June 4, 2011 Now, darn it, my day spent snoozing on the couch doesn't seem quite as fulfilling as it did:tongue_smilie: Oh no, napping is *awesome*. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Wow, I am so impressed! You deserve a big pat on the back. WTG!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheryl h Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I wished I could do a tri, but I can't swim worth a darn. I am so jealous. This morning my ds11 and I did a 5k race, his first, and now he's addicted. It was so fun to see his face at the finish, and boy, did he smoke me. Great Job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Congratulations! That's such a wonderful accomplishment. Big cool factor, too! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in WI Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Congratulations! I'm so impressed. What an accomplishment! :party: I'm finally up to speed 4 for 10 minutes on my treadmill... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 :party: You know how proud I am of you! You've been such an inspiration to me this past year. I'm happy with my 5K distance, but I love cheering you on with the crazier stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Woot! Awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in Jax Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 :hurray: :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 This is fabulous!!!! Congratulations!!! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niffercoo Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 BTW, Niffercoo (another WTMer) is also a triathlete as of today. :D She's the one who ran beside me each of my first two races. Today she whoooooshed past me. ;) Thanks, Jen! Abbey, I am so proud of you for completing your triathlon!! You did such an excellent job, and really you were quite fast!! I'm glad to have the privilege of running (and swimming and biking!) with you! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niffercoo Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 I'm SOOOOO jealous that you got to meet and run with Jen!!!! Some day I'm going to run a race with her!! (Jen - are you doing Disney next January? I'm doing the half again!) There is a very slim chance I could be there in January! One of my other friends is doing the marathon relay with a partner (who is not me) and she might need a room mate. I could split the cost of the room and split the cost of the gas to ride down there with her! I will keep you posted if I get to do it. I'm not sure when I would know one way or another. It's definitely on my plan for 2013 because it's the 20th anniversary year! But I might just go ahead and do Goofy that year to get it over with! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 ...she ran not because she like it, but because it was efficient. First of all, congratulations! Very impressive story! Second, can you explain exactly what you mean by "efficient?" I'm not a runner, but you are snagging my curiosity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patches Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Great Job. I'm inspired! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 :party: That is so awesome!!! WOW! I also hate to run. It hurts me too much. My dream is to ride my bicycle again...someday...if I can get past this last flare of Fibro, that is the first thing I am going to train to do. Congrats to you!!! I feel encouraged from your success. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnsinkableKristen Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Wow!! Congratulations!!! I am SO impressed and jealous :) I can't wait until the baby is born and I can get back to running. I wasn't running consistently enough right before I got pregnant to feel comfortable doing it now, but I am so ready to start again afterwards! Again, way to go!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasmommy Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Congratulations! What a fantastic accomplishment!!! :cheers2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I've spent all weekend trying to decide if I really can justify the expense of some personal training I have been considering. I hate to spend the money. But I also have a perfect 43 year unbroken record of never following through on an exercise plan. So I feel like accountability is necessary for me for a few months. But what I really want to do is to honor my father by running in an Alzheimer's charity 5K this fall. I want to training to help me get stronger for a purpose. And I love efficiency, even though I don't like running. You really inspired me with this So... Um... If anyone's thinking, "You know, I should do *something*." You should. :) And you can. You don't have to love it. But maybe you'll love the sense of accomplishment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Way to go! Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Congratulations! You've inspired me - I'm seriously thinking about tackling Couch to 5K. It's overwhelmed me before, but I'm turning 45 this summer and I need a big challenge to get me moving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy in NJ Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Awesome!!! This might inspire me to maybe start on my exercise bike tomorrow! :001_smile: I've been telling myself for years that it isn't too late for me. If I keep saying that, it WILL be too late some day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Fantastic!:party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted June 6, 2011 Author Share Posted June 6, 2011 ...can you explain exactly what you mean by "efficient?" I'm not a runner, but you are snagging my curiosity. My friend who said it at the time was referring mostly to weight maintenance. That in her experience, running was the thing that helped her maintain a healthy weight in the least amount of time. ... I still have some weight to go before I feel really happy with my body -- but I'm certainly pleased and proud of the strength and stamina I've gained over the last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Congratulations! How exciting! I did a duathalon this weekend (5K run 10 mile bike 5K run) and I'm registered for a tri similar to yours in August (1/4 mile swim, 15 mile bike, 5K run). I've just done a few and am very amature, have a cheesy bike, swim sidestroke. But it's so fun and feels so good to do these events! My event in August is a women's event which is even better! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Congratulations!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Very impressive! Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveOaksAcademy Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Amazing!! Congratulations!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 :hurray::hurray::hurray: Amazing! Congratulations:party:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Nice job! Awesome! Way to GOOOOOOOOO! If I ever have the opportunity to swim on a regular basis, the triathlon is my next step. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 :cheers2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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