Well, I sit here writing to you now as an official 10K runner! Yesterday, among flurries and 20 degree winds, along with about 270 other runners, I ran 6.2 miles outside in the middle of February in 1 hour 11 minutes and 38 seconds.
I woke up at 7am to run in 30 degree weather with a lower wind chill and flurries. And I just kept saying myself "LOOK AT THE PERSON YOU'VE BECOME." I'm sure most of you are thinking that I've become a crazy person. But let me put it to you this way:
Last year at this time I couldn't run a mile. I couldn't run for 5 minutes. I did not wake up early on Saturday mornings to go to the gym. And while I was working on changing my life and making progress, I was SO far from many of my goals. And let's not even talk about where I was 2 years ago or before that . . . I don't even remember that person.
Yesterday woke up early. I left the house, even though it was cold. I ran for 5 minutes. I ran a whole mile. In fact, I ran more than 6. Look at the person I've become!! What a change I've made in my life in just a year's time! And those changes might not be hugely evident on the scale. But they are most definitely evident in my actions and accomplishments.
Even though I'm tired from yesterday, my muscles are sore and my joints are popping, the excitement of completing that race made me even MORE excited for the half marathon. I will definitely need to invest in some knee braces of some kind. (Any experienced runners out there with suggestions, please let me know!) But I'm still so excited for that feeling when I cross the finish line!
Remember this: You can surprise yourself. You can do things you never imagined. You can reach your goals, even if they are lofty. And once you do, you will want to do things that seem even more impossible. So aim high!! Get a training plan! Find someone who believes in you and don't let them let you give up!!
So proud of you Danielle! Gave me goosebumps as I read your inspiring post. You have the drive and determination to keep achieving your fitness goals...so keep setting them high. Who knows, maybe you'll be running a marathon this time next year!?!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the knee issues go....make sure you have good shoes (like we've talked about before) and replace them often since you are logging lots of miles (probably every 3-6months). Can't remember if you ever went to the Runner's Market on kingston pike. If not, they would have great suggestions for you...for shoes, as well as knee solutions/suggestions. Make sure you continue to foam roll the muscles around your knee. You could probably also benefit from some inner thigh strengthening exercises, such as squeezing a rolled towel between your knees and holding for a 15-20sec count multiple times.
Keep doing what you're doing because you are awesome! I look forward to seeing you continue to progress.
Hugs, Liz