Saturday, July 28, 2012

An evolution in exercise..

This time last year (August, actually) I started a "Couch2-5k" training program.  I had never run farther than my back yard and about died the first time I had to run for one minute.. continuously.

In fact, I was 15 lbs heavier.  So running was difficult for several reasons.  I was out of shape and ready to give it a try.

So by October (2011) I was done with the training and ready to run my first 5k (3.1 miles).  Here I am right before the start: 


I made my goal.  I finished, and with a pretty good time (31 minutes).  

Unfortunately, I lost all desire to run again.  In fact, I lost all desire to do anything.  

So fast forward to February 2012.  

I had had enough.  I was ready to get fit.  Four kids and lots of excuses later.. I was done.  So I started with the "Lose It" app.  on my phone (and computer).  This motivated me to watch what I ate and to actually ENTER in exercises.  We renewed our membership to our local YMCA and I was set.  

Starting in May I decided to start training for a triathlon.  I didn't have a bike, so I focused on working on learning to swim (at least the proper technique).  By July, I was able to swim 2 miles (in 70 minutes).  

Last week I had a new "first."  My friend Kristen (who is training for a marathon) asked me to run some 400m sprints with her.  Speed drills, she said. Like an idiot, I said yes.  While I hated it toward the end, I LOVED it when we finished.  I felt great.  I didn't feel any faster (haha), but I knew it would help me later.  

all sweaty after the sprinting. 

And then today, I ran 6 miles.  I know that seems like it's not a lot for some, but for me it's HUGE.  Especially when this time last year I could barely run for one minute without needing a breather.  Today, I ran for 61 minutes.  And then I came home and mapped out my next run: 8 miles.  And even though I know that it will be a killer goal for me, I am super excited to do my best.  

I'll have to keep you posted on the triathlon.  The "not having a road bike" is really holding me up.  But  I will continue my training.  And I may actually run a half marathon (13.1 miles) by the end of the year.  

I am just amazed.  Not only did I lose weight.. but I can now say that I am "fit."  And I feel it.  And at 34.. I am loving it!  

Do you have any fitness goals you are training for?  Tell me, so I can get some good ideas! 

3 comments:

Lindsay said...

Great job Rachel! I tried to start running a few weeks back and worked up to 2 miles (which is more than I've ever been able to do), but then my knees started giving me problems, so it's back to the elliptical and bicycle for now... On that note, I'm halfway considering getting certified to be a spin instructor. I go 4-5 times a week now and LOVE it, and teaching the classes would be great motivation to keep it up. We shall see...

Sandy said...

You are amazing! I want/need to do a couch to 5k. I did several races, including 2 half marathons, while I was in grad school, but I walked them. Now I want to be able to run! I have a series of races picked out that I would like to do around a "princess" theme, but I need to get my rear in gear to actually do it.

Marie said...

Amazing! I am a terrible exercise back slider. Your posts are very motivating!