Monday, December 31, 2012

Another Running Post-It's Official

Happy New Year's Eve people!

Last night, I decided I better get myself in gear and book our hotel for the half marathon in February. It's New Orleans, it's Mardi Gras month, hotels are few and far between.  I may have forgotten to register for the half, too. I didn't really forget, I just put it off and put it off, to avoid spending the $119.00 registration fee. Wah wah, I'm cheap.

So last night, I officially made my payment and I officially can't chicken out and run in the opposite direction of the start line, straight back to the hotel to cover myself up to my eye balls till the race is over.

This girl is crawling across the finish line whether it takes me 3 hours or 4. I say that because that's the maximum allowed time to complete it, and I literally may be crawling across (must remember to pack knee pads.)

I am still a slow runner. But I am running longer distances than ever before, so I'll take it.

6 months ago, I couldn't run 10 minutes on a treadmill. I couldn't even run 2. My goal would always be to run a minute, walk 5. I didn't push myself, because I would never ever become a runner. I was too slow, too big, couldn't catch my breathe. I was over 200 pounds and miserable, even at rest. Then I reconnected with my fabulous friend, Leigh Ann, who had lost a ton of weight the healthy way, and she inspired me to become a runner. She told me about how her gym was starting a Running Clinic to train to run a 5k. Here was my chance. I started couch to 5k months before on a treadmill but never finished.

The day she realized the clinic was set up to run a 10k, she was scared to tell me. I had talked her head off so much about how scared I was for a measly 5k, that she didn't even want to tell me it was double that! I slowly ran my first 10k and could not have felt prouder of myself. I was on Cloud Nine for days. I can only imagine the high after crossing the finish line at my first half marathon. I say first because I plan to run several. And I will get faster and I will get better.

I must confess I have missed runs in my training plan. Sickness and the holidays got the best of me, but I'm back at it, full force.
I will run more. I will push myself. I will make me and my running a top priority. 2013 will be a good, healthy year and I cannot wait.
 
 
I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. I will promise myself something though.
I will no longer cheat myself by quitting before my 3.5 mile run is up, by walking before I need to, by putting off my run till it's too late and it's time for bed. I will give it all I have and feel proud and strong through out this journey. I will have bad runs (Like Saturday's) and good runs, but I won't let individual performances affect my progress. I will get out what I put in and I plan to put in a hell of alot.
 
February 24th will change my life. I will participate in the New Orleans Rock n Roll Half Marathon. I won't be standing on the sidelines, I'll be crossing the finish line. Are any of my readers running this one? Let me know! I'd love to meet you, and who doesn't want to spend a weekend in New Orleans?! We will be there from Friday afternoon (the 22nd) until the afternoon of Sunday, the 24th. Who's down?
 

23 comments:

  1. You are amazing and I love everything about this post! I just signed up to do my first 5k in March, and I am starting at ground zero with running... I can't even run a mile without stopping right now but that will change. 2013 will be a healthy year indeed! Xo!

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  2. Way to go girl!!! You got this! I remember when I couldn't run any length of time. I remember my husband having to LITERALLY push me up a mountain we climbed. (A mountain that is not really a mountain, that most people don't have a problem with and some bike up!) Look how far we've come!!!

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  3. There's nothing like crossing that finish line and knowing that you and only you did it! You are going to kill it!

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  4. I have chills!!! The half marathon will be the experience of a lifetime! Can't wait for 2013 and Operation Red Bikini!!!

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  5. Get it girl!! Great post!! You have come so far and you will rock the Half in February!! Excited to continue to follow you on your journey!!

    Jenessa

    http://andthatsbeautifultome.blogspot.com/

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  6. You will rock it!

    I was feeling the same way you are when I did my first Half Marathon but as soon as they say GO you will get the most amazing high and finish that thing WAY sooner than you think! It is the most amazing feeling!

    2013 is going to be a fantastic year!

    Happy New Year!

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  7. Wow that sounds Amazing! New Orleans is awesome an a great place to do your first half!

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  8. you will do AMAZING!!!! Great job!! That would be a fun thing to do!!!

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  9. Congrats! That's exciting! You're going to do amazing :)

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  10. I can't wait to hear about the run! You are going to ROCK it!

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  11. Congrats on signing up for your first half! I recently came across your blog and you and your story are inspiring. My first half was in November and there is nothing like the feeling of crossing that finish line...you will be fantastic!
    sillygirlsmomma.blogspot.com

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  12. I know it seems scary but you are going to have SO MUCH FUN! I promise :)

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  13. You are going to kill it in 2013. :)

    I just saw your post on IG... Take it easy for a few days, then get back at it. ORB!!

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  14. Hi! I just recently started reading your blog and I love it! I loved reading about your start into running. I ran for years, even into first pregnancy but when I found out I was pregnant 8 months post partum I stopped. So I've slowly been getting back into and hope to do a few 5k and possibly 10k's this year! I also want to tag along on your ORB challenge as I have a huge wedding to attend in April. Please check out my blog if you have a chance!

    www.thentherewerefourharveys.blogspot.com

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  15. That is awesome! Good for you! I have to get on the running train. I am thinking 2013 is my year :)

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  16. way to go! 2013 is going to be our year!!! I'm so proud of you!

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  17. I really love this post, and I think what you're doing is SO awesome. I've never had the desire to run a half, but applaud all of you who do.

    I can't wait to hear about it!!

    xo,
    Jaclyn

    hautegranola.blogspot.com

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  18. I love the inspirational pics in this post! You've come so far & you have every right to be proud! Happy New Year!

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  19. Good for you girl!! It's time I make some positive changes in my life (from attitude to eating healthy to actually starting the couch to 5k app that's been on my phone forever) & today is the perfect day to start! Thank you for sharing your story & being such an inspiration!!

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  20. I wish I could be there to run it with you. I am running the Disney Princess Half that same day. I will be cheering you on from Orlando! Good luck!

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  21. Whoohoo! I've heard New Orleans is a great race!

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  22. Wow congrats on all your accomplishments this year and good luck with your upcoming race!

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