Last night was my last group run before our big race on Sunday. I truely believe running has helped me in so many ways. Especially this group training program I joined.
It’s a 12 week program, that basiclly follows those couch to 5k training programs that you find allover the internet. But there are coaches and mentors that run right beside you and encourage you the whole way.
Last night was our second 3 mile run (if you don’t know a 5k is just over 3 miles).
Could I run on my own at home and train for Sunday’s race myself? Of course, it would save me $100 too but I gain so much more from the group runs. Before joining the group I found a million excuses not to go out and run. Even though for the first 9 weeks I kept to myself and didn’t talk to anyone but the coaches and mentors, I went every week, because in some way I didn’t want to let the group down. And I know one would have cared if I hadn’t shown up, there were lots of people that didn’t make it the full 12 weeks.
I am beyond proud of myself for going all 12 weeks, and I know I am so ready for this race on Sunday. I am focusing on racing myself, beating my own best 5k time. For me right now that is the best I can do. I am getting healthier and stronger physically. I am proud of myself for continuing to run even though my ex always tried to discourage me. I am proud of myself for putting me first.
Mentally running helps too. I love putting on my running clothes. I love that the new pants I just bought are a little to big, because old habits die hard, and I just bought my old size, not bothering to try them on. I love my running shoes. Because I know when I put those babies on I can just go out and run, maybe walk a little, and just not think about anything or anyone for 45 minutes. 45 minutes that I can let my mind wander. I don’t have to think about divorce, child support, or custody schedules. I don’t have to think about work and how much time I spend there. Its the only time I do something for me. Just for me. I guess in a way it’s for the boys too, so I can be healthy for many more years, but I like to think it is all about me.
I know I am not the fastest, or the thinest or even the most graceful runner out there, but honestly I don’t care. I just love to run. I know it sounds wierd but I always loved running when I played soccer in high school. I hear the jokes all the time “I only run if I am being chased, ha ha ha”. I get this a lot when i try to recruit friends to join the group. I hate the gym, I am too uncoordinated for zumba and I don’t like excersice videos in my home. So running it is. And surpirse, surprise, I love it.
I am so excited for the race Sunday. So happy to have my mom and my boys there to cheer me on. I know right now they don’t understand why I have to run, but someday they will understand why I have too. And why I am doing this not only for me but for them too.
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