Thursday, May 21, 2009

A 5K jump start to a better me!

Have I mentioned that I don't like to run? I have never been good at it and I find it boring. But, as I find myself getting older and heavier, I realized I needed to find a way to love it. So, I decided that one way I might enjoy it is if I actually trained for something. I decided to start small. If you remember from previous posts, I ran the midnight run in Central Park. I didn't really train for that, but I swore I would train for another one. Well, let's just say I worked out, but I never really ended up training for a 5K. My friend Monica decided she wanted to train for a 5k and asked if I would do The Wall Street Run and Heart Walk, I said sure. Alas, the event neared and I never really ended up training for it. Mostly, it was because of my feet problems, but I am sure the fact that I hate running factored in there as well. But, I did it anyway.

It went pretty well. I was able to run (well, jog/shuffle is a better word for it) and I think I finished in about 40 minutes.

I didn't really want to post these pictures, because I look horrible, but I did think it was a cool shot of the Statue of Liberty in the background. Boyd and the boys and Adam and their kids were cheering us on at the finish line. Gavin gave me five as I was finishing.


Monica did awesome and finished in under 30. My goal now is to actually train for one and run it in less that 30 minutes.

I used to call myself an athlete, but those days almost seem like a dream. I was once a volleyball, basketball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee player. The other day I was at the church building and there was a group playing volleyball and it made me realize how much I missed playing. I was still playing right after I got married, but then I sprained my ankle. I haven't really played much since.

Now, I find myself a tired, overweight and a non-athlete. I decided I don't want to be that way anymore. I want to be athletic again. I work out and I walk EVERYWHERE, but that is not enough.

So, I guess I will start with another 5k, but I hope that I can find more ways to be an athlete.

13 comments:

EdaMommy said...

Good for you Em! Now you've told the whole world about your aims and goals, you're bound to follow through. Good luck with that--I know how hard it is to stay motivated. Just look at me!

Tisha said...

way to go girls!! that's awesome! the kids look so grown-up in the bottom pic! wow!

emily said...

i've never enjoyed running much either. and i don't like the idea of working out inside either. so for now i'm trying the bike and trailer method. occasionally. best of luck!!!!!--i echo you on the feeling tired and non-athletic. i've found myself looking for a chair always when i'm outside with the kids--like it's too much for me to even stand up!?!

Lindsay said...

Emily-
Way to go on the 5K! 40 minutes sounds pretty darn good to me! I totally hear ya--I "used to be" into a lot of fun, athletic activities too. Now I'm into sitting on the couch and watching TV! Yikes. I'm trying to change, too. Baby steps, right? Good luck on your next run!

Pomona Noltes said...

Way to go, Emily! I was living in NYC when I decided to start running. I trained for my first race there too! I love the pics of you alongside the Hudson. Thanks for posting them. My running stint was short...a couple of years...but I do think it helped with my weightloss, and self esteem...I feel better when I'm working toward something! Keep us posted!

di said...

YAY!!!! I'm so proud of you!! I doubly hate running...i'm not a lover but a total hater of it, but I know it can be a great way to stay healthy. I'll have to join you someday after my 40-week project. :)

Nolte's South of the Border said...

We think that it's great! This is our first comment. Can't wait to see you!

Melanie said...

I'm so happy for you! Now that the twins are 2, I'm finally exercising, and determined to lose this extra 35... I feel your pain =) and wish you the best of luck!!!

The Boone Family said...

That's awesome you and Mon ran a
5K race! It helps me to have someone to walk/run with...I need the motivation of someone else. Plus it's more enjoyable :) I heard a friend say, the other day, "I believe that the only time I should be running is if someone is chasing after me." I had to laugh, because that's how I feel sometimes! I can't wait to see you this week! PARTY!!!

mysomedaylist said...

Way to go em! Just jump in and go for it. That's what I should do. I sit here holding my one week old baby as he rests on all my baby fat and I think, I should do as em. Just sign up for a 5k and go for it. Way to be the example. Good luck and keep up with it. I'm cheering you on!

Tara said...

Hey I just made a similar goal! I'm not a runner, either, but I'm finding myself feeling more and more out of shape, so I purchased some running shoes just today and plan to start when they come in the mail! Good luck to us both!

Unknown said...

Em,
You are an inspiration...good luck with your next 5K! That is awesome.
I have to admit, something happens after you turn 30 and everything hurts and is hard to do.
You are awesome!
P.S. did Nell have a baby?! Where have I been!!!!

Matt and Jeni and kids said...

I have to laugh because all of us hit about 30 and think...oh man, what happened. That is how I got roped in. I absolutely hate running as well. My friend dragged me into it, but I try to do other things to mix it up. Have you tried swimming? I found I love swimming and it's good for your body! You are awesome for doing it even though you didn't train. I would totally be a quitter. :)