10K - I made it!!
For the past 5 years I have been saying that ‘one of these years’ I was going to sign up and walk the Bellin (a 10K run/walk). I kept blowing it off because I had better things to do. This year I signed up in early May as soon as I was sure that my wound would not have issues. I have been trying to walk at a relatively fast pace, but was having to stop after 3-4 miles because of the pain (I have been having some issues with tendinitis). I set a goal to finish in under 2 hours (although I promised myself that I would be satisfied with finishing). I told my walking partners that I wanted to keep up with them for the first 2-3 miles, and then I would probably slow down and let them go. The first three miles went great, and although I started to feel some pain just before the 4 mile mark, I was able to push through it and stay at a decent pace. I walked the last half mile in some serious pain, but I finished with my walking partners 1:42:42 (6:32 pace). That’s almost back to my normal walking pace. I iced as soon as I got home, and at this point it seems like I’m no worse off than my normal exercise.
I’ve never been a runner- and I’ve never had the drive to be one. I was athletic in high school, but running was never my thing. I have spent most of the last 9 years (the age of my oldest) as an overweight/borderline obese person who liked to play bar league sports, and walk on a pretty regular basis. I have always told myself I was going to get back in shape, but I never have. I feel like this is just the push I needed. My cousin kept saying the entire way that she wanted to run the distance next year, and although I’m not ready to commit to that- I really want to try running. I have come to realize that the ability to be ‘in shape’ is a gift, and I need to stop taking it for granted, and send a thank you note in the form of a healthy, active body.
I know this is a bit rambley, but when you have an hour and forty two minutes to think- a lot runs through your mind. For now- one goal met, and a lot more to come.
Deanne (aka DREAMS)
