I'm a Rock Star

   Monday, oh Monday...you and I have a love-hate relationship. I love you because you bring with you a new week in my training schedule, new adventures, new challenges. I hate you because well, you're Monday, and by nature you generally suck. 


Week 4 day 1 of my training. I'm back on the c25k wagon. After taking 2 weeks off to try 'my own thing' (not sure what that means exactly) I realized I'm a person in need of structure. I love calendars, planners, organizers, clutter-free areas, to do lists to check off,  and schedules to follow. I <3 organization and planning. So to go off and just 'run' is impossible for me. Anyhow, back to my point, week 4 day 1 - Run 3min, Walk 90sec, Run 5min, Walk 2.5min, Repeat.


Wh-wh-wh-what?? Run 5 minutes? Ha! I'm gonna pass out after 3! (*reminder...beginner, so hushy)


I worked until 6:30p tonight so the sun was too low for me to feel safe on a run outside. Ugh, that meant the dreaded treadmill and the yucky gym. After getting to the gym I realized it's mid-February, so nearly all the pseudo-resolutioners have retreated back to their TV dens with their cheetos and chocolate bars in lieu of exercise. Yay! More treadmills for me!


I started her up and spent all 5 minutes of my warm-up psyching myself up for the workout ahead. Let me preface this next section with this: I have never ran longer than 3 minutes in my life. I failed the mile test in gym class, running for 60 seconds pretty much made me want to pass out for most of my life. I've always been more of a strength person than a cardio person. Ok..back on track (we were on the treadmill warming up remember?).


My first 3min run started, last week this was the length of time that kicked my arse. I breezed through it and next thing I know, 3 minutes is up and it's time for a quick walk break. My shins hurt a little but I felt great otherwise. Bam...5 minute time. The first minute, not so bad....shins burning now. Second minute, ouch...did you know your shins and knees can hurt so bad they go numb? Third minute...I'm in a good groove....pain starting to receed, check my HR - within limits. Awesome! Minute 4....so this is what it feels like to run?? Minute 5....that's it?? Wow! I just ran 5 minutes! The same process happened as I repeated the intervals.


I just can't explain it. If you've ever been a 'beginner' (I mean...all of you have been a beginner at some point right?) then you'll completely understand. The first time you reach a time or distance you never thought possible. The first time you push through the 'wall' and feel like a runner. Wow. I'm on a cloud tonight.


Last week I was dreading the next few weeks of training, being so close to pushing myself past a limit I had never broken before. But now I think 'Run for 30 minutes?...Absolutely! I can do it!'. Becoming a runner has been like a playful dream the last few months. I was always hopeful, but never certain. Now...it has quickly become a reality..and it only took 5 minutes.  :)