On Saturday, I ran a 5k. I know lots of people do this and I have done it in the past, but I am in complete shock that I did. I stopped running several years ago. Every time I tried, I could push myself to 20 minutes and then I'd be hobbling around for the next few days. My knees have been a huge problem. I decided it was time to give up on running. So how did this 5k happen?
There was a Blood Drive/Fun Run activity through a regional area at church (a.k.a. Stake). My ex decided he wanted to take the kids for the day (VERY RARE OCCURRENCE). Since I wasn't sure that he would actually come, I decided that we would go to the activity and run/walk the 1 mile if we felt like it. I also planned to donate blood. That morning, the kids went with their dad and I headed to the church. I felt silly doing the 1 mile without the kids, so I decided just to give blood. When I got there, I found out that they were not able to schedule the blood donation portion. I basically had nothing to do and no real reason to be there. Several different people told me that I had a few minutes to sign up for the 5k. For no real reason, I just did. I pinned the number on and went to the back of the group (about 250 people). I had no strategy or plan other than realizing I'd be limping for the next few days. I thought I'd regret it.
The race started and I had my phone in one hand and my car keys in the other. That shows how unprepared I was. I just started running and weaving around all of the strollers/families with kids. Right before the first mile was done, I heard someone I was passing say "Hi Stephanie." I looked back and it was an acquaintance/friend from church. I quickly decided that I liked her pace and would just start running next to her. She is really into yoga and even teaches it, but has been running the last few weeks to prepare for this. We chatted and stayed together. I think running with her made both of us continue on without any breaks. Our official time was 32 minutes and 11 seconds. It isn't a great time, but I am happy about it.
I am most happy about my knees. I haven't had one ounce of pain. This is incredible!!! I can't say the same about my thigh muscles though. They are quite mad at me..... I guess I can start doing this more often.
There was a Blood Drive/Fun Run activity through a regional area at church (a.k.a. Stake). My ex decided he wanted to take the kids for the day (VERY RARE OCCURRENCE). Since I wasn't sure that he would actually come, I decided that we would go to the activity and run/walk the 1 mile if we felt like it. I also planned to donate blood. That morning, the kids went with their dad and I headed to the church. I felt silly doing the 1 mile without the kids, so I decided just to give blood. When I got there, I found out that they were not able to schedule the blood donation portion. I basically had nothing to do and no real reason to be there. Several different people told me that I had a few minutes to sign up for the 5k. For no real reason, I just did. I pinned the number on and went to the back of the group (about 250 people). I had no strategy or plan other than realizing I'd be limping for the next few days. I thought I'd regret it.
The race started and I had my phone in one hand and my car keys in the other. That shows how unprepared I was. I just started running and weaving around all of the strollers/families with kids. Right before the first mile was done, I heard someone I was passing say "Hi Stephanie." I looked back and it was an acquaintance/friend from church. I quickly decided that I liked her pace and would just start running next to her. She is really into yoga and even teaches it, but has been running the last few weeks to prepare for this. We chatted and stayed together. I think running with her made both of us continue on without any breaks. Our official time was 32 minutes and 11 seconds. It isn't a great time, but I am happy about it.
I am most happy about my knees. I haven't had one ounce of pain. This is incredible!!! I can't say the same about my thigh muscles though. They are quite mad at me..... I guess I can start doing this more often.
