To start, I decided to start running 10 weeks ago. After hernia surgery in December, and quitting my gym membership (mom guilt), I had no exercise outlet. So, I laced up my shoes and started running (let's be real, a jog). I have no goal in mind. I don't own a scale, so the only weigh-in I do is my yearly check-ups. I have no desire to do a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. A reason I did start running was to maintain or even lose a little weight, and this is told by how my clothes fit and how I feel. Let's get started:
Week 1: Thoughts running through my head: "I think I'm dying." "Why would anyone do this for fun?" How long do I have to be gone for Greg to come looking for me?" "I'm pretty sure my 6 year old can run faster than me." "I'm still dying."
Week represented through emojis:
Week 2: Mallory joined me for the next few weeks. I had to listen to her sweet voice tell me that she is faster than me and ask why I go so slow. It was actually good bonding time, when I could breathe. Thoughts: "I might not be dying, but I still don't enjoy this." "I still feel silly."
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Weeks 3 & 4: These weeks were where I wanted to quit. I was running past some kids and thought they said something mean. My feelings were hurt by a 12 year old. That was pretty depressing, but Greg reminded me that I blow things out of proportion (only a few times) and it was probably all in my head. So, I gave myself a pep-talk and kept going. Thoughts: "Middle schoolers are stupid." "I can do this." "I am officially not dying!!"
Week represented through emojis:
Week 5: This week I started a longer run with a friend. It was great conversation time, as well as an accountability person. Thoughts: " It's sort of nice to run with a friend." "I might be enjoying running a teensy-weensy bit."
Week represented through emojis:
P.S. We don't dress like this to run, but friend emojis are slim-pickings.
Weeks 6-7: My goal at the beginning was to run atleast 2 times a week. I am doing 3. I am motivated to accomplish this number. I added more distance and am changing up my routes (I get bored very easily with exercising). I have started timing my miles...which I will not be sharing because it is so sad. Thoughts: "Feeling stronger." "I got this!"
Week represented through emojis:
Week 8: VBS Week. Those two words should explain everything. It was a very LONG week. Only did one long run, and only one thought: "So. Much. Sweat." Welcome Summer, you are extremely hot!
Week represented through emojis:
Week 9: I just finished my run and met two goals. One: I ran the WHOLE time! Now, some of that running might have been very slow, but it still counted. Two: I met a time goal for my mile. Was pretty happy since I went a little earlier than usual and could barely breathe, it was so hot and humid. Thoughts: "Getting faster!" "Faster than my 6 year old!" "Hard to breathe, but still doing it!" "Just one more minute."
Week represented through emojis:
Sort of looks like me, don't you think?? Except the smile, I am never smiling when running. Haha.
So, there it is in a nutshell. I will be finishing Week 9 on the beach. I've never run on the sand, but we shall see.
In the wise words of Dory, "Just keep swimming." ...but running in this case.
