That's not too far... I think it's a little over three miles. But still - for a never-before runner, it's a stretch at the moment. I started training for it today.
I'll stop here and explain, as I know many of you are raising your eyebrows in surprise that I would know ANYTHING about training to run a tiny marathon. Well, I sure don't. But I've downloaded a podcast that trains you to run 5K in nine weeks. I've found a park just down the street that's lovely to walk/run in. And on the days I'm not running, I'm following a weight training program.
This may seem like a lot to take all at once... but truth be told, I've got a schedule that allows it. My social life isn't that big (yet), I rarely have to be anywhere before 2 in the afternoon, and as it turns out, regular exercise relieves stress in everyday life. Who knew? Here are some other reasons I've thought of to get in shape:
-The obvious weight control factor: I am, after all, a future bride who already found a dress she loves, and try as I may to embrace my curviness and stomach as much as I can, I simply want to be a knockout on my wedding day.
-I've been told time and time again that if you make sure to be fit in your 20s and 30s, you're much more likely to be fit in your 40s and 50s. Well, I'm nearly halfway through my 20s, so it's time for me to really start a good regimen.
-Heart troubles run on my paternal side, and type 2 diabetes on my maternal side. My parents have been great about being healthy, especially considering the cuisine that surrounds them in Knoxville. I'd very much like to follow their example, by keeping up a reasonable diet and regular cardiovascular activity.
This may seem like I'm convincing myself at this point. And that may be partly true. But it's time for me to be one of those people who can just... go for a run. And I did today! Followed the program of walking for 90 seconds and running for 60. And while the running itself was hard, I was always able to do the minute sprint. And it never took me the full 90 seconds to recover. I can doooooo this.
Thanks for the support, cyberspace. I'm pretty motivated.
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