But if anyone tells you that changing your life and deciding to get into shape is easy, then they are definitely bending the truth. My first two weeks were rough! I felt pain in parts of my body I didn't even know existed. I would actually soak in a tub of Epsom Salt, YES I said Epsom Salt, wishing that it would immediately take the pain away. And unfortunately, it did not! But no matter how painful it got, I knew that it was only temporary. So battered body and all, I kept stepping back onto the pavement!!
NO PAIN, NO GAIN!
See, running is a sport. It took me at least three weeks to realize that I had to run my own race. I had to do my own pace, find a comfortable form and adjust my breathing. Oh, and also get a great pair of running shoes!!!!!! These four things were vital to improving my pace and distance. I also started drinking water constantly, because hydration is vital, especially on these over 90 degree weather days we have been having consistently.
So after I accepted the fact that I had to make changes so I could reach my ultimate goal, and after 5 weeks of running at least 3 days a week, my body has adjusted and I am running faster, and longer every time I step onto the pavement. I can now actually run 2 complete miles without stopping. This is huge!!! I couldn't even run half a mile the first day. LOL!! And I'm not out there competing against my running partners, I'm competing against myself and trying to improve my own time. And when I do improve, the feeling can't be explained. It's just a wonderful feeling =)
And I have not stopped at just running. I have reactivated my gym membership and I hit the gym on the days that I am not jogging on the green ways. Cross-training is very important and actually improves your running abilities. So, I now go to the gym and I do group kickboxing, weight lifting, cycling, yoga and an Abs class... Oh yeah, I am getting it in!!!!
I am a true believer of "when you look good, you feel good." And even though it's only been 5 weeks, I am toner, healthier, stronger and happier! But I still have a long way to go!
I feel good and I owe it all to my BGR! Charlotte family, especially the University crew and my slave driving running partner Ann Thomas who leaves me in the dust but is never out of sight =)
No woman left behind!
NO PAIN, NO GAIN!
See, running is a sport. It took me at least three weeks to realize that I had to run my own race. I had to do my own pace, find a comfortable form and adjust my breathing. Oh, and also get a great pair of running shoes!!!!!! These four things were vital to improving my pace and distance. I also started drinking water constantly, because hydration is vital, especially on these over 90 degree weather days we have been having consistently.
So after I accepted the fact that I had to make changes so I could reach my ultimate goal, and after 5 weeks of running at least 3 days a week, my body has adjusted and I am running faster, and longer every time I step onto the pavement. I can now actually run 2 complete miles without stopping. This is huge!!! I couldn't even run half a mile the first day. LOL!! And I'm not out there competing against my running partners, I'm competing against myself and trying to improve my own time. And when I do improve, the feeling can't be explained. It's just a wonderful feeling =)
And I have not stopped at just running. I have reactivated my gym membership and I hit the gym on the days that I am not jogging on the green ways. Cross-training is very important and actually improves your running abilities. So, I now go to the gym and I do group kickboxing, weight lifting, cycling, yoga and an Abs class... Oh yeah, I am getting it in!!!!
I am a true believer of "when you look good, you feel good." And even though it's only been 5 weeks, I am toner, healthier, stronger and happier! But I still have a long way to go!
I feel good and I owe it all to my BGR! Charlotte family, especially the University crew and my slave driving running partner Ann Thomas who leaves me in the dust but is never out of sight =)
No woman left behind!
I love it Akilah!! Proud partner over here... see you for week 6 =)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Very well said and it definitely incorporates how I've been feeling since I joined BGR! and started running. I've never been a fan of running (i mean, I ran track in high school but I was a sprinter and it was more to stay in shape for basketball) and absolutely HATED running long distances....but I have come to yearn for the outdoors...running/jogging/walking...gives me time to be with God, allows me to exercise my mind and body, and leaves me feeling great after...even thru the pains and aches I may have.
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