New shoes, new goals: Why I’m running again

On November 15, 2009, I completed my first and last half marathon. When I crossed the finish line, I vowed to never run again.

Running was not for me. The only reason I kept training and stuck with the race was because I had a great training partner. Our training sessions were filled with chit chat and laughter and more of an excuse just to get together and have fun. I hated running, but the friendship was worth it.

I can’t remember why I started running in 2009. I like to spice things up so I probably figured, “Why not?!” A few days ago, I made a more deliberate decision to run again.

I’m a goal-oriented person and my fitness life lacks any goal besides attaining a magic number on a scale, which is defined by so many other factors. I like the fact that running and doing races creates specific, measurable goals and quantifiable results.

I’m taking things one step at a time with goal #1: Start running. With two kids and a busy schedule, it’s hard to imagine making time for running like I did before we had children. Thankfully, I have a supportive husband and a membership to the YMCA that will help me make it happen.

I don’t enjoy running on the treadmill at all, but will have to start making friends with it because the free child care is a good trade off. I’m also hoping to do some outdoor runs when Brian gets home from work or on the weekends. I’m sure it will take some adjustments to work out a good schedule, but we’ll make it work.

I’m using the Ease Into 5K app recommended by a friend, which includes running three times a week for 30 minutes each time. It starts with intervals of walking and running to build stamina and ends with running a 5K after 8 weeks.

I’m a bit of an over-achiever, so I’m doing a 5K in four weeks. I would be perfectly happy even if I have to walk some of it, but I’m hoping to run the majority of it. I’m especially excited about this race because my sister will be in town to do it with me. After that race, we’ll see what my next goal will be.

Have you ever done something you swore you would never do again? Tell me about it on our Facebook Page.