2/19/15

Running Junkie



Have you ever wanted to start running?  Well if I can do it, you can too!

I am not an expert on Running and I don't even know if I would call myself a runner just yet.  But running is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do!  I have fallen in LOVE!!!  When I am running, everything melts away.  My mind is clear and I can honestly say that during my run, I feel like I can take on the world!  I get lost in my music and my worries and problems just disappear and for 30-45 minutes I am completely free!  

Free of Worry!

Free of Stress!

Free!

I have never really been a runner before.  I always worried about what people were thinking about me as they ran/walked/drove by me!  Here is a small peek at what was going on in my head...Did they notice all the jiggle going on?  Do I run funny?  Am I running in correct form?  Is there a right and wrong way to run?  

But THEN one of my bootcamp instructors started talking about this 5K and it sounded like so much fun!  I had lost about 20 pounds and I thought maybe just maybe I could learn how to run and practice enough to be able to run a 5K.  I had heard about a program called Couch to 5K, so I decided to check it out.  I found an app on my phone that I thought looked good.

The one that I ended up choosing was 5K Runner.  It is 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for 8 Weeks!  I could totally do that!  So I started and I loved it!  It was hard at first, but soon enough, I found that I was SAD when the app told me to "slow down and walk".  Here are a few screen shots of what the app looks like...


A couple things that I love about this app...

1)  It works with my music, so I can still rock out to my tunes.  I am in love with the Rock My Run App.  

2)  I have the Audio Coach set to on and just when I need it, a voice will come on and tell me, "Awesome job runner, keep going".

3)  Each day there is some some inspiration and it never fails, it is just what I need to hear that day.    

On my first go around, I made it to week 5, day 1 and then the time changed and it made it a lot harder to run (I ran after I finished put the kids to bed).  I also learned I don't love running in the cold!  But I finally got tired of my excuses and started running on the treadmill at the gym.  I decided not to start over from Week 1, but repeated Week 4 and went from there.  It was amazing how easy it was to get into the groove again.  Since I am on the treadmill I have started running at a certain pace and then when I'm supposed to slow down and walk, I slow my pace to a slow jog.  I just can't help myself...I want to RUN!!!!   

And GUESS WHAT!?!  I signed up for my 1st 5K!!!  

My son's school PTA is doing a fundraiser for St Jude's and I couldn't pass it up!  I am nervous and excited all at the same time!  I really want to run the whole thing and the timing couldn't work out better.  I will finish up my Couch to 5K training the day before the race. 

So grab your running shoes and get going.  It doesn't matter how fast or slow you run...you are RUNNING!  

Some Pin-spiration ~ 

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Saturday Soiree, Meandering Mondays, Mama Moments Monday, Motivation Monday
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***Please note that by no means am I a professional. I have no formal training of any kind. I am just a girl writing about my own weight loss journey and sharing things that worked for me. Before starting any new life change, please consult your Dr.  I received no money from these links, they are my opinions only, on products that I use and love.

26 comments:

  1. I love that you just did it, really that is fantastic!

    I am a terrible runner as my knees start hurting minutes in. I have heard that is because I need better shoes. I saw a gif last week that made me laugh. It was of a woman looking fabulous while she ran and just knocking it out of the park. Under that picture it said "This is what I think I look like when I run." The next picture was of a guy basically crawling with the title "This is what I actually look like." That's me, but who cares, do it anyway, right!!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer! The more I run, the more my knees are starting to bother me. My Accountability partner told me to try some different shoes. She actually told me about a place that will watch you run and suggest a brand based on how you carry your weight! That is my reward for when I hit my 50 lbs weight loss goal! That gif sounds exactly how I feel when I run! ;) Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. I usually stick to walking, but I ran for a couple of months a few years ago, and I would think the same things you did about what others were thinking of me! LOL Good for you, sticking to running. It takes so much discipline. Good luck on your 5K!

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    1. Thank you so much. I can't wait for the 5K! Thank you for stopping by my little ole blog!

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  3. Good for you! You will love the experience of race day and you'll be hooked! Enjoy the journey! :)

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    1. Thanks Sarah! I can see that I will get hooked. I'm already looking for another 5k! Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. I LOVE running and can totally relate with your new addiction! I am a personal "motivator" for a newbie runner in a program called Kick Start through Skirt Sports. It's been so much fun and helps me reflect on my running beginnings. Good luck and congrats!

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    1. Thank you so much Sami! it is an addiction and firmly believe there is a thing called a Runners high! After I have finished and I ran longer and faster than before, I feel so accomplished! Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. So glad you visited me so I could read about your journey! I would love to run..but I have SI joint dysfunction and can barely walk for exercise when I used to be able to do three miles each day :( Run on!!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and checking out my journey! I am so sorry Nannette, that sounds so painful. Thank you for your encouragement!

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  6. Hi Stephanie,
    Reading your post sounded like reading an old journal entry. I too didn't run because I was too caught up in negative self-talk and what not. Last year when my grandma was going through chemo, I signed up for a 5k, since she was going through something hard and being a warrior I did too.. I ran it for her and loved it. We lost her last year and I lost my umph, so I'm going to ck out that app and get motivated.

    I subscribed, so keep me motivated, lol.. :) Good luck on your 5k
    -Jenn

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    1. What a neat way to honor your grandma during her fight. I am so sorry for your loss. The app is wonderful and I love the inspirational quotes they have on each day! Thanks so much! I hope I can offer you some motivation! Thanks again for stopping by my little ole blog!

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  7. I am more of a power-walk/runner, alternating, but I completely get that you go inside yourself during your running time. I work out 5 days a week, for 30 minutes. It's really the only time in the day that it's all about me and that I am not thinking of anything other than my feet hitting the ground.. or treadmill in the winter (I don't like to be cold either!).. and the sound of the music pounding in my ears. There aren't any kids, responsibilities, tasks. It's just me. It's my yoga, only higher intensity. It's what makes me a better mommy and what makes me bearable to live with. It's my sanity. It matters not that I don't really look like I work out 5 days a week! Way to go for just starting.. I am so excited for you on your first 5k! :) - Kim @ knockitoffcrafts.com

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    1. Thanks so much! I totally agree with you, I workout 6 days a week and it is my sanity keeper. I firmly believe that it makes me a better mommy. I can totally tell when I miss a day at the gym. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  8. Fellow runner here. I was always the worst runner in PE class, but after my 1st baby I decided to give it a shot. It's taken some time, but finished my 1st half marathon and hoping to do more soon :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! That is awesome! I would love to be able to run a 1/2 marathon. I think that is probably my goal to work towards. Thanks again!

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  9. You're right, nothing clears my head like running, more people should give it a go :)

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  10. I'm not much of a runner but I love to dance! Exercising is the way to go to get our minds cleared and it helps us stay positive! :-) #creativebloggersnetwork

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    1. I would love to be able to dance, but I have 2 left feet! I totally agree with you, exercising does help clear your mind and stay more positive through out the day. I believe I am a better mommy because of it! Thanks for stopping by

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  11. I've been meaning to get back to running. I never got very good, but it was really nice to get out and just go for a while. I run at night though and the winter makes it very cold. Great article.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! The app is great for working up to running for longer periods. I love running in the evenings to, but with the cold weather does make it really hard.

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  12. Hi from a fellow running junkie :) ! Good luck with your 5k - you're going to rock it!!

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