All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do. Author Unknown



Saturday, January 22, 2011

My First Race 5k Park Avenue Winter Park

My first race.  It was cold this morning and I was ready to just do my best and keep going.  Funny how the 3 miles at lunch seemed to be so much easier to do.  The roads today were all cobblestone and uneven, there were so many people flying by me and I just kept my stride and pushed along.  The actual race was 5.2 K making it over 3 miles and I don't think I'll ever forget the excitment I felt as I crossed the finish line.  The stats are on line and it looks like I did okay for my first run.   I love this picture because it shows the time, the race sponsor and the relief I'm feeling as I pass over the line.  What an awesome day! 

Friday, January 21, 2011

Who would have guessed?

OMG.... I'm really doing this.  I have so much to learn and so many things that I don't even know to ask...but am just going to dive in.  I literally "run" my errands at lunch now.....grocery, drug store, etc... and things have taken on a whole new meaning too.  My first race is tomorrow... it's a 5k on Park Avenue in Winter Park and I'm doing it ! WOW... it's scary and exciting all at the same time.  It's funny the things you think about like what should I wear?  Will I look like I know what I'm doing... you know what I'm talking about.  I am so glad I decided to blog on this because I find it kind of like therapy...a place to re-group and make sure I'm staying focused.  I always wanted to journal and put my thoughts somewhere so this experience is perfect. This outdoor running world has kind of given me a new light -- like a freedom of sorts.  Yesterday was a busy day at work and I wasn't getting much done--felt overwhelmed and like I just couldnt' get caught up.  At first I thought I just couldn't fit in the lunch run...but, would do it after work...well, you know how those things happen, right? I ended up stopping everyhting I was doing and put on my running shoes and went out into the fresh air.... I just hit the ground running and felt better instantly.  I even came up with my plan for the race on Saturday.... I'm going to do 1/4 mile intervals of running and walking. Today I actually ran my first mile... it was in sections, but it was my first mile.  Katy was so proud of me... and that made me feel good like I had accomplished something really BIG!

Gale in our office is also thinking of joining us for our afternoon outings.  She is signing up for the next 5k which is going to be all women at Meade Gardens in Winter Park.  She'll be bringing her daughter so looks like we have a good group of girls going and this goodness just keeps spreading and more and more sparks are flying!  Life is Good !!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

“To accept good advice is but to increase one's own ability”

Some solid advice from a good friend Believe it or not the panting passes once your body gets used to different mileage…the bad part is your body starts hurting.  You think you’re always going to want to stop b/c of the breathing/panting but after a while you don’t have that anymore and you’re grateful but then your knees hurt or your feet or whatever.  Not that I’m complaining but I just thought it very funny that the one thing you “think” is going to keep you from continuing is not really what it is…your body has to get trained for certain distances and that is what makes you think you can’t do it.  I’ll be following your progress on the blog.  Whoohoo.  I’m so very proud of you seriously….this is hard but a fun road to travel.  J

And, more importantly...
 I always think when I’m running…and feeling tired or as if I can’t go on…that I had better just continue as there are some people out there that don’t have the health to run or walk for that matter.  I’m healthy and I can do this.  I also am amazed at what the human body can endure when you give it time to train.  It’s amazing the things you can do if you just keep doing little by little and give your body time to “learn” what it can do.  Don’t get me wrong…you can lose the stamina and endurance very easily…I probably would have a tough time doing 13 miles right now since b/c of the darkness and cold we’ve had to cut back our  running schedule somewhat but at least I know I can do it and with less training to get back into it.  Anyway, I sound like a cheesy health spokesperson but it’s the truth!  All my best wishes for your training…wish I were there to help you through it but I’m sure Katy is good to have around for that. 
Delee

Off and Running

Well...I'm off and running (no pun intended) and things are going well. I am walking/jogging 2 times a week and am really feeling good about myself. Katy is encouraging me to push a bit more and we walk and then jog and then I just pant.... lol. She said the average American cannot run for a solid minute. I thought surely it's not that hard? I did it...but noticed how long that minute took. Then she said okay... let's do 1/4 mile and see how that goes. Today we talked to the other girls in the office and they "may" join us on our journey. I've signed up for 2 5k's and am considering working on a plan to do a half marathon. Big dreams for a starter and am wondering if this is just the "honeymoon period"...something tells me I am going to really enjoy this and make a habit out of it.

Accountability

So… I want you to send you, my friends a link to join my blog so I can be accountable and have people to answer to.  It's my motivation and I’m really excited about it.  And, if you would… just check in on me from time to time and please send me your tips and any advice or comments you might have.  I have never done anything like this and it really feels good.  I am still trying to figure it out and am learning how to maneuver it so please be patient with me.  I’m going to try to make it fun and entertaining as much as I can and I’d love your feedback (and your encouragement).

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Well, here goes...  I am officially starting my own blog.   I wanted to make some resolutions this year and realized that this "Working It Out" blog would satisfy ALL of my "to do" list.

I started my first walk last week on Thursday.  Katy (my coach and work BFF) and I went out on our lunch hour and we walked 3 miles.  It was amazing how good I felt when we got back to the office.  It was a beautiful day and we just walked and talked.  I'm  a true beginner when it comes to any sort of exercise routine.  Tuesday's and Thursday's will come to be known as the days that will change my life. 

Welcome 2011.....Happy New Year!!