Yesterday I did something that a month ago I never imagined was possible. Hell, yesterday, 20 minutes before I did it I didn't think it was possible.
I ran, solidly, for 20 minutes. I didn't stop. I didn't even try to stop. I didn't slow down. In fact, at one point, I sped up.
For all you runners out there I know this was not a big deal. I barely ran two miles.
When I started Couch 2 5k I gave myself a week, maybe 2 before I gave up. Because to be honest, I'm not so good at things that are hard. (Hmmm, I wonder where Michael gets that one.) When I had a trainer I cheated all the time. And I work out a lot, but I don't do anything that is really super duper hard.
I have been complaining endlessly about this 20 minute run. To Doug, on Twitter, to anyone who would listen. And you all were just so lovely. Giving me tips, cheering me on. And I finally just sucked it up and did it. Put my headphones on and ran. Turned the iPhone around, never looked at the clock on the treadmill, starred straight ahead, and rocked out to the music.
It was hard, and it sucked, but it I did it. And truth be told, it was not nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. I don't really want to think about the fact that next week I am running for 30 minutes.
I'm not exactly sure why I am continuing to do this. I have no interest in running an actual 5k. At this point I just want to prove to myself that I can.
And also, to teach Michael that when something is hard, we still try. I still try.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m doing the C25K program too, and my 20 minute run is on Thursday (yup, I’ve got it all planned out.) I’m dreading it too, but now that I’ve read this, hoping it will go well! I don’t have much of an intention to actually run a 5K either, I prefer to run on the treadmill!
Hah! I knew you could do it.
Go you!
YAY! I did the 20-minute run for the first time this past Saturday. I was kind of amazed that I didn’t die. Go you! That’s awesome!
Awesome Jodi, good for you! It’s such a powerful feeling know that you did something like that.
Now you can use yourself as an example for Michael when he wants to give up when something is hard. Dammit, now I’ll have to find something to set the example for Noelle. This is what I get for reading inspiring posts….
Yay you. You are way braver than me.
I’m so impressed. It’s worth more when it’s hard. that’s the way I look at it.
Yeah!
*chestbump*
Good! That’s why I keep plugging away at the C25K. Because.
SO PROUD OF YOU!!
I’m going to join you. I workout too, but running kills. It’s a real test and you are really right about sending the message of perseverance. Thanks for motivating me
HIGH FIVE to you!! It is such a big deal! I remember how amazed I was when this first happened to me. It was an awesome day. GO YOU!!!!
VERY impressed. I’ve thought about doing the C25K thing too. I’ve gone as far as “liking” them on facebook… and searching for the app. Maybe I’ll actually have to attempt it.
But, yeah… an actual 5K? I don’t think so.