Today I spent $100 on a pair of shoes. No they are not Nine-West, Steve Maddens, Kenneth Cole’s, or Guess. They are not some cute strappy sandal or stylish leather boot. They have thick soles, are a crazy orange and gray pattern and do not match most of my outfits. They are Brooks running sneakers with stability support. I purchased them to run my first 5K.
In my post Walking Towards Joy
I told you of my preparation to walk the 31st Annual Philadelphia Bar Association 5K Run/Walk. Well I did that walk with one of my oldest friends. We felt so good and inspired that we decided we should participate in the same 5k next year but run it instead of walking. Well guess what, time has flown by and next year is now this year. I will be running my first 5K in May.
I have never been the athlete that title belongs to my brother. Running is hard for me. It does not feel good or freeing (at least not now). It feels like I can’t catch my breath, heavy legs, heavy arms, aching feet, sore and stiff joints, in other words it feels like hard work. But it also feels like making progress on my Devil’s Workshop
goal of being able to jog 3 miles non-stop.
I am absolutely terrified of this 5K. What if I cannot do it? What if I push myself harder than ever before and I get sick and faint? What If my legs just give out and I fall on my face? The longest I’ve ever run non-stop is 2.25 miles. That was a few years ago and a few less pounds ago. I am afraid that I will try my best and it will not be good enough. But one thing I do know is Joy and Fear are mutually exclusive. You cannot hold on to both at the same time. So I am letting go of all of these fears and making myself free to grasp Joy.
If you are in the Philadelphia Area on May 15th come out for the 32nd Annual Philadelphia Bar Association 5k Run/Walk to support Child Advocates.
What tips can you give me in preparing for my big day Running Towards Joy???
Proud of you Lady!! This is one of my goals for the New Year!
This is on my 2013 goals list for next year. And I'm proud of you 🙂
That is awesome, I've always wanted to do one of those 5K's. I haven't jogged in years now but do walk and since blogging haven't walked as much. $100 for healthy sneakers is worth it 🙂 I would not say so for high heels though – no how cute they would look.
First of all, I am so proud of you. Running is not easy for all of us. I know for me it is not. I have to work for it. Just enjoy the process. Be proud of what you do. Remember every time you strike down with each footstep, you are going one step CLOSER to your goal, you will succeed. Look ahead and never behind!
Enjoy your news shoes. I have the same ones. 🙂 They are comfy! Im 100% a Brookes girl.
I can't wait to hear how your first running 5k went! YOU'LL do GREAT! I will be thinking of ya! I would LOVE to run with ya but I will be traveling back from Montana but I will be running on Saturday and will run 3.1 of my miles with you on my mind!
Latisha thanks for your support!!!
Wow! I know exactly how you feel. Fear is a huge factor in not meeting your running goals. I was not (or am not <<fear) an athlete a year ago. Running 2 miles was not on my radar at all! I tried out for track in high school and quit the first week – burning lungs was not cute!! On a Monday in November 2010 I started running for 40 mins. My coach and I slated Mondays as my long days. Today I'm up to 2hrs. 45 mins. Every week I increased my time by 10mins. You're off to a great start. Once you build up your mental toughness the feet, legs, HEAD will quiet and then you'll feel the freedom and joy of running. Best wishes!