Hitting My Stride

Today's workout was Epic.  And please, trust me, I NEVER (save in this case) use EPIC to describe things.  So that being said, I'll say it again; Today's workout was EPIC.

I was super nervous about today's requirements for my C25K.  Today was the start of week 3 of training.  Week 1 had me doing 8 reps of running 60 seconds and then walking for 90 seconds.  Week 2 was 6 reps of 90 seconds of running and then 2 minutes of walking.  Week 3 called for 2 reps of 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running, and 3 minutes walking.

I was totally nervous about staying in running (let's be real here: jogging) motion for 3 straight minutes.  During my 5 minute warm up period I was fighting the mental battle.  I kept telling myself that I could do it.  I admitted it was hard, but I told my self that I was capable of completing the workout.  I reminded myself that yesterday I walked 5 miles.  I told myself that if I can walk 5 miles I can run for 3 minutes straight.  And I was right.  It was incredible!  But it wasn't quite EPIC... yet...

Starting this past week I've had a goal go at least 3 miles every day, even on the days when I do C25K.  C25K training comes out to be about 30 minutes each day.  And I'm definitely not running (er, jogging) 3 miles in 30 minutes.  It comes out to be closer to 1.5 miles, so I'm left to walk the rest of the distance.  Today was no different, but I decided I wanted to push myself...

At the end of my last run on my last rep I decided to give it everything I had.  Usually when I jog I hold back significantly in order to maintain my pace and finish the required running time.  But I let go.  I ran fast.  Then I sprinted for as long as I could.  When I stopped I was so tired winded, but since I still had about 1.5 miles to go I eventually recovered.  Even though my workout was "complete" I decided that I would continue.  I ran several more times.  I would tell myself "I'll start [at such and such place] and I'll run until [such and such place]"  It worked.  Every time I met my goal.

Here is the Epic Part! I continued this extra running for the rest of my 3 miles.  Now, I wasn't running at any record breaking pace, but it was most definitely a running motion.  My heart rate was elevated and my breathing was increased.  I got to a point that I knew was about 1/2 mile from my car.  I started running again.  This time though, I decided I would run until I could run no more.  As before, I started spotting distant points and told myself that I would run until then.  But as I reached each point I just continued to run.  I found that I was going at a pace that I could maintain!  I had hit my stride!  I ran (jogged) for 1/2 mile without stopping!  And please, before you think that this isn't an accomplishment, remember these things:  I'm over 300 pounds [do you know how much energy it takes to move 300 pounds around?]!  I have around 40% body fat! I'm not a runner!  I've only been running for 2 weeks!  2 weeks ago it was all I could do to run for 60 seconds straight!

It was amazing!  I could have kept going, but I had gotten to my car and it was 9:35 PM and almost completely dark!  I seriously can't wait to get back out there and push myself to really see what I am capable of doing!  Another mental battle won.  And definitely a physical battle too.