New Year’s Resolution 2010, was to run one 5k. I have a friend who had posted some pictures on Facebook of a 5k she had done and I was instantly inspired, so that January, I purchased an elliptical machine. I thought since I couldn't run outside, the elliptical machine would get me ready to run. I was wrong. Though the elliptical is a great workout, come April when I ran outside for the first time, it was like I hadn't exercised at all. Of all the sports I played in high school and the classes I took at the local gym, there was nothing more challenging for me than running.
On that first run, which was only one mile long, I told myself, "Just do this one 5k and you'll never have to run again." Then June 5th, 2010 came along and I did my first 5k. It was one of the best feelings ever. I was addicted. I continued to do one a month through October. I would have continued through the winter months, but I injured my knee. I stopped running from the beginning of October to April of this year and packed on 15 lbs. Once my knee was healed, I knew I had to start running again.
Since April I have been running, lost 20 lbs., and try to do at least two 5k's a month. I find that if I sign up for an event, I will have a new goal to reach. I am a slow runner due to my current weight, so every race, I try for a faster time. I have signed up for a mini marathon November 5th, 2011. I am currently training at least 3 days a week, plus cross training 2 additional days. Once I finish this mini, I'm not sure what my new goal will be for 2012, but I know it will involve running because, yes, I am a runner.
