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I’ve always been envious of runners.  Many of my friends are runners, and their Facebook photos of them completing 5k/10k/half-marathon/Warrior Dash/Tough Mudder/whatever races makes me green with envy!  When I used to figure skate competitively, I hated running.  During summer skating camp, I tried anything to get out of running on the treadmill.  I’d beg to do cardio on the elliptical machine or ride the stationary bike.  Unfortunately, my coach was on to my tricks, and made sure the conditioning instructor always put me on the treadmill.

I think part of my problem is that I never learned how to run properly.  I know that sounds dumb — there’s a wrong way to run?  Well, there must be, because I really shouldn’t have been getting shin splints, stitches in my side, or light-headed while I was running.

I’m not sure what has motivated me to want to run now.  Part of it is because I’ve signed up the participate in the Run for Ovarian Cancer again this year, and this time I actually want to run the 5k.  Confession time: this is my third attempt at the RfOC 5k.  The first year I participated, I only did the 1k walk (which is ridiculously easy).  I signed up for the 2012 run, but didn’t end up participating (I know, I know… SHAME).  So this year, I made a goal to actually run the race.  And I’m going to do it!

As well, I want to get back into shape, especially since I’m getting married at some point soon!  And part of it is wanting to have a regular exercise regime, and one that doesn’t cost much (all you need is a good pair of running shoes!).  And to be perfectly honest… I want to win medals again!  Most races that are 5k and over give you a medal for participating… I want to earn me some hardware!  (Also, the runDisney website may have had something to do with it.)

So today I started my running mission.  I went to Springbank Park this morning with two of my sorority sisters, Victoria and Devon.  I tracked the time we were out there with the Nexercise app on my iPhone.  We did a little over 5k today and it took me 47 minutes.  I ran for 23 minutes and walked for 24 minutes.  I know that’s not wonderful, but I’m proud of myself for going out there and doing anything!  I’m a total beginner when it comes to running, and I’m glad I was able to run any distance at all.  Next time I will aim to run for longer.  I’ve done Wii Fit “running” and running on a treadmill, but actually getting out and running “for real” is totally different.

It was really nice out today — a bit overcast and windy, but that was really good because I wore too many layers and man, did I sweat.  The weather has been kind of funny lately, so I didn’t want to be cold.  I wore yoga pants, a tank top, a t-shirt, a Lululemon zip-up (kind of similar to this one but mine is a few years old) and a puffy vest.  I definitely did not need so many layers.  Next time I’ll ditch the tank top and the vest.  I also wore gloves at first, and I’m glad I did, because my hands were cold at the beginning, but I quickly peeled those off too.

My legs were a bit jelloid and I was a little winded afterwards, but I felt great!  Once I got home, I had a relaxing bath with a Lush bath bomb, and started reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  So far, I’ve only noticed a little discomfort in my pinkie toes, but the rest of me feels pretty good.  You might have to ask me again tomorrow!

I’m excited to go running again, and it was great to have the support of my sorority sisters.  It’s way more fun to exercise with friends!  I’ll definitely be documenting my experiences here, so keep a look out for them!

Resources
If you’re interested in starting a running program, Nicole Antoinette has a half-marathon training program for beginning runners which looks pretty awesome, and the runDisney site has a huge training program section as well, prepared by Jeff Galloway.  I’m not planning on doing a half-marathon anytime soon, but they’re definitely useful resources!

Got any running or fitness tips for me?  Share them in the comments!