I toyed with the idea of creating this blog for some time now. I finally decided, this is it. This is the beginning. I am on a journey to RUN a 5K, then eventually a 10K. My ultimate goal? To run a half marathon. I had this thought five years ago and was inspired because a friend of my participated in the Disney half marathon at 40. I figured, I can do this. I started five years ago, gradually pushing myself to run up to 10 minutes at a time. Then, life happens....Many emotional things went on in my life and then I found myself pregnant at 40.
One thing after another and exercise and fitness slowly was put on the back burner. I dabbled, here and there. Never maintaining consistency. Now, I've determined that enough is enough and I need to really get serious about this. So thus my commitment to this blog and my belief in my ability to accomplish my goals. Last month, I made contact with and joined a group, "Black Girls RUN!" The purpose of the group is to encourage health and fitness among African American women and encourage them to get walking and running. Moreover, to participate in the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon runs where our presence is sorely lacking.
That said...I participated for the first time this past Tuesday. Accomplished six times around a 0.9 track and during four of those times, I alternated running and walking. Today, I went for my second run/walk and did better in terms of the run. After a brisk 5 minute warm up, I spent the rest of the time alternating between a one minute run and a three minute walk. I had a great partner in Shonda who pushed me to run farther than I would have on my own. So I am grateful for the camaraderie this group provides.
So where to from here? Now I will develop a strategy for my runs. I'm going to just work on increasing the amount of time that I am able to run gradually. I'm not going to rush this. I'm 44 years old. I'm not a spring chicken and I want act like it. My next run, I'm going to do one minute, 30 second runs. I'm committed to this. This week involves sticking to the plan. I post next week with an update!
Oh, yeah...I'm not weighing in all the time. My start is 127, okay I hear you now...that's small. But I'm only 4'11" so that is technically overweight. All of my sisters are overweight and I don't want that in my future. I know where I want to be, but I'm going to let that be a byproduct of my ultimate goal---health, wellness, and fitness!!
