Goal #3... check!

When I started out in this 8-week journey toward running a 5K, I had three main goals...

First, I wanted to be able to run further than the end of the driveway without gasping for breath! We started with interval training, and I did it longer than our homework required because my cardiovascular system was in such bad shape. I didn't even make a commitment to a 5K because I was absolutely convinced that it would take me twice as long as everyone else to get ready, and I didn't want to run a 5K if I couldn't run most of it. So, I concentrated on breathing and making sure I didn't wreck my legs in the pursuit of getting back in shape.

Second, I wanted to kickstart my weight loss efforts, because an occasional boot camp or kickboxing class wasn't getting it done anymore. I recognized that my metabolism was at an all-time low and not getting any better. After two fitness challenges at OPT, I knew that watching every calorie would prevent me from gaining any more, but that the only way to start LOSING again was to get substantially more active. So, running seemed to be the least expensive and most effective way of guaranteeing that I did something very active at least every other day.

Third, and less important, was training for the 5K itself. We were all working toward that goal -- it was, after all, the main reason for the "5K training group" I was in. I waited and waited to sign up for the race and it was only THIS WEEK that I finally decided that I had worked too hard to give up the culminating event of our program -- regardless of how my boss felt. I figured out how to free myself up from work to run, and signed up Saturday morning after all. Although it wasn't originally in my plan to run yesterday, I did, and I did better than last week -- 34:40! I had to stop and walk briefly to catch my breath because of the heat, but my legs and feet never bothered me once! I'm so glad I did it... I had not expected to run it and was happy with my time last week, but in retrospect there's nothing like running it with 600 other people and comparing notes with everyone afterwards. The camaraderie and "team spirit" that we enjoyed before, during, and after the race was like a drug to me -- its not often I feel "included" in things. I'm either the organizer, or the worker bee -- rarely the participant. The fact that I could be all three this time, and really enjoy the adrenaline rush of achieving the third of my three goals on schedule, was an invaluable experience! And, the whole experience reinforced in my mind that I can continue to do this and be successful at it.

The beauty of running is that it is truly a sport for individuals -- you can have your own goals, your own expectations, and your own achievements, and still share it with others from time to time. I didn't complete the race by running the whole time, but I had hoped to do it in 35 minutes or less, and I did! Next time, I'll run the whole thing without stopping, and I'll try for a little quicker time. Yes, there will be a next time, and I will continue to run, even in the heat of summer! Another 5K in August, the Electric Run in September, and an 8K in October... onward and upward!!