I decided to complete the Sun Run Training for a few different reasonsI want to be able to run the 10 km Sun Run without stopping (or having a heart attack), I want to lose 40 pounds by my birthday in July and I want to be able to open the door and go for a run whenever I want to.
It's all about commitment to myself, setting a goal, and sticking to it!
The training clinic started last Saturday (Jan. 17), at Brennan Park at 9 a.m. The night before, I was filled with questions and doubts. Will I be able to do this? How will I fit my two training sessions in throughout the week? How will I get my two children fed at a decent hour? Am I a bad mother for leaving my kids for an hour three times a week? Why am I doing this?
I sat and thought it out, made a plan and I'm going for it. This is for me! I will follow the training faithfully, I will train on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work, I will plan my meals ahead and get the dusty crockpot out for dinners, my children will be proud of me. I realize all of my anxieties are for nothing. It will all work out. My children will survive for the next 13 weeks. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy! I am totally psyched and ready to go now! Now, for a good night's sleep!
Day One- Week 1
Saturday, Jan. 17
Upon waking, I don my running gear, (this stuff has got to make anyone feel like an athlete!), down two cups of coffee, half a banana and a slice of cheese, thinking I must have something in my stomach for fuel, even though I am not really hungry.
Upon arrival at the rec centre, Sun Run registration forms are given out and medical information forms, all to be filled out before we start. Sadly, the first thing I notice is that Anne and Ray Peters and their infectious enthusiasm are absent. Helle Willburn, the new leader, introduces herself and explains the program.
Anticipation builds, as all 50 or so trainees are anxious to get started. Then we're off!
As a warm up, we walk around the perimeter of the rec centre and continue walking for five minutes, down Loggers Lane. The group started in a pack, and as the first run session begins, away we go. I'm doing it! Run for 30 seconds, walk for four and a half minutes, piece of cake. We have to complete this set seven times.
As we moved further and further down Loggers Lane, the group obviously divides naturally into assorted degrees of ability. I thought I would be near the beginning of the pack, but as we approached about the fourth round, I found myself quite comfortably at the rear! Oh well, at least I am out here I thought!
It was quite a feeling, to be surrounded by all these people, varying shapes and sizes, and levels of fitness, all reaching for the same goal! The weather co-operates, although it's a little cold. I must wear something on my ears next time.
As we reach the end of Loggers Lane, we turn around and head back and I'm thinking, haven't we gone too far? My legs are telling me this is too many times! Surely someone isn't counting correctly! The last set found my hip complaining along with the front of my calves! I can do this! Almost done! There is the rec centrealmost done!
With a great feeling of exhilaration, we enter the gym and begin our stretching, with assorted body parts complaining!
I spent about ten minutes stretching and left feeling great! Tired, but GREAT!
Week 1 - Session 2
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Oh dear! I didn't get home from work until 5:30, no dinner prepared.I rush in, throw some chicken in the oven, potatoes in the microwave, carrots in the pot and coleslaw in a bowl. I madly change into my running gear, say "Hello, goodbye" to my children and out the door I go. My training partner, Lorraine, has patiently been waiting for me since 4:45! I have rushed around all day and really don't want to go! All I want to do is sit down, but away we go!
Tonight, we do the same: run 30 seconds, walk four and a half minutes, eight times. I was quite stressed when we started, but afterwards, again, I felt awesome! It all worked out! I am stress-free and proud of myself.
