Almost 9 months ago, I made this huge decision to start the C25K program. You can see my original post about that here. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone!! Running is a leap out of my comfort zone and one that I never anticipated taking. At some point after finishing the C25K program, I decided to keep going and piggy back the C210K *it basically picks up where the 5k left off.* After completing that, I did a program called Run For Fat Loss *R4FL*. I completed that in January *I think.* I kind of bounced around a bit after that. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my running.
At the beginning of March, I checked out the ipod app for a half marathon trainer by the same creators of the 5k and 10k app that I had so enjoyed. It really seemed like it was up my alley. It was the same set up using intervals to complete your half marathon. Yes!! I
As I have been on this journey, I've learned new things about running. I have read up on rhythmic breathing which has helped me tremendously. A few friends have given me the ins and outs of 'fueling' while on longer runs *someone said to me today, "Isn't fueling for cars?" We both laughed, but there is certainly more to it than that.* And two big things happened in regards to my running: 1) I signed up for a 5k and 2) I signed up for a half marathon.
If you are unfamiliar, a 5k is 3.1 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles.
My 5k, was today. It was a Color Vibe 5k and thinking that it was only 3.1 miles, I knew I had it in the bag. One thing I didn't really think much about was where I live and what kind of terrain I'd be running on today. It was pretty much a trail run which I am not accustomed to. However, it gave me a glimpse of what my half marathon will be like in August. In some ways, today's run made me think I was hiking while running. There were large rocks and roots protruding here and there, and had I been in a car, I might have put my hazards on. As I approached each color station, I held my breath *which while running is extremely difficult* so that I didn't get color blasted in my mouth. When all was said and done, I'd burned just shy of 500 calories in my 40 minute 5k. Average pace = 12:54 min./mi. For someone who isn't used to trail running and doing some serious hills *24 floors according to my fitbit*...this pace is amazing for me!
With that said, I will most definitely be starting with the walkers at the half marathon in August. I'm still questioning my sanity in signing up for one. Again, it's a huge leap out of my comfort zone, but I love that I am continually being challenged.
What have you done lately to get you out of your comfort zone? Are you challenging yourself?
