Sunday, April 15, 2007

Run, Forest, Run - Part 3

Yesterday was the second week of the running clinic. This week, I couldn't hold back. I told myself to go at a slow pace, stick in the middle of the crowd, but my competitive spirit came roaring to the forefront and all I could think about was seeing if I could do better than last week, if I could keep up with the head of the pack and not pass out.

Thankfully there was no passing out. In fact, I was barely winded by the end of it. There were about six of us in the front of the pack, but one by one the others dropped away until there was just me and this other guy. I knew I could have passed him, except for one slight problem...I have no sense of direction. If I had been out front, I probably would have led the team down to the waterfront and then all over Hell's half acre before we found our way back to the store. So I played it safe and stayed a couple of steps behind him. He did glance back at one point and give me a strange look. His girlfriend was a little further behind me, third in line. I think he thought it was her breathing down his neck.I bought my new running shoes yesterday too. What a difference a good pair of shoes make. They were more than what I usually spend, but then again, I'm not usually running and I'm not willing to wreck my knees for the sake of a cheap pair of shoes.

All in all, I'm loving the running. It's so exhilarating and I feel really pumped, like I accomplished something and had fun doing it. This is a far better workout for me then just walking on a treadmill. I like the idea of doing something where I can push myself to go further and do better. Makes it more of a challenge.

Today, my friend Christine came by while her daughter was in gymnastics and we went for a run. It was sunny and warm, a nice change from the crappy weather of late. Coach Christine had us running 3 minutes, walking 2 for the 5.5 K loop. All totaled, we ran 3.77 K of the route. I didn't start feeling it until the last bit, but not enough that I had to stop.

Soon, I'll be doing a 5K without breaks and hopefully taking part in the Johnny Miles Race in June.

8 comments:

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Wow, Kelly! You've found your other passion. Your sense-of-direction problem can work as perfect psych-out strategy. While you hold yourself back in second place, the leader will wear himself out until you spot the finish line and sprint for it. I'm already popping the champagne cork!

Anonymous said...

Way to go! I hope you enjoy the running. :)

Tess said...

Glad you're having fun with the running! Will be rooting for you when you do that run in a few weeks :)

Unknown said...

Way to go Kelly! I wish I had your motivation to get out there an exercise. I need to dig out my video at the very least and start doing it with my girls again.

Melissa Amateis said...

That is awesome, Kelly! Man, you make running sound like so much fun. I've always hated it - I love to walk, though. ;-)

Unknown said...

Sounds like you found a great way to stay in shape. Run, Kelly, Run.

Rene said...

My SIL is into running and she loves it too. Not me. I workout, but I can't run. Sounds like you're doing a great job.

Lexi said...

You are my inspiration!