Tuesday, March 22, 2011

3 minutes to 3 miles!

About 8 months ago I began running. When i began i could run about 3 minutes (and THAT was pushing it!) I would do about 20 minutes on the treadmill and I would run 3 minutes then walk 5, then run 1 minutes, and walk another 5, etc... for between 20-30 minutes. That was such a hard thing for me to do. I dreaded getting on that treadmill because i felt like i wasn't successful. It continued that way for several months. By about month 3 I could only run about 5 minutes.

But I kept pushing! and thank the Lord I did :) Just this week, about 7 months later, I ran 3 miles. It took me about 30 minutes, which is a steady 10 minute mile (at the beginning I was running a 12-ish minutes mile). It felt incredible being able to run so far and so long!

I know so many people feel like they can't run, and at first maybe they can't, but it truly is worth the wait and effort! Every week or so I tried to push myself a little more. Once I ran so far/long I would always make sure to run that far again. So when I could run a mile, I would always run a mile after that.

At first I got really bored when running. about 5 minutes would go by and I would just want to quit. But i have pushed through that and now 30 minutes doesn't feel too bad.

I can honestly say it is so worth it! The way I feel after a run is incredible. I feel happier and more energetic. I feel like my body simply works better.

So what are you waiting for! Even if you can only run for 30 seconds, Who knows what 30 seconds could become!

Erica

2 comments:

  1. I've thought about the running thing, but swimming is really working for me! I would have a really hard time just like you explained!! Maybe a few more months of swimming and getting in better shape and I can actually run! Congrats!

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  2. Erica, I loved reading your story about working up to running 3 miles, wow. I have been working out on different elypticals and the treadmill this past year, including jogging/walking intervals. You've encouraged me to keep working at jogging and seeing how long I can do it at one time!
    Also, how are you doing with Kendall being overseas? I have you on my heart often and keep you and Kendall in my prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you or Kendall!
    Sue McWhorter

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