So today I went for a run around Kearny (and half of Harrison). While I was out on my 7 mile run I started to think about where I was a year ago.
January 2009 I was back at work from maternity leave and weighed 168 pounds. I was still breastfeeding and completely inactive. At that point running 1 mile was practically impossible, but here I am…a year later and able to run 7 miles like it’s nobody’s business. That’s why today I dedicate this blog to all those who are frustrated with their weight, unhealthy life style, and inactivity. You will never start off by running 1 mile…and believe it or not, not even ½ mile.
I encourage you to start by taking a run around the block. Work on that for a few days. Then run around 2 blocks and work on that. Eventually, you will find that you can run 1 mile, then 2, then 3.
Building your endurance is like anything in life…it takes time and it takes practice. If running a marathon seems like a nearly impossible task, that’s good and it should. That’s what makes running a marathon so rewarding. Instead of putting that overwhelming feeling in front of getting out there and doing it, forget about the marathon – for now. Find a 5K (3.1 miles) race. You may decide to stick with that distance or you want to challenge yourself further. You can then move to a 10K, then a 15K, and maybe even a ½ marathon. Then who knows, maybe at some point running a marathon won’t seem so impossible and you will decide to run a 26.2 mile race.
But before you are overwhelmed again with the idea of running a marathon, I want to remind you of the first step – a run around the block. I’m sure that running around the block seems much more doable. It may even seem like too little. It’s not a literal statement, it’s a starting point and everyone’s starting point is different. Always start small and build from there. One day you will look back and be amazed how starting with a run around the block has helped you achieve things you never thought you would be able to do.
Until the next time…
Andi
