The First 3.1 Miles

When I started the beginner's running program, C25K, this March, it stunned everyone who knew me. Far from being a runner, I had always been decidedly anti-running: "Why would anyone run unless they were being chased?" I absolutely hated it. And then, as I took on the C25K challenge just to show myself that I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to, I really started to love the feeling of pride I felt after running farther than I had before.

For the past 3 months, the extreme heat here in Southern Nevada has forced me to run only at night or early in the morning. Occasionally, in the middle of the day, I catch myself wishing it were cooler, just so I could go out and run.

This morning I ran week 9, day 1 of the program - 30 minutes - and then I kept going, until I reached 3.1 miles. It took me close to 40 minutes, but I did it. And on this coming Saturday, I'll run my first 5K. I'm certainly not expecting to get an amazing time. Just finishing it will be a victory that I could never have imagined just 6 months ago, and I'm looking forward to more to come.


As a side note, I just finished putting together my playlist for the race. Check the radness:

Yeah, my power song is by Jonathan Coulton. I don't care. That song was MADE for running. And yes, that is THE Final Countdown starting things off. You like it.