Today, I made it to the halfway mark in my Run 5K program. I have 49 days until my race. And I feel better right now than I ever have!
After getting up ridiculously early to watch the Team USA ladies gymnastics prelims (more on that in another post), I felt inspired to finish Week Four with enthusiasm. I meant to finish last week on Wednesday after successful runs on Saturday and Monday, but I got a flat tire. Thursday saw me at work until after 7 and Friday I hosted a party for the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics. It seemed like life was conspiring against me. If I didn’t have an actual race to train for, I probably would have given up.
But today I strapped on my gear and headed out to the trail, armed with a new playlist and ready to get it done. Unlike previous weeks, Week Four’s Day 3 was not identical to Days 1 & 2. The middle run section was a full minute longer than any run section I had previously had and I was nervous about my stamina to make it through without stopping.
However, I ran all three run sections without stopping. (I hadn’t worn an overshirt, so no stopping to take it off even.) It was the first time I’d run through an entire song without stopping (actually ran through two songs during the middle run section) and it was empowering instead of intimidating like I thought it might be.
On the trail I run, I head out one direction and back the same way when I get to the halfway point of the run. Since I started this program, I seem to turn around at about the same street, give or take a few feet. But as the title mentions, I ran an entire block further before turning back for home. When I passed my normal turnaround, I just started grinning. I’m sure the other people on the path thought I was crazy, but I just felt incredible. I didn’t quite make it to the “victory tree” this time, but I came closer than I thought I might given the extra distance I covered before coming back towards home.
Next week, the total time increases to 32 minutes for the first time, so I’ll have to tweak my playlist. But it was pretty perfect for all the run/walk splits today.
Independence Day – Melanie C (warm up)
Go! (Dave Aude Deep Space Mix) – Jupiter Rising
My Heart Goes Boom – French Affair
Pocket Full of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield
Let It Roll – MMO
One More – Superchick
Love You Like a Love Song – Selena Gomez and the Scene
Walk On – U2 (cool down)
Jenn in the City 
If the other people on the path were also runners, they would not think you were crazy for grinning. My brother helped me understand that all runners understand celebrating each small victory… and even if they are marathon runners or super-speed runners, they are mostly proud and happy for new runners, too! Go you!
I need to start running again… I should actually sign up for a race to keep me honest, eh? 🙂
Thank you! I was surprised that I was smiling myself because though I’ve been doing this training program, I’ve not really found “joy” in running. Really just wanted to finish because I’m competitive, even with myself. So, it felt like a real turning point, though I may just be on an Olympics high 🙂