Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Milestone...and how I started.

“Goals are dreams with deadlines.”
Diana Scharf Hunt

My goal, was to run 1000K this year...today, I broke the 500K mark...and we're in May! That's 327 miles, which means that I should reach my 500 mile Pay it Forward goal before the end of the year. It is seriously hard for me to believe how far I've come. Here's the abridged version of how I got to this point...

Because of the asthma, I knew I needed to do something to improve my lung capacity. So I started walking in 2005. Then in September 2007 I started going to the gym three times a week. I had gained 30 pounds on corticosteroids and I didn't like what was happening to my body. It helped, but it wasn't enough.

In 2009, I turned 50, and I wanted to do everything I could to improve my health. So, I decided to try running. Why did it take so long you ask...let me tell you why. I hated running. Every time I had tried running, I did not enjoy myself. I was breathless within minutes. That's why. But, I always wished I loved running and I always envied people who ran, which explains why I wanted to try it one more time. I started at the gym, my trainer had me run for 1 minute, walk for 1 minute, then more running, less walking. I also started going for short runs outside, but I always ended up walking before I reached 1K, then I'd run a bit more and walk some more. I still found it really hard. One day, I read a book about staying young through running and it explained how to use a cardio-monitor to gauge how fast one should be running in order to stay within our aerobic zone. I went out and bought a cardio-monitor the next day and wore it on my next outdoor run. I quickly realized that I had been running too fast...in order to stay within my aerobic zone, I practically had to trot in place! But, I could run for longer and I wasn't finding it as hard. THAT is when I first started to enjoy running. On September 12, 2009, uber hubby mapped out a 3K run for me, I felt ready to run 3K non-stop. What he didn't tell me, was that he had mapped out a 5K run, just in case I felt good enough to keep going...and I did! That day, I ran 5K non-stop for the first time. I think it took me about 40 minutes. I was breathless for like 5 minutes afterwards and I was exhausted. But, I was so proud of myself. I still didn't find running easy, but I was enjoying it much more and I was definitely addicted. Still, at this point, I could not even imagine running a half-marathon. That is, until I discovered the Running Room 10/1 method. That was the second turning point! I joined a Running Room clinic and...

Now, here I am, 8 months, a good dose of discipline and determination, and 505Ks later...
I am one of them! 
...and I am about to run my first half-marathon!

Cheers!
p.s. A few of you mentioned that I looked really tiny in my previous post pictures...I am 5 feet 7 inches tall, not so tiny...it's just a wierd optical illusion where I was standing :)

37 comments:

Julie said...

I am so proud of you Anne! You have come so far and I know darn well that a marathon is in your near future:) Keep working hard and you will be able to do anything that you set your mind to!

Lindsay said...

You rock! Way to go. That is some serious mileage!

Amy said...

I think running in a comfortable breathing zone is so key to getting started - I think a lot of us make the mistake at the beginning of going out too hard and fast. You can be really proud of all you have accomplished - you've come a long way! You are going to rock it in Ottawa!

ajh said...

You must be so proud of yourself! Talk about not giving up and reaping the rewards. Good for you. I hope you like the 5K.

Johann said...

Congrats on the 500km’s, that is really good! You are so determined and a true inspiration.

Claire said...

Outstanding!! What an inspiring story!!

Teamarcia said...

What a beautiful story of perseverance! So many people ask me how to start running but then tell me how much they hate it and quit. I'm going to save this to share with others! Congrats!

Heather said...

What a great story, thanks for sharing. You have come far! Congrats on all you have accomplished.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

You are amazing! Congrats on all that you have accomplished!

Marlene said...

Thanks for sharing your story! You've come a long way and should be very proud!

Hi! I'm Erin said...

What a wonderful and motivational story! I agree, the next time someone tells me they "can't" run, I'm going to point them in this direction!

Jamoosh said...

500K to go - great job. Way to tame the asthma.

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

Cheers to YOU! and you look mavalous baby;-)

misszippy said...

Love it! What a great story. You are impressive!

Miglena said...

yes, you are impressive .. AND such a role model for others... it must feel very good to know that what you do can inspire others and help them change their perspective... who would have know that asthma CAN actually be controlled with the one thing asmatics were told not do - RUN?! I wish more people could/would read your story and believe that there IS something they have control over when fighting this (usually hard to control) chronic disorder... and congrats on the 500K, you might be able to reach the 1000M milestone the way you are going ;)

Laura said...

Loved this post, you're totally inspirational :-)

Tara said...

Congrats on making your halfway mark! I'm so proud of you!

My asthma is actually doing much better since I stopped drinking milk last winter. I have stopped talking my Singulair!

Char said...

I love hearing other people's stories of how they started running. You knew what you wanted and stuck at it. Gotta admire the tenacity.

MCM Mama said...

You've come a long way!! Very impressive!

MomRunningFromCancer said...

Way to stick with your goal. You just might beon your way to 1000 - miles not kilometers. ;-)

But seriously, you should be very proud. It is an inspiration how you have increased your milage and you can clearly call yourself a runner.

Jennifer said...

Hoot hoot! I love these kind of stories! Good for you!

inspiREDtorun13 said...

Best of luck in your half! Your pictures are so cute! You're going to do awesome :)

Beth said...

You are going to do great at your half! You have so much to be proud of and you are an inspiration!

Sherri said...

Awesome! I love your picture..your beautiful!!!

Pat said...

You are awesome! And you're such an inspiration for me. In five months you've run 327 miles - you'll definitely reach your goal before the end of the year.

What's the name of the book you mention? It sounds very informative.

SeeGirlRun said...

You are willowy rather than tiny. What an amazing journey.I'm so glad you shared it with us. 9 days left!!!

And thanks for the words of encouragement after my horrendous first 10 miler. I'm going to look at some fuel belts and hand helds today. I guess I just never thought I'd run long enough to have to worry that much about it. But here I am!

Did I mention 9 more day? I'm getting excited for you!!

Laura

ajh said...

I am going to see Sound of Music on Broadway. Disney is the producer and I always like any show Disney puts on.

Tricia said...

awesome! congrats on the miles

Anne said...

You should be very proud of how far you've come, Anne.

Iris said...

This is an awesome post! Great motivation for all of us.

Meg said...

Your story is truly amazing and you should feel like you can do anything now!

Robyn said...

What a great post! Loved hearing about your journey. And 500k in 5 months, that's amazing!

H Love said...

so awesome!!! love the cute skirt!!

momof3 said...

Thanks for your comment! It was a great day today. I think of you often, and hope that training is going smoothly! Thanks again! You're such an inspiration to "us" asthmatics!

Kelly said...

Hi Anne, I'm glad Kerrie "introduced" us! I enjoyed reading through your blog, in particular your recap of your first race and this post. Fantastic story & congrats on hitting 500K!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Congrats!! You've come a long way, and I see many more milestones being smashed by you for a long time to come!! Keep going Anne :)

Robin said...

Congrats on reaching such milestones, friend. You continue to inspire me. :)
HUGS from Orlando!