I kid, I kid!

Today’s workout at Iron Tribe consisted of 50 burpees, 75 walking lunges while holding a med ball above our heads, and running 1 mile. I did fine until I got to the running. As I’ve mentioned before, I am not a runner. In fact, I HATE running. I hate it more than beets and that’s a lot. I loathe it. I can’t begin to describe how much I detest it. Ok, horse…dead. There are a number of contributing factors to my disdain; I have way too much going on in the front and back for it to be comfortable or, gasp, fun; I end up with something close to exercise-induced asthma every time I attempt to run; and my knees are shot from years of speed skating at the roller rink.

I’ve done a few runs at Iron Tribe in the beginning, but stopped doing them not too long after. They were mostly warm up runs of 200 or 400 meters and I found myself so winded that I wasn’t able to recover well enough before starting the regular workout. Also, with my badonkadonk jiggling from here to eternity, as well as my stomach, I was not a happy camper. I have a lot of extra weight I’m carrying around period and when I try to add momentum to that, it just makes it harder on my ankles, too. I switched to the rowing machine with other non-runners about a month or two in. I’ve been very happy on the rower – still getting the cardio of a run, but without straining my ankles and knees too much with all that extra weight.

But one of my goals this year is to RUN a 5k. It’s a small goal for most everyone else, but it’s a huge goal for me. I’ve walked 4 of them now, but haven’t been able to run one. One of my runner friends – Tanya – saw that one of my goals was to run a 5k and gave me the gift of training for Christmas. Let me tell you, I was very blessed this Christmas – as I am every Christmas – and loved every single one of my presents. But that gift of training hit home like no other. It was so perfect and exactly what I needed, but didn’t know I needed it. As soon as she gave it to me and we started chatting about it, I was overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude. It ended up being my most cherished gift this year. I think it’s because she understands how important getting healthier is for me. And because she is A-MAZE-BALLS! This woman runs like we sleep. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s getting ready to run her first 50k in a few weeks. Did you hear me? 50k! I am in awe and, at the same time, want to get her some meds because she must be crazy. 🙂 I kid. She’s one of the most amazing, dedicated, funny, kindest people I know and has quickly become a best friend. She says that’s all going to change now once she starts coaching me and yelling at me, but I’ll take it. I can dish it right back, sister!

So last week at Iron Tribe, we had a few 200m runs as part of our WOD. Not having run (at Iron Tribe or anywhere) since last September, I gave it a go in preparation for my training with Tanya. I did the first 200m and rowed the other ones. It’s small, but I’ll take it. I was so happy that I was able to do it. Granted, I nearly passed out afterward from trying to catch my breath, but I did it. Today, I hit another milestone at Iron Tribe – I ran 800m. We were supposed to run a mile (1600m) and I was shooting for maybe 400m – to double my effort last week – but I kept going and turned around with everyone else at the 400m mark. I was very, very, verrrrry slow – almost a fast walk by the end – but I DID IT! I did row the rest of the mile and, being winded, sweaty, and delirious  ended up rowing an extra 400m because I couldn’t add. No matter, I was very excited to hit the running achievement and will keep on working toward the 5k. My first “activity” session with Tanya is this weekend and I’ll be sure to keep you updated. We’re going to start with walking and build up from there with spurts of running. She’s also helping me by checking my food logs, water intake, and activity/steps logs on FitBit. Be sure to check out her blog All In Stride. She’s a rock star. I can’t wait to catch some of her stardust.

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.