Health Challenge

I want to let you all in on a little challenge that I have prepared for myself. And hopefully, now that you have found this, you can join in too.

I had spent most of my life thinking that I did not like to run. But last summer, for some unknown reason to me, I started running just on a whim.  I started out with a mile and then  slowly began increasing my distance. Through an accident of running too far too quickly (=PAIN!!!), I discovered  the run/walk method of training recommended by my chiropractor.  I would run for five minutes and then walk for two. I eventually lowered it to walking for one minute and then finally to all running. And the most surprising part was that I was loving it!

Then some time in July  I discovered a 5K race that was scheduled for September  21st one town over from me in Northampton. That was it! The gauntlet was thrown down. I was in.

I  learned great stretching routines, downloaded some awesome get-your-butt-going songs on my MP3 player, and ran 5-6 days a week. I eventually learned the course and began practicing on it. When the race finally came I was ready and psyched! My chiropractor had warned me not to get caught in the flow of runners in the beginning and to stay at my usual pace. I followed her advice, but some where along the run, I began feeling the rise of a competitive nature that I had NEVER known was there. I began pushing to pass people and would speed up if I felt someone trying to pass me. And when I came to the final stretch, I pushed myself to a point where I was sure I would simply explode! But the victory of completion was beyond fabulous and the results amazing! I had taken almost two minutes off of my time AND I beat out a nineteen year old AND tied with a fourteen year old! At forty-five, that’s not too shabby!

So a couple of weeks ago the wonderful man in my life told me about the “Tough Topanga 10K” in Topanga, California where he lives. I felt the pressing need to run this race and I have now set out on a training mission. Thus the creation of this challenge. There is about 80 days to the race  (they are still finalizing the exact date), so it is time to get into a work out regimen–NOW! I live in a very snowy state, so the outdoor running has been hampered sometimes. When there is snow, I will then do indoor aerobics as an alternative. The weather should be warming soon so I will be good to go!

I have provided a link for you here that will take you to a site where you can join me in this challenge if you so choose. Or simply follow my progress. I challenge you! You don’t have to run. Any kind of exercise will do. Inside or outside.  And by knowing that you will be there with me checking in or even meeting my challenge, you will hold me to task. Maybe we can do that for all that stop by. As we stand in support of each other, there is NOTHING we cannot do! A  force to be reckoned with!

What’s stopping you? LET”S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!