Making My Way To My First 5K

It was back in April when I first toyed with the idea of taking up running again. I had attended a wedding where I was seated with a group of individuals who participate in triathlons. As much as I wanted to start running back them, I had other things in my life I was focusing on and really couldn't find the time to fit it into my schedule. So, I made myself a promise... I would start training for a 5K race (to be run sometime this Fall) as of June 12th.

It might seem like it was a random date to pick, but it wasn't. That is when my schedule would free-up and I would be able to dedicate the time I needed to train. Sure, I walked a lot during the summer and I had been walked at a minimum 10 miles a week because my daily routine required me too, but I also knew that I hadn't had a regular workout routine in several years and it would take some time to get back in the swing of things.

Prior to starting I made sure to invest in a good pair of running shoes. Even with running shoes I knew this new undertaking of mine would take a toll on my knees and I wanted to mitigate the damage as much as I could.

Not too long after I began running again I decided that it might behoove me to start weight training. My focus unexpectedly started to shift a bit. Not only did I want to train for this infamous 5k I planned to run, but now I suddenly wanted to get in shape. Beyond my normal "winter weight" there are a few pounds I've been wanting to shed for some time and I knew just running would not facilitate that process.

It's been a month since I started working toward this goal. At this point in time I can't really tell you how much, if any, weight I've lost from running and weight training... I kind of haven't gotten on a scale yet to see where my weight is at. I have, however, begun to seen progress in my running and more importantly my enthusiasm for a regular exercise regime. Additionally, it has further enhanced my outlook on life in general (I'll get more into that in a later post.)

As I continue work towards towards running my first 5K race I plan to blog about the experience. I say my first race because tonight S asked me tonight if I wanted to run a local St. Paddy's Day race next March... yes, I haven't even run my first race and I'm already planning for my second one. (A very me thing to do!)

In the meantime, I hope you will continue to read about my experiences as I make my way to my first 5K!

Until later . . .

Regret?

During the course of this Thursday blogging project topics have come along that just don't sit well with me for one reason or another. I have admit, when Sara gave us the task of writing about our greatest regret I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to get started.

My reaction mainly has to do with the fact that there are many things that have taken place in my life I could pinpoint as a great regret. Also, on more occasions than I would like to admit, I have found myself stating I regretted (insert event). The truth of the matter that I don't regret those things. I know it sound cliche, but they are a part of my life and I know I'm a better person because of those experiences.

So, I sat for some time pondering what I was going to write about because I still felt there had to be something I regretted . . . it wasn't until I saw a yellow post-it note that was on the desk I was sitting at that it hit me what my greatest regret is.

The words on the post-it was a line from Maroon 5's song "Misery":

"It's not what I didn't feel; it's what I didn't show."

The words hit me hard. When I first think about those words I think of them regarding romantic relationships that I was too scared to show how I was really feeling - or I took a long time to reveal. However, after further rumination I realized the words also applied in other situations in my life. See there is a lot of unspoken feelings I have toward those close to me. Mainly feelings of gratitude and thanks. Part of the reason for this has to do with the assumption that these people know how much I appreciate what they have done for me. The other reason has to do with the question of when is the best time to thank someone for something they did so long ago. The answer I came up with - Anytime.

Like with my life experiences that I have on occasion professed regret towards, my regret toward my lack of expression is short-lived. It's something I'm working on changing. It's something that will make me an even better person.

Now that I have shared by greatest regret, please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say:


• Momarock (Sara)

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)

• Mom of Many (Susanna)

Until later . . .