When I started using the RunDouble app on my phone, I first ran outside around the general neighborhood. It went pretty well and I still had some gas left in my tank when I was done.
Over the past 2 weeks, I've been running indoors. At the gym, the app can't track me via GPS, so I don't really know my pace. It can't track my distance, but I count my laps. Most of my indoor runs average around 2 1/4 miles. My outdoor runs are decidedly shorter, but I'm getting there.
Today was my second outdoor run. While the first day I was battling the cold, today, it wasn't as cold but it did decide to rain on me. When all was said and done, that was a nice thing actually. Kept me from over heating (though it made seeing kind of a pain when it blew in my face).
It was a steady drizzle.
As you can see from the above graph, my running has really taken off in 2 weeks. The C25K program works off walking and running intervals, so while my average runs are around 9 minutes/mile, this graph factors in my walking as well.
I'm so glad to see results during this process. Running isn't my strongest suit. In fact, when I think of why I run, I don't even do it because it's a great way to stay in shape. I do it (get this) because it's hard and I don't think I can. Somewhere deep down I doubt that I can do it. Somewhere along the line, I got the impression that fat girls can't run. I can't even pinpoint where I got that impression - after all, I played sports all through grade school and into high school. I even took a college level basketball class! Running is one small way I can fight back against that "I can't do it" anxiety.
But all that said, what was going through my head during my runs?
Today, as I listened to WDWRadio podcast while running, I couldn't help but think of another podcast that is near and dear to my heart.
Gordon Harvey's This Running Life
While he's changed his tune from his podcasting days to a blog focused on where he is now, I remember Gordon recording podcasts while running in the rain in the south. I remember him turning off the recorder and heading home when lightening would strike. I'm still inspired by this commitment to change his life (even though I have no real interest in going Vegan). I've been following Gordon's adventures in health and training since 2009, when he started podcasting. (If you want to see where he started blogging, check out this link: Running to Disney. The slow evolution of really is inspiring.)
One thing that really impresses me is that Gordon changed his life with this family intact. Many people who have been morbidly obese find that once they change their lives, many relationships often don't survive. From friendships to romance, sometimes the stress is just too much. In my experience once a person who was once a victim of their own lifestyle becomes their own personal hero, some partners/friends/family members are intimidated by the newfound confidence that comes with it. Instead of rolling with it and celebrating success, many find somewhere else where they can be the 'hero'. Gordon decided that he would change his life without impacting his family life. This ment a LOT of early mornings, cooking for himself (his entire family isn't Vegan), and shopping for himself.I could go on and on about all of that - but Gordon remains one of the inspirational people in my life, even though we've never met face to face.
While running today - I remembered the voice of that self-proclaimed "slow, fat guy who runs", I get a little smile, and I run a little farther.
RESULTS:Obviously the graph shows an increase in pace AND distance! Booyah.
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Good for you Jay!
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