My sister text messaged me the other day.
We should run a race.
She says this a lot. She was ill. I chalked it up to fever.
Then she switched to other topics. Hometown gossip, mainly. I let it go.
Next day, I get an email about her birthday. Snuck into the bottom is,
Also, Jennie, Mikie, and Jon, here is the race I have decided upon…
A 5k. In May.
It included this: So stop being pansy babies and start running.
So I did the only logical thing one can do with older sisters: I started running. She sent me a training schedule that I knew I could not start, because Step 1 was run a mile and a half. Doubt it. So I found a website on “How to Run a Mile” which was exactly what I needed. I am not following it exactly – I am basically running until I can’t run anymore (which is not very far, don’t worry.)
Here’s what it comes down to. I started on Friday. I ran a mile on the treadmill. It took me 15.5 minutes. I took Saturday off, rock climbing instead, and ran again yesterday. I ran outside, and it took me 17 minutes. I chock that up to weather, shoes, and terrain. And because my arms were so sore I could barely lift them. And because I am bad at running, mainly.
Today’s an off day, and since my arms are still sore, I took it as a completely “off” day, but I did get this yesterday at REI, so I won’t be having many “off” days from now on, since I am going to want to run this sucker up.
Tomorrow, I have to face the treadmill again. Not looking forward to it, but I’m determined. Or maybe I am just scared of my sister…
You should be scared of me! Also, you should be excited to run YOUR FIRST RACE. It is not about how long it takes. It is about how good it feels to cross the finish line.
Plus, I promise to buy you breakfast!
Hi from Park City!
This is awesome. We should run a race together over the summer. I know, I know, one day and one step at a time, but it’s great to hear you’re doing this! Now we can complain about how running is hard together over tea or while doing yoga : )
I am cheering you on from Charlottesville. When you come visit, there is a hike on the Humpback Rock trail that is literally (figuratively!) completely vertical and I was out of breath the whole time we were hiking up it. What I’m saying is, that will help with your training.