7 Months

So the other day I decided to take a look at the goals I set for myself back in January. One of those was to run 5 races (of any length) over the course of the year. In the moment I thought to myself that it was too late to complete this goal. I'm so out of shape that there's no way I could run 5 races before the year is over.

I had really started to give up on running any races (let alone 5) when I realized there are SEVEN months left in the year. Seven months! That is SO long! And so much can change in 7 months.

Thinking back on my first running stint, here's the timeline:
June 2010 - came back from South Africa
July 2010 - went back to Boston
July-August 2010 - started running (1 step at a time!)
September 2010 - ran my first 5k without stopping
October 2010 - ran the Tufts 10k without stopping
January 2011 - signed up for a half marathon
March 2011 - ran the New Bedford Half without stopping! (can't help but put an exclamation point there!!)

So only 8.5 months passed from taking my first running step outside in ages to running a half marathon. To expect that I can get even halfway there in 7 months is totally reasonable and actually makes me feel very excited! An excitement I haven't felt in a looong time.

So to start this change, I signed up for a race! In just one short month I'll be running (or walking) the Tory Row 5K in Harvard Square.

And to take it a step further, when I got home I went for a run outside! I had 0 goals for this run except to just go. I ended up doing a bunch of 5 minute running/5 minute walking intervals and called it a night as soon as I felt like it was enough. And guess what? It wasn't that bad.

I feel like I've had somewhat of a mental breakthrough this week. I feel positive and excited about being healthy and active for the first time in a long time. In the inevitable tough points of getting back in shape, what I need to keep in mind is that being able to exercise is a privilege. I am so lucky to have the time to workout when I want, the money to afford a gym membership, new running shoes and an ipod, and the actual ability to use my legs and lungs and heart.

That's it for Friday's preach. Happy long weekend ya'll!