"Real and lasting inspiration comes

by overcoming your doubts and fears,

one step at a time. With each step forward,

it becomes more difficult not to be an athlete."

~from "No Need for Speed - A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running" by John Bingham

I am just loving this running book. It seems like it was written just for me! :-) I had to laugh when I started Chapter 2 a few days ago and read this quote at the beginning. When I first started boot camp I remember how the trainer liked to often say, "Come on! Work harder - BE AN ATHLETE!" And in my head a little voice would respond, "But I don't WANT to be an athlete!" ;-) Well, now, seven short weeks later, when I hear his famous line the little voice sounds more like, "Yeah, let's work harder! I CAN be an athlete!" ;-)

4th 5K

The fourth Saturday in June, means that it is time for the Polish Day Festival and the Polish Pickle Run!

Held in the charming town of Bremond, Texas.

You pick up your bib number from The Bremond Press office building.

The run begins "down town" and winds through through the small town's streets, with plenty of folks out on their front porches to cheer you on. :-)

Hay bales mark the finish line tunnel.

After catching your breath,

a stroll through the vendor booths is definitely in order.

This year, Miss Hollywood was in attendance to see Mom finish. ;-)

I was disappointed that I had to walk some during mile 2,

but I did shave six minutes off my best 5K time

and eight minutes off my first Pickle Run. :-)

I'm improving ~ and that's what counts! ;-)

3rd 5K to participate in...

...and 1st 5K to run *most* of!

Hoping to run all of the next one! :-)

And, let's see, that would be when I'm NOT -

running in the rain, thunder and far away lightening

running through ankle deep water and mud

running with clothing stuck to my body

running while trying to not twist my ankle in a deep hole

running looking like a very drowned rat! ;-)

Finish line! :-)

Couch to 5K Update

It has been one week since I began the Couch to 5K program and I just completed my 4th "run". And, let me tell you, it was H-A-R-D! But it was wonderful at the same time. :-) There is nothing like doing something that you really thought you couldn't do!

Today's workout increased the running time from 60 second intervals to 90 second intervals. (Oh, and by the way, Couch to 5K calls this "jogging" - which I refuse to do. ;-) This is hard. It is running. And I want credit where credit is due!)

The thing that I am noticing about running is that it is really so much harder than walking or doing aerobics. I am also noticing that I am not in as good a shape as I thought I was! Yes, I know I need to loose a few pounds (Actually at my short stature, I need to lose more than a few! ;-) But, more important to me than what the scale says, is the condition of my heart (physically and spiritually). I can walk all day and I can do aerobics for quite awhile without getting too winded, but running? It is really challenging. But you know...I've always loved a good challenge! :-)

And I Really Thought It Couldn't Be Done...

I ran today. On purpose. :-)

I really want to run part of the next 5K I participate in. I have decided to try the "Couch to 5K" running plan. After having printed out the schedule several times over the years, I have since discovered that you actually have to do more than print it out... ;-)

So, 1 workout down...26 to go! Going to put a tracker in my side bar for accountability. :-)

You can check out the schedule at Cool Running.