So the previous posts are what I have been able to accomplish in the last year. It has not been easy but it is pretty cool when I get asked about the running, the weight loss, but certainly the greatest thing is the feeling that I want to run, spin, bike with the girls. It was very much worth the work.
Again and again thank you to Eri and the girls for the awesome support and putting up with me not being there during many of the family meal times.
I still love drinking beer, drinking scotch, going out and eating wings (although certainly not as much as I used to), but more importantly I really do enjoy the workout the next day.
I think I am going going to update the blog with updates on my runs and accomplishments. I don't believe I will win a race - but I know I am going to finish some. Next up is the Chilly Half Marathon on March 4th.
There were more people who didn't think I could finish the half marathon than those who thought I could. I was one of those people. I did not think I could run. But I did.
I love making fun of myself and making fun of others so please feel free to make fun of me and my blog.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
And now...the Half Marathon
I must admit - calling it a "half" marathon does make it sound easier than it is. Just like I said - just a "5km" race is BS - any race you do is awesome. You should be proud if you finish any running race. A half marathon is 21. 1 kilometres for crying out loud. Calling it a half is stupid.
Okay - so the training was done - it was race day. My buddy Graham came down to run with me with really did help me calm my nerves being able to talk and not just stand at the start line and thinking OMG I have to pee. The race started up at Saltfleet High School (the new one, not mine).It is weird to be around all the other runners and realize you belong. I will say this about the vast majority of runners - they don't care how fast other people go, how other people look, anything - they are there to support each other and encourage all. It is a pretty cool community. The race did end up starting about 10 minutes late - at which point I kept thinking:
I can honestly say I had no finishing "kick", I don't really remember the last kilometre, I vaguely remember crossing the finish line, but I do remember looking up and seeing the clock around 1 hour 53 minutes. Crossing the finish line the first thing I do remember is seeing my wife which I promptly gave her a great hug, complete with the present of whatever was coming out of my nose and mouth all over her jacket.
Okay - so the training was done - it was race day. My buddy Graham came down to run with me with really did help me calm my nerves being able to talk and not just stand at the start line and thinking OMG I have to pee. The race started up at Saltfleet High School (the new one, not mine).It is weird to be around all the other runners and realize you belong. I will say this about the vast majority of runners - they don't care how fast other people go, how other people look, anything - they are there to support each other and encourage all. It is a pretty cool community. The race did end up starting about 10 minutes late - at which point I kept thinking:
HOLY SH*T I AM RUNNING A HALF MARATHON. I said that quite a bit that day.
I started out a little quicker than expected - about a 5:00/km pace but I felt great. We hit the Red Hill Creek Expressway at that pace and wow, what a beautiful run. It is crazy to think that wasn't there a few years ago - but the scenery around it is nice (weird for Hamilton). I was coming off the expressway and was under a 5:00/km pace which was probably too fast for me and the first thing I saw at the 11km mark was my little Kloe, then Emma, then Eri. After a quick kiss which was better than any energy gel, I continued on.
All was fine until around the 17km mark. The wind changed into a very strong headwind. And it was freakin cold. And that knee injury really started to hurt. Really Bad. However I was only 4.1 (notice I love the .1) km's left and I was going to finish. My pace slowed significantly but who cares. I was about to finish my first half marathon.
I can honestly say I had no finishing "kick", I don't really remember the last kilometre, I vaguely remember crossing the finish line, but I do remember looking up and seeing the clock around 1 hour 53 minutes. Crossing the finish line the first thing I do remember is seeing my wife which I promptly gave her a great hug, complete with the present of whatever was coming out of my nose and mouth all over her jacket.
I am very proud to say within 7 months of deciding to change my life for the better I did it - ran the half marathon. I felt (emotionally at least - physically it sucked) great. The awesome notes of encouragement I got via text, facebook, phone calls were so awesome. Even people who usually only make fun of me (yes, you AJ) actually congratulated me. I also said there that was it - I was not going to run any more long distance races...well I guess I lied. Thank you Eri for your awesome support - and having the greatest two cheerleaders in the history of the world always there cheering me on (Emma & Kloe) totally was the motivation I needed.
Yep - signed up for the Half Marathon - now what?
I mentioned a few times - the best motivator (for me) is actually signing up for a race. Once I do I am going to run it. Well, unless I get hurt - but that hasn't happened. I decided to run the Road for Hope Hamilton 1/2 Marathon as I heard it was easy. How is running 21.1 km (notice the .1) easy?
I was disappointed my running partner Dave (D-Lo) dumped me for a girl. But he was in love. This one I was going solo - or so I thought.
Anyways my longest run at this point was about 11kms and needed to add 10.1 in about 2 months. Seemed doable other than it was summer time and I was going camping (and drinking beer), going on vacation (and drinking beer), going to cottages (and drinking beer), and playing baseball (and drinking beer). Oh and I had 90 people at my house on labour day weekend eating sausage and......drinking beer.
So I was behind the magic 8-ball in getting started but came up with my plan. My official half marathon training plan was:
1) Run 3 - 4 times a week.
2) Increase my long run each Sunday by 1.5 kms.
3) Spin once or twice a week (it helps me flush my legs out or so I think)
4) Tell as many people I could that I was doing it so I couldn't back out
I was pretty determine to do this - running around 30 - 35 kms a week but not including any hill training. Big mistake for a race that has 6km downhill. The long runs felt pretty good but it is really true you start feeling little muscles in your legs you never knew you had. That's what happens when you are running for 17km.
I was very lucky to stick with the plan and remain relatively injury free. I have legs issues know which were there during the training but it was not stopping me from running the race. I worked my butt off to get to the starting line.
I also found out that a good buddy of mine was going to run the race with me. This is a good motivating thing - someone else at the starting line with you is certainly a positive thing.
So - looking back the training of the half marathon I would certainly add hill training, perhaps ensure there was a fourth run each week - but considering at this point I started running outside 6 months ago I cannot complain.
Next up...the race...
I was disappointed my running partner Dave (D-Lo) dumped me for a girl. But he was in love. This one I was going solo - or so I thought.
Anyways my longest run at this point was about 11kms and needed to add 10.1 in about 2 months. Seemed doable other than it was summer time and I was going camping (and drinking beer), going on vacation (and drinking beer), going to cottages (and drinking beer), and playing baseball (and drinking beer). Oh and I had 90 people at my house on labour day weekend eating sausage and......drinking beer.
So I was behind the magic 8-ball in getting started but came up with my plan. My official half marathon training plan was:
1) Run 3 - 4 times a week.
2) Increase my long run each Sunday by 1.5 kms.
3) Spin once or twice a week (it helps me flush my legs out or so I think)
4) Tell as many people I could that I was doing it so I couldn't back out
I was pretty determine to do this - running around 30 - 35 kms a week but not including any hill training. Big mistake for a race that has 6km downhill. The long runs felt pretty good but it is really true you start feeling little muscles in your legs you never knew you had. That's what happens when you are running for 17km.
I was very lucky to stick with the plan and remain relatively injury free. I have legs issues know which were there during the training but it was not stopping me from running the race. I worked my butt off to get to the starting line.
I also found out that a good buddy of mine was going to run the race with me. This is a good motivating thing - someone else at the starting line with you is certainly a positive thing.
So - looking back the training of the half marathon I would certainly add hill training, perhaps ensure there was a fourth run each week - but considering at this point I started running outside 6 months ago I cannot complain.
Next up...the race...
And on to the 10km....really??
I was pretty excited about this but at the time the 10km seemed daunting. The training runs were longer, I had to get new shoes (see my post on starting up running), I had a fishing trip where I drank way too much and didn't eat healthy at all, and the weather was getting hot. That was a really weird thing - to go from winter training in pants, jackets, four layers of clothes to just shorts and a shirt. Spring is also a weird running time - you start out way too cold and end up way too hot. The other bad thing that happens when you start hitting longer distances is that chafing thing. It really does happen, hurts like hell, and I completely understand why people wear proper running shorts and body glide on your boobs. Sorry to be rude, but it's true.
My training was the same as I was running 3 - 4 times a week, still spinning 1 - 2 times a week, and I felt great. Long runs on Sundays were up to 8 and 9 kms, and most importantly I completely was noticing the weight loss. The fat pants (where size 40 was tight) were way too loose and were falling down. I bought shirts that were not XL for the first time in years, and I dropped a full suit size. It is expensive to lose weight but it is worth it. I also had no interest in hanging out in the big and tall stores which is where I was going.
So - it's race day. I was the proud volunteer of picking up the race kits from Team DeGroote. I headed over to the running room and picked up three kits. An important thing - NOTHING was said to me other than good luck. Remember that.
Running a race in the evening is weird - you are thinking about it all day, you are thinking about what you should eat, just lots of thinking. That is not something I do well. Finally - we head down to the race with my awesome cheering section, park, head over with about 20 minutes to spare. I will say I found it very weird that this race had no chips or timing pins. Nothing in the bag, no mention anywhere, just a bib with a number. Remember that.
The gun goes off and we start. My first 10km race (it was the 5km race done twice and that is not carney math)!! I made sure the family were on the right side of the course so I can see them. Of course they decided to go on the left side so I barely caught them on my first loop. I went out way too fast (common), and by the third km I had the worst stitch ever. Seriously it hurt. I continued one and so did the pain. I finished the first 5km in about 24 minutes - about what I wanted to. I stopped and kissed the girls, tried to drink, almost threw up, and starting running again. Finally around km number 7 the pain went away and I felt great. Awesome. My goal for this race was 50 minutes. As I made the final turn I could see the timing clock around 49 minutes. I seriously gave everything I had (which wasn't much) and came in at 50:02. I was thrilled. Big time.The first person I saw was a gentleman named Bob who happens to go to the spinning class I go to. His first words were "Where is your ankle chip" Huh?????? No mention anywhere. Then I see everyone finishing with these things around their ankle. SH*T. Again - I wasn't winning this race, wasn't winning my age group, but I do like my times to be official. My advice for all - if you don't have a chip or read or hear about some timing device ask someone. I should have.
(BTW - I did email the organizers, complained that nothing was said - mentioned Bob as a witness, and yes my time was posted on the official site).
So I have done it - my first 10km race. Did I know then that I was going for a bigger race? For sure. No doubt in my mind.
Monday 30 January 2012
My uneducated tips for people starting to run
I will say I do get asked about my running (and probably more about my weight loss) quite a bit - how I started, why I do it, does it really allow me to drink more beer, etc. With that being said - I totally realize everyone is different but I will share my thoughts, tips, about getting started, what to buy, wear, etc. This is my personal notes and thoughts and nobody paid me for this information.
Please note that I am considered pretty cheap. This will be reflective in these statements.
1) There are lots of learn to run clinics to help people start. I did not use them nor do I run with training groups. There are lots of training guides online and they are free. I believe (again, me and my opinion) that if you want to start running and changing your life it needs to be you doing it.
2) With that being said you must have your family support. You will have to be selfish quite a bit to get going. Being selfish and going out is the hardest thing I have had to do - you feel guilty quite a bit.
3) When getting shoes - try going to a couple of stores to get suggestions and don't buy the first one. The first two pairs I got at from an unnamed national chain running store where they believed I needed support shoes. When blisters kept coming they told me it was the socks. I bought their socks and still blisters. Went to another running store, was told I had the wrong shoes and voila - new shoes (neutral), no blisters, no pain, perfect. Get second opinions.
4) Starting out on a treadmill worked AWESOME for me. Seriously. Easy to control your pace, no bad weather, and easy to stop whenever you want. Now I use treadmills for shorter intervals - I couldn't imagine doing 14km on one no matter how good the music is.
5) I use the nike outlet for my shorts, pants, shirts, etc. Cheaper than anywhere else. You don't need $50 running shorts or shirts (sorry lululemon fans)
6) I like to know how far I went, how fast, etc just like everyone. The nike plus app cost me $4.00 for my iphone and I am sure there are others out there. I can't understand why I need a $300 watch. If someone can convince me that I need one awesome - but I just don't see it.
7) Read, read, read. Tons of great information for beginners and runners online. You can educate yourself for free.
8) However, make sure you have someone who runs that you can talk to about your running - thank you Gary Robbins.
9) As a competitive person it is very difficult for me to realize I am not winning a race. However it is nice to know I (and you) will not finish last. Even if you finish last who cares - you finished a race. Toughest thing in running for me to comprehend is the not winning thing. Will always be that way.
10) Yes, you can drink more beer...but that does not help with weight loss. Try scotch - it tastes better and had way less calories.
Please note that I am considered pretty cheap. This will be reflective in these statements.
1) There are lots of learn to run clinics to help people start. I did not use them nor do I run with training groups. There are lots of training guides online and they are free. I believe (again, me and my opinion) that if you want to start running and changing your life it needs to be you doing it.
2) With that being said you must have your family support. You will have to be selfish quite a bit to get going. Being selfish and going out is the hardest thing I have had to do - you feel guilty quite a bit.
3) When getting shoes - try going to a couple of stores to get suggestions and don't buy the first one. The first two pairs I got at from an unnamed national chain running store where they believed I needed support shoes. When blisters kept coming they told me it was the socks. I bought their socks and still blisters. Went to another running store, was told I had the wrong shoes and voila - new shoes (neutral), no blisters, no pain, perfect. Get second opinions.
4) Starting out on a treadmill worked AWESOME for me. Seriously. Easy to control your pace, no bad weather, and easy to stop whenever you want. Now I use treadmills for shorter intervals - I couldn't imagine doing 14km on one no matter how good the music is.
5) I use the nike outlet for my shorts, pants, shirts, etc. Cheaper than anywhere else. You don't need $50 running shorts or shirts (sorry lululemon fans)
6) I like to know how far I went, how fast, etc just like everyone. The nike plus app cost me $4.00 for my iphone and I am sure there are others out there. I can't understand why I need a $300 watch. If someone can convince me that I need one awesome - but I just don't see it.
7) Read, read, read. Tons of great information for beginners and runners online. You can educate yourself for free.
8) However, make sure you have someone who runs that you can talk to about your running - thank you Gary Robbins.
9) As a competitive person it is very difficult for me to realize I am not winning a race. However it is nice to know I (and you) will not finish last. Even if you finish last who cares - you finished a race. Toughest thing in running for me to comprehend is the not winning thing. Will always be that way.
10) Yes, you can drink more beer...but that does not help with weight loss. Try scotch - it tastes better and had way less calories.
Saturday 28 January 2012
The second 5km - with family in tow....
So I finished my first 5km - felt great but the girls were disappointed they weren't there. Part of me was a little disappointed but a bigger part of me knew I had to do that one alone. So I found a great 5km race in Burlington on Easter weekend. Part of the race is that they have a kids 1km bunny run. The greatest thing about running and getting fit is seeing your kids wanting to get involved. Emma was thrilled to try the 1km - and even wanted to train with me. I would go out - run 4 or 5k and then Emma would train with me by running around the block. This was also really the first time the neighbours were noticing that I was running. It was not easy passing up the beer they were offering each time around the block with Emma...
Speaking of training - I was finally getting used to running outside. Unless it was really bad weather I was outside. I was still going to the gym doing a spinning class twice a week (works awesome in conjunction with running) but the thought of the treadmill full time wasn't something I wanted to go back to. Once you get outside and run, get comfortable, and realize nobody out there is judging they way you are running it is a great feeling. A fantastic feeling.
So it was race morning (the Saturday of Easter weekend) and the girls were preparing their awesome art work for the cheering section. Kloe was such an awesome cheerleader.
Next up was my turn - 5km race # 2 (crazy...). The start line was about 200 meters in front of the finish line so I made sure I knew the family was on the left side of the course. The gun goes off and I will say what a great feeling seeing the girls (and my parents) cheering me on. Yep, I can admit - it was a bit emotional. So we made the first couple of turns and heading for the hills. This course includes 2km of the Around the Bay 30km course so they are pretty good size hills. I felt I was making good time however I had no idea if I was. Yes, my trusty GPS had gone on the fritz. No readings. No feedback. I was lost. But then I thought - wait - why not just run and don't worry about your pace. Just go. I do believe you must ignore your body sometimes when it tells you to stop. So I ran. I had an idea of my pace using the KM signs on the streets but it was more of a guess than anything.
As I passed the 4km I certainly realized that the family was at the finish line. Huge energy boost. I was tired but knew I could easily get through this. As I ran passed the fam (I missjudged where they were so it was a blur) I saw the timing clock that read 14 minutes. Huh? Not possible. At all. Well I found out that they reset the clock for the 10 mile race. I knew my time was probably going to be better but had no idea by how much. I had to wait until the final times were posted online in the afternoon - chip time of 23.46!! Beat my first 5km by over 2 minutes!! There is no doubt having support while running has a huge influence in how well you do. Seriously.
Oh - did I mention at this point I had lost over 30 pounds??
Speaking of training - I was finally getting used to running outside. Unless it was really bad weather I was outside. I was still going to the gym doing a spinning class twice a week (works awesome in conjunction with running) but the thought of the treadmill full time wasn't something I wanted to go back to. Once you get outside and run, get comfortable, and realize nobody out there is judging they way you are running it is a great feeling. A fantastic feeling.
So it was race morning (the Saturday of Easter weekend) and the girls were preparing their awesome art work for the cheering section. Kloe was such an awesome cheerleader.
First up was Emma and her 1km. I was really nervous for her. Big time. I got her to the starting line, wished her luck, and told her I would meet her during the race to help. She ran by us with the biggest smile on her face knowing that she was really running a race. I started jogging with her about 1/2 way through, made the turn, and was heading back to the finish line. I happily said to her there is the finish line - which is exactly the place where she told me she didn't need me anymore and pushed me off the race course. As sad as that made me feel I was so proud of her as she finished her first race!!
Next up was my turn - 5km race # 2 (crazy...). The start line was about 200 meters in front of the finish line so I made sure I knew the family was on the left side of the course. The gun goes off and I will say what a great feeling seeing the girls (and my parents) cheering me on. Yep, I can admit - it was a bit emotional. So we made the first couple of turns and heading for the hills. This course includes 2km of the Around the Bay 30km course so they are pretty good size hills. I felt I was making good time however I had no idea if I was. Yes, my trusty GPS had gone on the fritz. No readings. No feedback. I was lost. But then I thought - wait - why not just run and don't worry about your pace. Just go. I do believe you must ignore your body sometimes when it tells you to stop. So I ran. I had an idea of my pace using the KM signs on the streets but it was more of a guess than anything.
As I passed the 4km I certainly realized that the family was at the finish line. Huge energy boost. I was tired but knew I could easily get through this. As I ran passed the fam (I missjudged where they were so it was a blur) I saw the timing clock that read 14 minutes. Huh? Not possible. At all. Well I found out that they reset the clock for the 10 mile race. I knew my time was probably going to be better but had no idea by how much. I had to wait until the final times were posted online in the afternoon - chip time of 23.46!! Beat my first 5km by over 2 minutes!! There is no doubt having support while running has a huge influence in how well you do. Seriously.
Once I saw my time, the pictures, and when the realization that I just ran 2 races in less than a month I realized that I am becoming a runner.
Am I really going to run a 5K???
So it was decided I was going to run by first 5km race. It is very weird to talk with experience runners who talk about "only" a 5km. If you are new to running, thinking about starting running - or if you are runner - a 5KM IS A BIG DEAL!! I hate when people told me "only".
Anyways, I had been going to the gym regularly, doing lots of spinning classes, running on a treadmill however I was terrified to run outside. I was looking for every excuse possible. Cold, snow, rain, busy, blisters, anything. Time was running out on my excuses - we were now into March and only four weeks away. Help. Please Help.
The date was March 8, 2011 - and finally I was going to run outside. My first run? I went about 2.5km and then needed to walk. Yes, I understand that walking is totally fine when starting to run, but I was only 3 weeks from running a 5km and freaking out. But I kept it up. Did a total of 4km that day with a combination of running and walking. I had a long way to go (yes it sounds like only 1km) but I did it - I ran outside.
Oh - one big thing about deciding to run/get in shape/do something somewhat involving fitness. You must have the most supportive family ever. I certainly do. Yes, there are lots of dinners I miss (although I do try to cook those dinners), many Sunday morning breakfasts I miss, but if you are going to make a change you must learn it is okay to be selfish. MUST.With the family support in mind, I did learn for my first 5km my awesome wife was travelling and couldn't make it (and therefore my two great daughters couldn't as well). Please believe me - this was a good thing. I needed to do this by myself. Had to.
Okay - it's the day of the race. And it is -18 with the wind chill. Seriously? For someone use to running outside that is not good. So I woke up super early, put on way too many layers (note to all beginner runners - if you are running in the winter you do NOT need to dress as if the weather is colder - dress for 10 degrees warmer). I ended up getting to Copps Coliseum only 1 hour 15 minutes before the race (did I mention it was my first race???). Funny thing happened that morning. I decided right then I was going to come back in 2012 and complete the full 30km race. That was my end goal. You will hear more about this soon.
The gun goes off and I am running my first 5K!!! Well not right away - it does take about 3 minutes to cross the start line - and then it seems like forever to start running as all these walkers decide to go near the front of the pack (pet peeve- go to the back). Everyone tells you don't go out too fast as you will burn out so being the smart guy I am I set my pace reading on my iphone to give me readouts every 1/8 km. So I don't really even hear my music - just that stupid voice over and over again saying every 1/8 of a km how fast I am going.... A little overkill so I managed to shut that off. I hit my first 1k, then 2k, and I remember at 3k there is a water station. Really? For a 5k? I passed. There is a small incline around 3.5k - it seems like Everest to someone never runs hills and it is your first 5km. I hit the top of the hill and I am now at 4k and can see Copps Coliseum. I am sweating like crazy (over dressing sucks), I have no idea what music is playing - but I am going to do it - I am going to finish my 5k. What I do remember is the final turn - you have to go down the loading ramp at Copps and yep, almost wiped out. Almost.
I remember making the turn, seeing the finish line and thinking - holy s**t - I did it. My goal was under 30 minutes. My chip time was 25:51 for my first ever 5k. I ran a 5km.
I now feel like I am a runner....however next time I want the family there with me.
Anyways, I had been going to the gym regularly, doing lots of spinning classes, running on a treadmill however I was terrified to run outside. I was looking for every excuse possible. Cold, snow, rain, busy, blisters, anything. Time was running out on my excuses - we were now into March and only four weeks away. Help. Please Help.
The date was March 8, 2011 - and finally I was going to run outside. My first run? I went about 2.5km and then needed to walk. Yes, I understand that walking is totally fine when starting to run, but I was only 3 weeks from running a 5km and freaking out. But I kept it up. Did a total of 4km that day with a combination of running and walking. I had a long way to go (yes it sounds like only 1km) but I did it - I ran outside.
Oh - one big thing about deciding to run/get in shape/do something somewhat involving fitness. You must have the most supportive family ever. I certainly do. Yes, there are lots of dinners I miss (although I do try to cook those dinners), many Sunday morning breakfasts I miss, but if you are going to make a change you must learn it is okay to be selfish. MUST.With the family support in mind, I did learn for my first 5km my awesome wife was travelling and couldn't make it (and therefore my two great daughters couldn't as well). Please believe me - this was a good thing. I needed to do this by myself. Had to.
I managed to get a grand total of 5 runs in outside before the big day. I was going to the gym and running on the treadmill but it certainly is not the same as running outside. Even if you put the incline up to 1.5% it is not the same. I was really nervous about finishing.
Okay - it's the day of the race. And it is -18 with the wind chill. Seriously? For someone use to running outside that is not good. So I woke up super early, put on way too many layers (note to all beginner runners - if you are running in the winter you do NOT need to dress as if the weather is colder - dress for 10 degrees warmer). I ended up getting to Copps Coliseum only 1 hour 15 minutes before the race (did I mention it was my first race???). Funny thing happened that morning. I decided right then I was going to come back in 2012 and complete the full 30km race. That was my end goal. You will hear more about this soon.
Okay - race time. D-lo goes to the front of the pack - I head back around mid-pack to be by myself. I was soooo nervous so there was no way I was going to to the front. The five minutes before the start of a race when you are waiting at the start line sucks. You are filled with adrenaline, nerves, and probably feel like you have to pee. Thankfully I had my ipod and some AC/DC to calm me down.
The gun goes off and I am running my first 5K!!! Well not right away - it does take about 3 minutes to cross the start line - and then it seems like forever to start running as all these walkers decide to go near the front of the pack (pet peeve- go to the back). Everyone tells you don't go out too fast as you will burn out so being the smart guy I am I set my pace reading on my iphone to give me readouts every 1/8 km. So I don't really even hear my music - just that stupid voice over and over again saying every 1/8 of a km how fast I am going.... A little overkill so I managed to shut that off. I hit my first 1k, then 2k, and I remember at 3k there is a water station. Really? For a 5k? I passed. There is a small incline around 3.5k - it seems like Everest to someone never runs hills and it is your first 5km. I hit the top of the hill and I am now at 4k and can see Copps Coliseum. I am sweating like crazy (over dressing sucks), I have no idea what music is playing - but I am going to do it - I am going to finish my 5k. What I do remember is the final turn - you have to go down the loading ramp at Copps and yep, almost wiped out. Almost.
I remember making the turn, seeing the finish line and thinking - holy s**t - I did it. My goal was under 30 minutes. My chip time was 25:51 for my first ever 5k. I ran a 5km.
I now feel like I am a runner....however next time I want the family there with me.
In the beginning....
Okay - where to start. First, I had no real idea of ever writing a blog about my last 13 months or so - but then I saw everyone else doing one so I figured I would start one. Plus I do get ask about my weight loss and my running a bunch so I thought I would document the last year.I decided then that was it. I needed to lose the weight, and more importantly start focusing on getting healthy. I had no idea how to get this journey started but I knew some great tips on what I should be doing thanks to the Biggest Loser. Yep - I watch it. And I totally believe that was me - getting bigger and bigger each year, eating worse, with lots of junk food. Believing that if I played basketball on Monday nights all was going to be okay. I guess I should have been focusing on the pizza, wings, cheesie bacon fries, onion rings, and beer I consumed after the basketball game.
So I joined a gym in January 2011 and started the journey. Many early mornings (yes I did not believe I could get up and get to the gymy for 5:30 but I can - and really anybody can if they want to) lead me to seeing a difference. I would love to say I felt better instantly but I didnt't. Until people starting noticing the weight loss.
That lead to the fateful conversation I had in the Exec Ed office with Dave (D-Lo). It was early February 2011 and he challenged me to run the Around the Bay 5km race at the end of March. I said yes - knowing I have never ran outside before. Knowing I couldn't run 1km without walking. But I knew if I was going to change it had to happen. I wanted to be a runner - but had no idea how to get there and what to do.....
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