In 2008, when I had about a year of treadmill running under my belt, I signed up to do the Redlegs Run for Home with my brothers Maury and Nick, and Nick's wife Amy. It was my first-ever running race, and although I knew I could physically manage it since I had run way more than that already on my treadmill, I found that the atmosphere of a race--the shotgun start, weaving my way through the crowd, and crossing the finish line--was a lot more fun and interesting than just logging the miles at the gym.
After my inagural run in June 2008, I went on to run lots of other races of varying distances, culminating in my first marathon in May 2009. So, when my friend Tiffany--who isn't a runner--wanted to challenge herself and run a 5K race earlier this summer, I told her I would run with her, at her pace. If she had to walk, we would walk, but I told her we would finish. I suggested we do the Redlegs Run (since it was my first race), and we both signed up.
On that Saturday morning in early June, I could have run faster. I could have run a lot further. But it was a far more rewarding experience to help Tiffany complete her first 5K. She had to stop and walk a few times, and when she did, I nagged at her and pushed her to keep running (which she hated me for at the time, but thanked me for later).
Last week, my friend Bethany, who is like a little sister to me, told me she recently started a Couch to 5K program. I was so excited when she told me this. I absolutely love seeing how my running has inspired others, and Bethany might be my favorite "inspiree" yet. As soon as she's ready, you better believe I'm going to be right there beside her running her first 5K.
So, to my friends and readers who I've inspired... what are you waiting for? You can get started on a Couch to 5K today. And when you do, let me know when and where your first 5K is happening. As long as my schedule allows, I'll be there to coach you--and push you--along. And as Tiffany can attest... you'll thank me later.
4 comments:
I am in week 2 of the couch to 5K program and am loving it so far. I don't have a race picked yet - I want to do the Turkey Day race (if nothing else walk/run it) and I thought the couch to 5K would be a good way to start.
That's great to hear! The Turkey day race is so much fun, and always makes me feel better about how much food I'm going to consume later that day. I'll be doing it again this year too!
Gabby is definitely right!! As much as I was hoping to just get to a bridge where I could throw her off for yelling at me....she sincerely pushed me and I was soooo thankful when we were finished! Love you Gabs! Even though you are running circles around me :) Literally!!
i'm gonna try! i swear!
-kevin
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