If you would have told me a year ago that I would be starting a 25k training program two days after Thanksgiving 2009, I would have laughed. Today, after my first official training run, I'm excited to say that I can't wait for the challenge to continue.
A little over a year ago my wife and I found out we were expecting our first born. The excitement, anticipation, and fear was like nothing I had ever experienced. Around the first of the year I decided to set a goal for myself of being able to run the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 5k for myself and my new family. I was never one to enjoy running, mostly because I felt I couldn't run long enough, or far enough for it to be effective. I also had no stamina when it came to running, so I would just exhaust myself and never had fun with with.
I started running inside on a treadmill, and gradually worked my runs outside as the weather began to warm. The first thing I noticed was that I was able to enjoy outdoor runs because I could choose what paths to take, and it was never the same twice. My addictive personality started taking over fairly quickly, and before long I was up at 6am running every day in preparation. Before long, I felt like I was ready for the race. The day of the race was rainy, but my excitement level was high. It was an unbelievable experience, from the camaraderie, to the rush of crossing the start/finish lines, to sharing it with my family and showing them I accomplished my goal.
Once I had my first race under my belt, I wanted more. Since the race I have run one other 5k with ease, shaving time off of my first race. For the most part I have stuck to a fairly strict schedule for my running, and have increased my long distance run to 6 miles at times. When I received the mailer about the 2010 Fifth Third Riverbank Run this past week, my wife suggested I challenge myself and go for the 25k. Although I've only been running a year, I have enough confidence in my physical fitness and determination to be comfortable knowing I can reach that goal by May. The support of my wife helps as well.
I started this blog to detail my personal journey to the finish line May 8, 2010. If this is only a reflective journal for my own use throughout the process, I'm fine with that. If it helps motivate someone to embark on their first 5, 10 or 25k even better! I hope to engage discussion on anything from training tips, to gear suggestions, to diet. I need as much guidance in all of those areas as I can get, and hope to share my ups and downs with each as well.
My first run was a comfortable, uneventful 2 mile run. I can now cross my first day of training off the schedule! Here we go!
P.S. We have a healthy, adorable 5 month old baby boy now that means the world to me.
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