Running For my Health, and I Love it

So, a couple of weeks ago, I finished my first 5K race in 7 years. Earlier this year I set out to get back in shape after years of self-body neglect. At the time, I blamed it on lack of time, a busy lifestyle, church, work schedule, home demands and more. Now there's no room for excuses. I'm well on to running at least three times a week.Since running the "Run to RNCC 5K" I've upped my running distance from a mile each time to two miles. I really should have documented my journey more this summer. Here are some of the things that I discovered about myself.

    Number one, I was slow. I could barely run a mile in less than 10 minutes... and that was wen I was only running one mile. Now I'm down to running a mile in the eight minute range. Sometimes my first mile is in the seven minute range. If I run with my dog -Daisey- It's a little slower as you can imagine (because of bathroom breaks and other dogs.)

     

     The second thing that I discovered was that my running style is really, really REALLY bad for my knees, shins, and body. So, in order to run without pain, I had to go out by by some new shoes. I'm a pronator. That means I run on the outsides of my feet. If I don't have the correct shoes, I actually have trouble walking up stairs and sitting afterward.

    I also reminded myself of how much I love running and love being in the great outdoors. I kinda wish i was in a more mountainous region and could do some good hiking.

      So, anyway back to that race. I came in fourth place. I could have done better, but I think I started off too strong. and there was a super-duper tough hill right at the very end of the race.