So I mentioned a while ago that I was doing the couch to 5K training program. Today I finished week 4 which consisted of running 1/4 mile, walking 1/8 mile, running 1/2 mile, walking 1/4 mile, running 1/4 mile, walking 1/8 mile, and finishing up with 1/2 mile. Let me just say looking at this week terrified me. Before then we had never run more than 1/4 mile at a time and that was difficult. The thought of running 1/2 twice was overwhelming. To top it off, on Monday we ran in the cold rain. Strangely enough, it wasn't that bad. Bethany and I finished it like champs. We did the same thing on Tuesday, but that one proved much harder for me. Today was the last day of week 4. Bethany had to go out of town so for the first time since we've started training I had to run by myself. After consulting with Chip, who has been wonderful in answering questions and giving encouragement, I set out to try a new course.
I decided to run from my apartment on University to E. College, up to Raguet, down to Austin, and back to my apartment on University. The challenge here is that there is a hill from University to E. College which happened to be my first 1/2 mile. At the end of that 1/2 I was doing better than expected. I was shuffling along, and my legs were hurting pretty terribly, but I made it. Somewhere between there and my last 1/2 mile I got mentally exhausted as well as physically burnt out. My lungs were hurting worse than ever before, and I was fighting with myself about finishing the last 1/2. I wanted to quit because no one would really know, and I truly didn't think I could do it. I was feeling dizzy, dehydrated, and quite frankly in lots of pain. Right as it was time to start running for my last stretch I heard "Lord you are good, and your mercy endures forever." come from my iPod. I love that song! I sing it all the time in the morning and it gets me in such a wonderful mood. I truly think God was giving me the extra piece of strength I needed to push through. I finished my run, and I could have seriously had my hands in the air singing to God.
As of now, I still can't quit coughing, and I have blown my nose probably a gazillion times. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, my chest hurts...my heart is really happy though. I conquered one more day of this adventure. I'd be a fool to not give every ounce of thanks to God.
I love this quote: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." --A. Einstein. Let's just say I believe in miracles.
A week from today my training calls for me to run 2 miles without walking. I can't remember a time I've done that in my whole life...at least when I was counting. That will take a miracle. Good thing I believe, right?
I know exactly what you mean!! The last time I did the C25K, week 5 terrified me! But I got through it!! It was definitely the Lord because this girl isn't a fan of running!! haha!
ReplyDeleteWell, the Lord probably had something to do with your miracle. But don't forget to give yourself some credit too. The Lord didn't make you get up and start this program. No one did but you. No doubt your strong belief plays a part in it, but your body is being conditioned in a way it's probably never been before.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing a great job!! Keep up the good work.