Slow Beginnings

Okay, last night I went to my 1st meeting/workout to learn how to become a runner. There were over 300~mostly women that showed up. I loved it because there were ALL types of people there which erased all my insecurities. I didn't even care that I didn't have on a cute running outfit as there was this one guy who wore jeans and a belt to run in.

They gave us some great tips and then we were split into groups.
I have not run forever and yet when they announced the groups I almost chose the one I could have handled in high school (pre-hip pointer) which was run for 4 minutes/walk for 1 and repeat too many times for me. Realizing 4 minutes would really feel like 45 once I got out on the path I stayed put for the next group.

They announced the next two groups to choose from would either run for 2 minutes/walk for 1 OR run for 30 seconds/walk for 30 seconds for a total of 20 minutes. I confidently moved forward with the 2 minute runners and off we went.

I have to be honest with you, I almost died. 120 seconds is SO long people!! I can't believe they don't have ambulance people with oxygen masks ready to assist you. They only had high school girls handing out H2O and words of encouragement.

So there Lelia was running her heart out in public behind the man in jeans and a belt. Did I mention I was running up hill? My group quickly became little dots as they left me behind. No problem, I'll just run with the next group of 2 minute runners. No loyalty. They left me behind too.

Okay Lelia, join the next group. I let a few of them pass me and then I snuck into the pack unnoticed. We went for a mile then headed back to the school to stretch.

Okay, so maybe I was a little over confident in thinking I could actually run for 2 minutes straight. OR was I defeating myself with my thoughts. See, I know I'm totally capable of running for 2 minutes straight, I just let my mind take over with "I can't" thoughts. I allowed my mind to be flooded with negative thinking and I found myself running 1 minute/walking 5 minutes. I know I didn't give a 100% last night and God let me know it.

On the last stretch back to home base my body wanted to run and my mind was talking it out of doing such a thing. That's when the two ladies in front of me yelled, "oh look!" And what was ahead of Lelia booking it on the sidewalk?

Seriously Lord...of all things...a turtle? Something known for being slow and You place it in front of me "running" back to the pond on the side of the road?

I got the message and began to run. Downhill.

Out of 300 runners I waited a second and locked arms with the two ladies I had passed at the very end and we walked in together saying next week we'll run farther.

Here I had prayed for God to help me....He directs me to this running clinic for beginning wanna be's and I whine the whole time. So he sent Mr. Turtle to let me know that being lazy will get me no where! I have to move if I want any results to show.

So, next week I will do better mentally and give more effort physically. I did run a lot of it, but I know that I could have done better. And next week when I pass the turtle he'll think I'm a rabbit because of how fast I'll be moving!

So next week my approach will be different:

Positive thoughts and jeans and a belt for my attire.

Hey, it worked for him as he had already stretched and was getting in his car as I was just crossing the finish line.

Thanks for your prayers.

~Many Blessings~

Here is my "homework" until my next meeting next Wednesday. I'm going to do group two. Remember each week increases until at the end of the 8 weeks group 1 is running for 15 minutes and group 2 is running 3 miles. Oh Lord the thought of that...If you want to join me, just pick your group, get off the couch and let's do this thing!

#1: 30 second runners

Friday: Run 30 sec/Walk 30 sec x 20 min

Saturday: Run 1 min/Walk 1 min x 25 min.

Monday: Run 30 sec/Walk 30 sec x 20 min.

Wednesday: Run 30 sec/Walk 30 sec x 20 min.

#2 Two minute runners

Friday: Run 2 min/Walk 1 min (do this 8 times)

Saturday: Run 3 min/Walk 1 min (do this 8 times)

Monday: Run 2 min/Walk 1 min (do this 8 times)

Wednesday: Run 2 min/Walk 1 min (do this 8 times)

Here are some tips they shared with us:

An hour before running you should eat 200 calories~nothing heavy and drink lots of water throughout your day. They had cold orange slices and bananas for us afterward. Good shoes are important and they suggest buying them at a runner's store and after a run or at the end of the day and take the socks you'd wear with them.

C'MON NOW, IF A TURTLE CAN DO THIS SO CAN WE!