Running!

"I had heard about the mini marathon in Indy for a long time. It's part of the 500 festival. So I kept saying oh next year. I didn't think it would be possible for me this year. I had my vein surgery in October and before that I could not stand or walk for an extended time without a lot of pain. Then in November I went for my followup and the doctor said I should have no problem training. Secretly I was hoping he would tell me no so I could have another excuse.

I signed up and I am so cheap that I knew I was committed. Also I was never a runner. Couldn't even do a mile (or even a half mile!) without having to stop to walk. I loved doing weights at the gym and the elliptical machine. The kids only can last for about an hour there, so I actually have gotten weaker because I spend the whole time on the treadmill. And I haven't lost much weight because I eat cookies stuffed with cookies.

I signed up for the slowest bracket. I know going in that I will not be able to jog (because I wouldn't call what I do running) the whole time. The slowest pace allowed is 18 minute mile. And there is a bus that follows behind and makes you get on it if you can't do that. So my goal is to not see the bus. Realistically I am just trying to finish this. Maybe the next time I would set an ambitious pace."

I wrote that in an email to a friend who was asking about all this running I am doing.  That was about a month ago.  Yesterday I participated in a 15K and I did way better than I thought I would do.  I jogged pretty much the whole thing.  It was the first race I have ever done.  I thought I would be praying the whole time to just give me the strength to get through each minute.  But He had already done that. 

Originally my goal was to finish the mini-marathon, (4 hours is the maximum time allowed) but now I think I could totally do it in 3 hours.  My official time link from yesterday is below. 

my 500 Festival Training Series 15K by OrthoIndy - 15K results

The mini is May 7th.  Graig and the kids are going to be there at some point along the race and hopefully at the finish line.  I would love it if any one else would like to be there to support myself or Meagan.