9 Weeks

Okay...I'm officially freaking out.

I have nine weeks until the 2012 Oak Apple Run I signed up for. It's a 10k. I've never run a 10k, let alone a 5k. I sort of went into signing up with the "Go Big or Go Home" mentality.

So fast foward to last night and I'm trying to do an EI10K session. I felt so defeated. I spent more time walking than running. The intervals are 3 minutes running, 1 minute walking (five of each). I think I did 3 full 3 minute runs, the walks were a little longer. I just couldn't breathe. But I was determined to make my loop (gotta count for something, right?). 

About 3/4 of the way through I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the windows of some storefronts I was going by. I felt like an idiot. A tall, mishapen, lumbering idiot. I don't know what anyone else saw, but I can definitely say I did not look like those people bouncing up and down the streets I was on last night during my little jaunt (welll, with the exception of one lady. I really don't want to go past someone and have their first thought be, "Oh look...she's not wearing underwear".). 

I felt totally defeated. Especially after accomplishing so much. I'm now boxing in 5 minute rounds with my trainer (he's not light and easy either), weight lifting, spinning every other day, boot camp, the elliptical. Add to the mix that two people who offered to run the 10k with me qualified for Boston, and this whole running thing seems really out of reach.

It's killing my knees and hip - but only after (not during...thank God!), but this is a goal. It's a personal goal. It's something I have to do. I'm hoping it will get easier - it has to. I mean...my crumpy jaunt last night was 3.55 miles in 54:59. I have to add 2 miles to that...I'd prefer it not all to be walking.

*Sigh*

 Honestly, what you're doing is AMAZING! Pre-op would you have even signed up for a 10k? I'm thinking NO! True you may not be where you want to be yet. But you are DEFINATELY on your way!! Believe in you. ..you can do this!!!!!

I was professional couch potato in my former life. If it didn't involve the remote control, Moose Tracks and a pair of oversized/ill fitted pajama bottoms...No. I wouldn't have. A year ago I was debating moving out of my flat because I was haivng a hard time heffing up the stairs.

I think you are doing great ,!!!
As someone who has been sitting in a recliner and using a walker and a cane for almost 2 years because of my knees and hip,along with the 40 Dr. visits and injections, I would caution you NOT to hurt yourself like I did!!!  if you want to see life changing , damage to knees and hip is it.
What is wrong with walking??? I'm not saying don't push yourself But don't overdo or you will end up like me please be careful ....but keep going!!! I think you are doing fab !!!