Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Fit Dish: Favorite Fitness Accomplishments

Hello fitfam and friends! Welcome to Tuesday's Fit Dish! Today we're bragging a little (or a lot) so grab a seat and get comfy while we dish the fit!


Per usual, I'm linking up with Jessica @ The Fit Switch and Jill @ Jill Conyers.

Today's topic: Your Favorite Fitness Accomplishments  

As a runner, I've had my share of ups and downs. I've dealt with numerous injuries (most of which were caused by my own stubbornness) had times of burn out, but I've also had many triumphs and victories.

I'd like to share with you all the mile that started it all. 


Finishing my first 5 mile race!
So relieved I finished!
When I first started running almost 3 years ago, I couldn't even run for more than 30 seconds at a time. I remember the pain in my lungs like it was yesterday. I remember how my bouncing, heavy body felt with each step. I hated every second of it but loved it because it didn't take much brain work to put one foot in front of the other. I was bored with working out in my living room, waving my arms and kicking my legs as I watched thin women in tights and leotards prance around as if they weighed nothing. So I laced up my casual Sketchers and went for my first run. By the way, newbies: invest in New running shoes. Do not wear whatever you have laying in your closet!

Our first 5k together. We both placed 2nd in
our age group! This picture shows sheer joy,
despite my broken thumb...

I, like many others, used the couch to 5k training plan. It worked wonderfully to keep me moving but why couldn't I run an entire mile without a walk break?! My husband began running soon after I did but it was much easier for him since he didn't have 50+ lbs to lose.

We started running at the high school track so our kids could play on the field while we ran. (And walked)

I had a couple miles planned but I knew there would be walking. Until my amazing husband gave me some advice: try to run one entire mile without stopping. I was so intimidated by the challenge but I wanted to be able to run a full mile non stop so bad, I said ok.


Then I ran. One glorious, yet painful mile. My lungs felt like they exploded and I'm pretty sure I tasted blood. I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment when I slapped his hand at the end. I get a little choked up thinking about it. That mile changed my life. I felt set free. I did it! I went on to run my first 5k, finishing 4th in my age group and not taking one walk break! Since then I've run several 5k's, a 2 miler, and a 5 miler. I am now training for my first half marathon-which I never even thought would cross my mind!

That day I learned I could do anything if I wanted it badly enough. I also learned I love a good challenge! ;-)

So, what is one of your fitness accomplishments? Go ahead, brag a little. :-D

15 comments:

  1. Loved your post today:) There is just something about hearing someone's story about how they got into running, and how they pushed through to get to where they are now. I just love it!
    I am really looking forward to your half race, I think you'll find it to be another amazing experience to add to your memories:)
    I am training to get back into marathon shape, and to be able to do back to back races again. I wish I was a little further along than I am right now, but its all good, because at least I can run:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you!
      I think you're doing so well and cruising right along! You seem to have a good amount of knowledge when it comes to running so I'm sure you'll be back to marathon shape sooner than you think!

      Delete
  2. Great memory! I'm still getting to the point where I can run a 5k without a walk break. Right now, I can do about 2 miles without a walk break. I think I'll probably always keep run/walk intervals for longer runs but I want to try to get away from them for the shorter ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're doing great! I'm hoping to run the entire half but I'm completely ok with walking if I know my body needs it.

      Delete
  3. I am training for my first half too- it is crazy isn't it! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome!! Yes! It's so intimidating but I'm loving the challenge and I love having a goal to keep me in shape! Best of luck to you!!

      Delete
  4. What a great memory! Congratulations to you for jumping hurdles that you never thought you would!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love a good challenge too. One of my favorite accomplishments is teaching my first group ex class. I just had to do it and get past the nerves. Once I did, I realized I LOVED it and would keep doing it for years to come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! Taking the plunge and just going forward with something usually turns out great! And then we wonder why we were so nervous in the first place!

      Delete
  6. Great job! Once you start it totally gets addicting! So awesome you are training for your first half! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! Yes, running is so addicting! As well as the endorphin rush!

      Delete
  7. LOVE THIS - sounds like my first run - total blisters from bad walmart socks. i couldn't walk for days. isn't it amazing how far we have come!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thanks! Ouch! I didn't get blisters from my non running shoes, but I got shin splints from h-e-l-l!! Haha Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!

      Delete
  8. You never forget your first! If I had to pick one all time favorite it would be running my first race ever, a half marathon! I felt like I could rule the world when I finished and I remember it like it was yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, you're first race was a half?? That's awesome! I'm so excited about my first half and wondering if I'll cry once I cross that finish line! haha

      Delete

I enjoy hearing from everyone so please, leave a comment!