On saturday, Holly and I went to the gym. We had neglected to go for a few days prior to Saturday, so upon entering, we agreed to have a hard workout.
After stretching we went to the cardio cinema. *Side note – the cardio cinema is a dark room filled with cardio equipment and a big screen. It’s like a movie theatre but with treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, arc trainers, etc. Anyways, Holly and I get onto the treadmill and start our fast paced walk. After two minutes, we upped the pace to a jog. As I became engrossed in the movie that was playing, I continued to jog, not realizing how much time had passed.
Before Saturday, my treadmill workouts consisted of 1 minute runs, 1 minute walks – rinse and repeat. I stuck to a minute because I couldn’t get past a minute without feeling like my lungs were going to explode. But on Saturday, I looked down at my timer and realized I had run for a whole 5 minutes! Five minutes!!!!
I was so shocked that I slowed down immediately and did a little happy dance. Of course, I didn’t need to stop. My breathing was good, my legs were strong and I felt like I could probably go another 5 minutes easily. This made me so happy. So I started running again.
I finished the mile in 15 minutes (not bad considering it used to take me 22 minutes) doing a run/walk combination. It’s accomplishments such as these that make me want to keep going.
I see my body changing. I can feel my body getting stronger. I no longer feel tired and worn down. I feel energized and happy.
When I got off the treadmill I experienced that “runner’s high” that I’ve heard so much about. It was pretty intense… lol Now I want to do it all over again. I want to run longer than 5 minutes; maybe I will run 10 this time. I know my heart and lungs can handle it. I know my legs are strong enough to handle it – so there is nothing standing in my way.
It is my dream to run a marathon one day and with every run I complete, I’m starting to see that dream become a reality.
Leah Said:
on March 22, 2011 at 11:51 am
<3 it!
2 Mommy's Said:
on March 22, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Awesome job!! I wanna join that gym, that cardio cinema sounds cool!
Geek Said:
on March 23, 2011 at 5:37 am
I love that runner’s high. I love the feeling of losing control of your arms and legs and your body just goes into automatic and you can just keep pushing on. My running sessions always end with me doing a 2-3 minute sprint and I just let go.
Well, that was pre-baby anyway. I’d hate to see how I’d go running now!
Kaitlin Said:
on March 25, 2011 at 12:03 am
YAY YOU! What a great new addiction to have. I’m a walk/jogger myself and just last week I jogged a WHOLE MILE. First time in … 10 years? Sure it took me almost 11 minutes, BUT I DID IT. It’s such a great feeling.
Also, I’ve heard about these cardio cinemas. I wish 24 Hour would adopt that program
BellaDaddy Said:
on March 25, 2011 at 8:48 pm
WOO HOO, good for you…better than me…sheesh…I need to get going….HA!
Congrats and we miss you!
Elena Said:
on April 1, 2011 at 11:22 am
Hi there, I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy reading your blog. You and I have a lot of similarities and it’s actually kind of therapeutic to read your posts and relate it to my own situation and life. So, thanks ;o)
Congrats on your weight loss and life changes! As I near the end of my last TWW for a long while, I’m already getting excited about the possibility of taking a break and getting in shape…focusing on me for a while…and my relationship. Just wanted to tell you that you have been an inspiration to me!
Cheers and all the best to you,
Elena (aka babybugs on nw forum)