I am not a big New Year's resolutions type of person. I have found that the majority of the time I didn't stick to them and then I'd spend the rest of the year feeling guilty about it - that is until the next year rolled around and I felt like I could leave them permanently behind me.
I didn't make any specific resolutions for this year either, but I do have some goals. One would be to increase my reading, which is something I also worked on in 2013 (you can read my book list in a post below). The second, which I was NOT planning to make, was to start running.
Yes, running.
I hate running.
The last time I remember running (for exercise) was in college. I won't say how many years ago that was, but it's been a while.
I'm really not even sure what first made me want to run as, quite honestly, I've been rather skeptical of people who like to run. I've always viewed them as over-zealous or even a tad bit crazy. When they would tell their "war stories", I would think, "Why in the world would anyone think that is fun?" or "Why would anyone want to feel like that?" Well, I probably still think that, but....
Over the Christmas break I had more free time and a more flexible schedule, so I decided to dedicate myself to regular exercise. Although it wasn't always my favorite thing to do, I stuck with it. The only problem was that my weight still stuck with me - probably due to the extra Christmas treats and one other fact I don't like to think about too much, which is my age. That was when I thought I might have to do something more to start burning the calories.
I had looked at the Couch to 5k program before and knew that several people I knew had used it and become runners. After the bombing at the Boston marathon I even considered having the goal of completing a race of some kind as my own personal way of quietly honoring the victims. With this in mind and the desire to lose some undesired weight (14+ pounds to be exact), I decided to give it a try.
It was easier than I thought!
That doesn't mean it was completely a cinch, but once I got past the first couple "awkward" days of not being quite sure how to do this thing called "jogging" (yes, I know it shouldn't be that hard) I started to think that maybe I could actually get past the first week. I'm now on week three of the nine-week program. I'm happy to report that I'm walking/running between 3.5 and 4.25 km three times a week. I'm not setting any speed records, but I am able to follow the program.
I am finding that it is nice to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and have time alone. Though I'm not quite at the point of being able to use the time for deep thinking (I'm too focused on what I'm doing and how long I need to do it still), it is nice to not have to be thinking about or doing anything else for the time being. The other day when we were in the midst of a stressful and confusing paperwork situation, I actually felt like I was running away from the stress. Having a way to relieve stress is important when you're living in the midst of a different culture/language 24/7. I'm seeing a difference in how my clothes fit (hallelujah!) and I've lost 3 1/2 pounds!
I've been looking for a 5k online and I think I've found one I'd like to do. It's in April, so it gives me time to finish my training program and the weather should be nice, but not hot, for the race. Also, it's on a Saturday, which I'm beginning to discover is not always the case.
Right now my goal is to stay faithful at getting out there three mornings a week and doing some other exercises on the off days. If all goes well and my body is up to it, I would like to register and complete that race.
For now it's one step at a time!
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