Every family needs a black sheep. We volunteered.

We're three weeks into our Couch to 5k program and I have some interesting thoughts/stories to share. Whenever I struggle during a run, I think about writing in this blog and being able to look back at those struggles, so perhaps I should update a bit more frequently, but here's an overview.

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So, a quick recap about things I've learned and funny moments and memories of our training so far:


Lessons Learned:

• I will adjust to whatever I throw at myself, assuming I do it in a smart and controlled way.
  
• Steady, at least, will win the race for us. We need to be focused on endurance and the speed will come.
  
• When I am determined to do something, I do it. I don't notice myself waffling or trying to find excuses not to run because I know it's what it's time for me to do.
  
• It's only hard for me when I'm in the thick of it, and I tend to forget most of how much I disliked that burning, out of breath feeling as soon as it's over.
  

Challenges Faced:

• Moving from 60 seconds to 90 seconds at a time; needing to redo week 2
  
• Pain in ankles and tailbone (kind of weird, but it seems to have passed). Need to find a formal stretching program for this.
  

Memories:

One of our first days out, we got chased down by a minature pincsher and a chihuahua. I knew I wouldn't have found it nearly as funny if it was a dog I couldn't kick if I needed to, but at the time I was doubled over as I ran, laughing and trying not to trip. Thankfully, they got bored of it pretty quickly (and Derick spraying water on them probably helped too) and went back home, but that was the quickest minute of our run so far, I think!

Derick and I listen to music on his phone, which is loud and clear enough that we just play it through the speaker. When a really funny song comes on, we get a great dance/jog on. We had a really fun time dancing through the streets and singing "Hey Ya!" by Outcast as we run. Again, moments like that make the hard parts bearable.