From hating running to the Donald Half in 2014, can it be done?

[lyncecelia]

Hey there all. My name is Fallon (or Lyn for short, whichever you prefer). I'm 23 years old from the Boston area, and just started taking up running when my FH (timmac) suggested I started a WISH Journal to track my progress and for support. So here it goes!

To give some back story, I was the kid in gym class who despised running. Or exercise in general. I didn't like feeling sweaty or out of breath (and it doesn't help that I have asthma and a bad knee). So, why on EARTH am I starting to take up running? I must be out of my mind. Well...I might be....but that's besides the point. See, insanity isn't always a bad thing. I will be the first to say I am insane. I'm insanely in love with these four kids:

They are my future step kids. They (along with their father, of course) have won my heart. However, I recently noticed that when with them I'm constantly tired, out of breath, and can barely keep up. They all have an abundance of energy, and I'm usually running on zero. I want them to remember their childhood with us to be fun and not me needing to sit all the time.

So why running? Why not just go to the gym and lose some weight? Thing is we tried that. And I get discouraged. There is no goal in sight for me to work towards and I lose interest. While I am over weight (5'11" at 322 pounds) and hate getting my picture taken that is not my primary goal. My primary goal is to get active and fit, and I figure the weight loss would just happen hand-in-hand with that. With running (as arbitrary as this might sound) I can win a shine Donald medal (my favorite!) and feel like I'm working TOWARDS a goal. Not just waiting for the 15 minute treadmill or bike to end. (This does make sense to someone else besides me, correct?).

Running also will give some common ground with my oldest future step son Camden, who is very athletic. He's in football currently and at the tender age of 11 already has the goal of getting a football scholarship for college and playing professionally. Obviously with football, there is a lot of running involved (he has done 5ks with his Dad already as well as the Mickey Mile at Disney).

So my journey will start here. I've already gone for one run last Thursday (August 16th) and we were suppose to go last night but the weather was bad so we are going again tonight in about an hour. We (my FH is training me--he's already done the Goofy as well as many other races) are starting out with brisk walking with some jogging thrown in for 1.86 miles, 3 times a week. The 2014 Donald 1/2 Marathon is 1 year and 5 months away. It will be a long journey ahead with lots of sore muscles and possibly new asthma medication. But it will also have a lot of growing and learning about myself and hopefully more energy for the lovely kids in my life. I'll try to update this at least once a week.

 

[Terapin]

Congratulations! I look forward to reading your journal over time!

 

[lyncecelia]

Congratulations! I look forward to reading your journal over time!

Thanks for reading!

So I just went on my second walk/run.

How we've been doing it is that I walk briskly for about 1/4 a mile then jog for 30 seconds then walk some more then another 30 second jog. Well this time, FH decided to add a 3rd jog in. I was dreading it, but decided "why not". I'm so glad he did it--because that 35 second jog has changed how I felt about running permanently I think. I went from feeling in pain walking to on cloud 9 running and would've kept going if it wasn't for having a tough time keeping up with the deep breathing. It felt utterly amazing! Such euphoria! . It confirmed for me that if I stick to this, I might have FINALLY found an exercise regimen that I can stick to!

On the agenda though is to find an asthma doctor in the area. I need to get myself in a better spot with that to improve my running and breathing abilities so that I can run longer. I'm also running low on my inhaler anyway and even though I usually get it through my PCP, she isn't good at staying "on task" with why you are at the appointment. So I will call the new doctor tomorrow and hopefully, with a watchful eye of a specialist, I can get my asthma better controlled to be able to keep this up!

But right now, I feel amazing! After my first time out I felt awful but I'm so glad I did it again.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Good luck! I'm also trying to get in shape but my goal is the Princess 1/2! I think only walking, running may kill me! Today was my first walk so I'll see how it goes in a few weeks!

Keep your eye on that medal!

 

[lyncecelia]

Good luck! I'm also trying to get in shape but my goal is the Princess 1/2! I think only walking, running may kill me! Today was my first walk so I'll see how it goes in a few weeks!

Keep your eye on that medal!

At first I thought running would kill me too, and my first time out I was in tears it hurt so much. But even though I've only been out twice now, even I've noticed improvement in myself and how it gets better. I look forward to my walk/runs now! What I've learned so far (and I'm only a newbie) is that you're not going to start being able to do a 5k. I'm still not even at 2 miles, and I run 30 seconds at a time but for now that's okay. That's why I train, so I can get better. I know you can do it too!

Thanks for reading


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So I was going to go out today again for my 3rd walk/run but DF is nervous about the fact that the front of my shin is bothering me (saying it might be the start of shin splints) and has begged me to rest today and said as long as I'm feeling better we can go out tomorrow. Since he is my trainer I'm trusting him but I was really looking forward to my run today.

In better news: Tim has written out my training schedule so it doesn't feel so arbitrary to me when he tells me to add more intervals. As it is right now, I should be ready for my first 5k come mid to late December. He assures me that even though it will take me so long to train for my first 5k, I need to listen to my body and that I'll still be ready for the 1/2 marathon in 2014 as long as I stay dedicated. I hope he's right! He has a training schedule for me going all the way to the Goofy, which makes me feel excited because I would love to do that one year! (Not sure if that would be 2015 or 2016, we'll see how the 1/2 treats me ). I'm not really looking forward to the "cross-training" he has for me starting in January (which means gym time--ick) but hopefully by then I won't be so scared of the big bad gym

I also have lost 1 pound! Not a huge accomplishment, but still made me happy to hear considering I'm still in the beginning of this and really haven't altered my diet any lol.

I also have my appointment with the asthma doctor next Monday, so hopefully that means better asthma meds for me. My cousin also gave me a great blog to ready about running with asthma, here is the link in case anyone else is interested in reading it. I didn't even think of getting a road ID bracelet, but with my asthma it might be a good idea. Especially since Tim has already told me that he won't be running every race with me (my first 2 5ks and the Donald 1/2 in 2014 is all he'll promise!). He did say he will continue to train with me unless I decide I want to train on my own, so that's good. Training on my own probably won't happen any time soon--I like how training together sort of brings us together as well.

I've spent all day watching all the runDisney videos and I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but some of them made me teary-eyed. I'm so excited to get to that point to where I'm able to run 13.1 miles and not want to die. The whole weekend looks like a lot of fun (I already told Tim we'll be doing the Pasta Party and the Expo!) and I can't wait for it!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I've spent all day watching all the runDisney videos and I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but some of them made me teary-eyed. I'm so excited to get to that point to where I'm able to run 13.1 miles and not want to die. The whole weekend looks like a lot of fun (I already told Tim we'll be doing the Pasta Party and the Expo!) and I can't wait for it!

Nothing to be embarrassed about! I saw one where someone stopped and kissed their family before the finish line and instant tears! I get goose bumps when I run if I think about getting that medal around my neck while I'm out walking! If that is what inspires us, than we need to go with it!

 

[Ariel484]

Can it be done?? YES! Sounds like you're off to a great start!

RE: shin pain...have you been fitted for new running shoes? Are the ones you are using really old? If so, it may be time for a new pair. Or maybe it's aches and pains from starting something new. Resting is smart at this point, but I'd look at your shoes as well.

I've spent all day watching all the runDisney videos and I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but some of them made me teary-eyed. I'm so excited to get to that point to where I'm able to run 13.1 miles and not want to die. The whole weekend looks like a lot of fun (I already told Tim we'll be doing the Pasta Party and the Expo!) and I can't wait for it!

Not embarrassing at all! I tear up at them too.

I also wanted to add a suggestion of taking photos of yourself or measurements every once in awhile...monthly, whatever. I recently lost weight and my husband originally suggested documenting it with photos. I refused and I SO wish I'd done this. Would have been really great to look back at (especially now, as I'm plateauing...) I know you said you don't like getting your photo taken, but it's something to think about!

 

[lyncecelia]

So I've been MIA for a while, but not without good reason....

A couple weeks ago I got the devastating call that my Nana was very ill and I needed to get to FL ASAP. From that phone call it took me 5-6 hours to get on a flight to my parent's home. I spent the next couple days so sure that I was going to run, but not wanting to leave my Nana's side....so I didn't go out at all.

On August 27th 2012, my Nana passed away. She was exactly 2 months shy of her 100th birthday.

Needless to say I was completely distraught, and had a complete melt down that night....I actually collapsed as they wheeled her body out of the house. I spent the past 5 days being strong for everyone else, and I couldn't do it anymore.

After that night, I went to my 14 year old sister's school to arrange for counseling services for her and put things in place for my parents as well, should they decide to pursue that route. We all were in the room the last 2 hours of my Nana's life and saw her die, I knew it wasn't easy on any of them. Tim came in that night as well.

Obviously with the funeral, I was more concerned with that than running, and got out of the routine. When I came back on the 2nd of September, I slept all day on the 3rd from the pure emotional drain my mind and body just underwent.

Since then, I've gone out for about 3 runs, but I'm back at square one. I can't get into it as I was before. And now that school has started, it's been harder to find the time. I'm wondering about my ability to even do this anymore....

I'm currently home sick from school, I got sick on my commute and came back to change and rest. I'm hoping I can go for a run tomorrow and get back on track...I should be much further in training than I am now....I'm so disappointed in myself....

 

[bellaally]

So I've been MIA for a while, but not without good reason....

A couple weeks ago I got the devastating call that my Nana was very ill and I needed to get to FL ASAP. From that phone call it took me 5-6 hours to get on a flight to my parent's home. I spent the next couple days so sure that I was going to run, but not wanting to leave my Nana's side....so I didn't go out at all.

On August 27th 2012, my Nana passed away. She was exactly 2 months shy of her 100th birthday.

Needless to say I was completely distraught, and had a complete melt down that night....I actually collapsed as they wheeled her body out of the house. I spent the past 5 days being strong for everyone else, and I couldn't do it anymore.

After that night, I went to my 14 year old sister's school to arrange for counseling services for her and put things in place for my parents as well, should they decide to pursue that route. We all were in the room the last 2 hours of my Nana's life and saw her die, I knew it wasn't easy on any of them. Tim came in that night as well.

Obviously with the funeral, I was more concerned with that than running, and got out of the routine. When I came back on the 2nd of September, I slept all day on the 3rd from the pure emotional drain my mind and body just underwent.

Since then, I've gone out for about 3 runs, but I'm back at square one. I can't get into it as I was before. And now that school has started, it's been harder to find the time. I'm wondering about my ability to even do this anymore....

I'm currently home sick from school, I got sick on my commute and came back to change and rest. I'm hoping I can go for a run tomorrow and get back on track...I should be much further in training than I am now....I'm so disappointed in myself....

Hey first off I am so sorry to hear about your nana, it's never a easy recovery when you lose someone. I must say I came over to the journal part of wishes because I was thinking maybe if I start one and pour my ideas and thoughts and have people read it I can motivate people and others can help me just as much. Anyways your post was the first AND I started reading it. I just want to say I am 5"10-5"11 and I started out weighing 323 pounds. everything you expressed is how I feel, I find the gym so boring and i don't really get into it. I want to find excersice fun and something to look forward to al well as push myself. My family is heading down to wdw in September/ October 2013. So I wanted to run and finish TOT ten miler. So I wanted to let you know I am going to complete in my race and finish and I am just as certain your gonna do the same. Take it easy on yourself, with your nana and all. As long as you get out there every time even if you walk it's a step closer to your accomplishment.

 

[Carstairs38]

Wow, I am sorry to hear about your Nana.

I just did the Disneyland half a couple weeks back. It was my first half. You'll note I'm not saying it will be my last.

I just started running in 2009 despite the fact that I have played ultimate Frisbee for years, a sport that requires a lot of running. I did a 5K at Disneyland that year, and I swore I would never do a half marathon. Never say never, right?

I slowly built my running over time. I didn't set out with a goal of a half marathon until the beginning of this year, but I built on my running from the last couple of years and trained for this run all year long. Trust me, if I can learn to get hooked on running, anyone can. While I have never been as overweight as it sounds like you are, I was the kid who hated PE and would prefer to read. While I still love reading (and TV), I am hooked on running, too.

You took some time off. You needed it. Don't let that get you down. Get out there, start up again, and you'll find you improve again. When you take time off and lose what you have, it does get discouraging. But I bet you'll find by Christmas you'll feel much better over all.

I'll be cheering for you.

ETA: One more thought - Remember, this is only about you and seeing yourself improve. That's one thing I love about running. If I'm in the middle or back of the pack, my time is still great because I went out there and did something that several years ago I never would have done. And even a slow walk/run is better than all those people sitting on the couch doing nothing.

 

[Goofierunner]

Lyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. With such a traumatic event in your life, it's ok to give yourself a break.
Go out tomorrow and walk/run/whatever you feel like for ten minutes. If you're still not feeling it, then head back home. You may find that getting started was the difficult part. You may find that in the middle of that ten minutes you start to run for 30 seconds. Just do whatever your body feels like doing.
All runners will tell you that they go through periods of self-doubt. I've been training for Goofy and I can't tell you how many times I've come home from a short run and thought, "Well that sucked. Who am I kidding to think I can do this?" But it passes.

You CAN do this!

 

[lyncecelia]

So it's been over a month since I've updated this.

Getting out to run has been harder to do, and I've added a job to the mix so I don't think it'll get easier but I think I'm going to try to schedule my runs. I'm also buying myself running shoes tonight. Having proper equipment that fits my feet will definitely make it easier on me.

Goal for next week: Get out at least twice and run. Even if it means by myself without my fiance.

I really want to do this half marathon, I HAVE to get back on track!

Also--I joined weight watchers last week. Hopefully that will also help motivate me to get out and get moving too. I've lost 4.2 pounds in this week alone, so I'm definitely feeling good about myself.

 

[lyncecelia]

Okay...

So...I completely dropped the running for a few months. Between the death of my grandmother, and some issues with medication I was on complete overload.

However--I stopped all my meds. I found that the medications I was on for depression only made it worse...but being off I'd randomly start crying still...I felt absolutely helpless.

However, I finally got some motivation today. I went out for my first run in months. And I'll admit, it HURT. Come the last interval, though, I felt so accomplished. I didn't feel the utter depression I've been in since August. I can't believe I did it. I'm looking forward to my next run come Wednesday. I even was able to make myself a healthy dinner tonight, and I felt good about it.

I think I might be on the road to recovery...I'm hoping I didn't find it too late for my goal...

 

[lyncecelia]

So I just finished run 3, and it feels okay. But not during at this point, just after.

I also registered my fiance for the Dopey today (since, in only 24 hours, it was 85% sold!!!) .

I'm hoping to register for the 1/2 by the end of the week .

I find doing Couch to 5k is helping me a lot, last time it felt arbitrary, but now it's a solid plan that I know will work. Definitely felt a bit of improvement tonight!

So, just a quick update

 

[lmhall2000]

Just popping in to encourage you!! Having a goal to work towards is such a wonderful thing!! Life does get in the way but we pull ourselves together and make actions speak louder than thoughts!

Stick with it and give yourself a big hug for making the right decisions and getting active!!

 

[lyncecelia]

Just popping in to encourage you!! Having a goal to work towards is such a wonderful thing!! Life does get in the way but we pull ourselves together and make actions speak louder than thoughts!

Stick with it and give yourself a big hug for making the right decisions and getting active!!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. It's great to have support doing this!

 

[lyncecelia]

So I just bit the bullet and registered for the Donald 1/2 marathon in 2014.


I must be crazy....


Yup definitely crazy...



I can do this though!!!



Right?!?




But yeah, next run is tonight! We might go to the YMCA soon to sign up, that way I can do some cross-training. Also, I signed up for a local group to help train for my first 5k in June/July. I think having the guidance will help me, because I feel my gait is pretty awkward right now.



So yeah...I guess it's official! I have 8 months and 4 weeks to train!

 

[Donald Applecore]

With running (as arbitrary as this might sound) I can win a shine Donald medal (my favorite!) and feel like I'm working TOWARDS a goal. Not just waiting for the 15 minute treadmill or bike to end. (This does make sense to someone else besides me, correct?)

I just wanted to offer some encouragement & let you know that I understand completely. I always could have cared less about running (even when I was in my best shape), but once I realized the WDW 1/2 gave out Donald Medals - it has motivated me to try to loose the weight & doing it by running. I'm going to get that Duck medal or die trying!!!