I can do this!!!! UPDATED 1/20/2010 post 22

[natale1980]

I'm only participating in the 5K but I finally believe I can do this!!!
I've been doing the C25K for the past 8 weeks and I finally feel like I can really do this!!! I ran yesterday for 25 minutes without stopping... Yes, I know this is pathetic to some of you who can run 25 miles without stopping but it's GREAT for me. When I started the C25k I had a hard time running 60 seconds without stopping.
I really hope to join all of you for the 1/2 next year!!! Good Luck to everyone and have fun!!!! You all have been a great inspiration!!!

-nat

 

[solar]

Congratulations and good luck!!!

 

[cewait]

Nat,

First of all YOU WILL DO THIS!

Never understate or under estimate the accomplishments you have made and will continue to make. There will be over 300,000 folks on property over marathon weekend and only 40,000 will enter one or more of the races. That puts you in a small class of folks who have gotten off the couch and moved forward into a life of fitness. Do not be intimidated by the lean and speedy gazelles of this sport you are part of the herd once you put the bib on.

While this IS an accomplishment, one of the hardest things we all learn is that you cannot rest on what you have just done; rather, you need to continually expand the horizon and reach for stretch goals that seem unimaginable today. It is easy to get comfortable with what we have. Always pursue that next goal keeping a forward momentum at all times.

 

[JoanneNC]

You can and will do this and should be proud of your accomplishments

 

[natale1980]

Thanks for the comments.
My biggest fear is to get back from Disney World and start sitting on the couch again. I'm going to start looking for a local race/run so that I can't stop pursuing my goal to become a runner!!!

I love these boards, you all are keeping me motivated!

-nat

 

[RENThead09]

CONGRATS!!!!!

that is a huge accomplishment.

Keep setting those goals and shooting for them! Even if you do not accomplish every one, you will be taken on an incredible ride.

 

[FireDancer]

I think you'll do it too. It sounds like you are trained and ready and the added adrenaline of race day will take you through the rest of the way.

As far as staying motivated, signing up for local races is a great way to go. I do local races throughout the year and it helps to keep you on task. After a while the running itself becomes the motivation but if you don't feel you are there yet there are plenty of local races in any large city to get you by.

Good luck on marathon weekend.

 

[ma2jr]

Best wishes... yes you can do it!

 

[chimera]

Thanks for the comments.
My biggest fear is to get back from Disney World and start sitting on the couch again. I'm going to start looking for a local race/run so that I can't stop pursuing my goal to become a runner!!!

I love these boards, you all are keeping me motivated!

-nat

Congratulations on your accomplishment! You'll be able to register for next year's half right after the marathon is over. That helps with motivation, giving you the goal to look forward to. Definitely work on some local races. You can always work on upping your distance with a 10K to get you almost halfway to the half.

A lot of C25K graduates use the One Hour Runner program developed by Kathrine Switzer when she was working with Avon.

 

[Duanerice]

Way to go. You know how many people wish they could do a 5K? You are way ahead of most people in this country. With all the people and excitement, you will float to the finish, it is that much fun!

As for when you get back, don't wait, Make sure you run within 2 days of the race. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you can't fit a 3 mile run in. This needs to be a part of your life, not just an event.

Sometimes we need another race or something to get us going. I know I do at times. Luckily living in SW Florida winter is our running season. I am already signed up for a few 5k's and a half marathon in early March.

See you in a few weeks,
Duane

 

[natale1980]

Way to go. You know how many people wish they could do a 5K? You are way ahead of most people in this country. With all the people and excitement, you will float to the finish, it is that much fun!

As for when you get back, don't wait, Make sure you run within 2 days of the race. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you can't fit a 3 mile run in. This needs to be a part of your life, not just an event.

Sometimes we need another race or something to get us going. I know I do at times. Luckily living in SW Florida winter is our running season. I am already signed up for a few 5k's and a half marathon in early March.

See you in a few weeks,
Duane

My family is going on the Disney Wonder after the 5k so I'm thinking about doing the 5k on Castaway Cay!!!

Now I'm excited! Thanks Guys!!
-nat

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm only participating in the 5K but I finally believe I can do this!!!
I've been doing the C25K for the past 8 weeks and I finally feel like I can really do this!!! I ran yesterday for 25 minutes without stopping... Yes, I know this is pathetic to some of you who can run 25 miles without stopping but it's GREAT for me. When I started the C25k I had a hard time running 60 seconds without stopping.
I really hope to join all of you for the 1/2 next year!!! Good Luck to everyone and have fun!!!! You all have been a great inspiration!!!

-nat

You are so Busted! There is never anything as "only" or "just" when it comes to WISH Team. You are doing it!

Congratulations! As already mentioned. Do not underestimate your accomplishment. You are doing great! You will find that not everyone runs the entire time as the length of the event increases. Check out your local running stores for a group to join. You might find motivation by making a commitment to get out there with others. Sign up early for the Donald, before it closes out. The half usually closes kind of early. Make that commitment and you will do it!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Nat - I ran my first 5K at Disney in May of 2006. I met a few WISHers that weekend and began an ongoing addiction! I came home and signed up for a local 5K the following month, but I was still totally overwhelmed by the idea of doing a half marathon. Then January came and everyone on the boards was at WDW, and I promised myself the next year I'd be there with them. In 2008 I ran my first half. You're already way ahead of me since you're planning on 2011! Way to go girl! Like others have said, you're off the couch, you're running the 5K, and that is something to be proud of. Just keep posting, and you'll find that you have to run. See you in a couple of weeks!

Jackie

 

[BamaEd1]

Have a great 5k. I'm proud of you!

 

[JimB.]

Nat - You are SO going to rock the 5k!! It's your first & you will remember it forever!!! Keep a future event scheduled as much as possible. I ALWAYS try to have something on my calendar.

PS - Deck 4 on the Wonder/Magic is .33 miles around. 9 1/3 laps and you have done your 5k at sea!!!!

 

[solar]

Thanks for the comments.
My biggest fear is to get back from Disney World and start sitting on the couch again. I'm going to start looking for a local race/run so that I can't stop pursuing my goal to become a runner!!!

I love these boards, you all are keeping me motivated!

-nat

that's my fear too, and why i have back up races -- so i keep moving!

 

[solotraveler]

You are so Busted! There is never anything as "only" or "just" when it comes to WISH Team. You are doing it!

Congratulations! As already mentioned. Do not underestimate your accomplishment. You are doing great! You will find that not everyone runs the entire time as the length of the event increases. Check out your local running stores for a group to join. You might find motivation by making a commitment to get out there with others. Sign up early for the Donald, before it closes out. The half usually closes kind of early. Make that commitment and you will do it!

As usual, Lily says it better than I ever could. Be sure to introduce yourself to the WISHers you see, sign up for another race and stick around here... these folks are a great bunch!

Kevin

 

[natale1980]

Thanks again everyone.

Now I just wish I had gotten to know everyone earlier. I'll have to figure out some way to mark myself as a DISer/WISHer. I saw that some of you will have hats and name badges.... hope you don't mind if I come up and introduce myself!

-nat

 

[natale1980]

I just wanted to let you guys know how much you helped!
We don't get home until the 17th (very late) and I'll have a detailed account of the run then.
BUT - I wanted to thank all of you. While I was running I was thinking of you all when I was starting to get tired. You helped me run the WHOLE THING!!! YES!!! I said the whole thing!!! I ran an average of a 12 minute mile the whole way. I really do not believe I would have been able to do it without all of your encouragement.

Thank you so much! I can't wait to read about all of your races when I get home.

-nat

 

[momof2minnies]

Congrtats Natale!

Linda