My journey from the couch to runner...

[Neoflynn]

I imagine this general forum is the best place to post this and im not looking for any pats on the back or anything but thought I would share my quick story in hopes that it may inspire a few others so here goes...

I started running in may 2013, my 33rd birthday came I wasn't feeling the greatest about myself and decided I really needed to get into some kind of routine, the fact that I am diabetic also played a part in my need for exercise, My wife was on an amazing weight loss journey (last count 80+ pounds) and I had seen 2 of my friends successfully achieve the Couch 2 5K program so I decided that's what I would do, made sure to sign up for my first 5k so I couldn't back out and off I went. My training that spring and into summer went well and I learned that it doesn't matter if others run faster or farther im doing this for me, well my first 5k came and as I crossed the finish line I was hooked I did a few more 5ks that year then a 10k the next February and it was during the wait to start that race that the wife and I first discussed doing a RunDisney event at somepoint, she had started adding running a little also but due to a foot injury her distance is limited, We set our sights on the Tower of Terror 10 miler in 2015 (with an already scheduled Disney trip in may of 2014 it wasn't in the cards for that year) it was also during that 10k that I officially decided I was hooked and I wanted to do a half marathon that year I wanted to give myself plenty of time to step up to that level and found a local race for November of that year. I put in the time training and did a 5k series leading up to my half (6 races over 6 months I did 4 one of wich was my anniversary 5k) then the big day came , or night in my case as it was a night race (thought it would be good to get the feel of a night race with the ToT being at night) and it was amazing I kept thinking the whole time man if I can do this anyone really can, my goal for the race was under 2:30 (some will tell you not to set a time goal for your first race I chose to set one that I knew was attainable I had done a 12 mile training run in just over 2 hours) I finished in 2:15 and was thrilled. So then RunDisney released their upcoming calendar and panic set in ToT 2015 " was MIA, our whole plan revolved around this race (it was going to work out great as we could take our 3 year old for mickeys Halloween party and we could have some race fun all in one trip) So we started talking discussed the wine and dine (not my thing really) then I got really crazy "hey why don't we go for Marathon Weekend 2016 and ill run the Marathon?" so plans changed a lot, so that's where we sit now planning our trip for 2016 and me becoming a Marathon runner my wife has also upgraded and decided to run the 10k that weekend and we thought what the heck we are down there might as well go crazy so now we plan to run the 5k together dressed as beauty and the beast, Little man will not be left out either as its Kids Race time for him....

anybody else have a crazy story like this?

and like I said not looking for pats on the back just hoping maybe to inspire... I truly believe if I can pull this off then anybody can!!!

 

[FFMickey]

Yeah, I've been wanting to get into running since we have some fun runs around here. I might have to check out the couch to 5k plan. I do want to do a RunDisney event. They look like fun!

 

[Neoflynn]

Yeah, I've been wanting to get into running since we have some fun runs around here. I might have to check out the couch to 5k plan. I do want to do a RunDisney event. They look like fun!

couch to 5k is a great plan to get you into it, I used the one by active.com but there are others out there as well that are all pretty similar you start by doing run/walk intervals where you are actually walking more than running but you gradually work up to more and more running, the thing I liked about it was it never felt like it was asking me to do to much and if you ever do that way then you can simply repeat a week and see how you feel then

 

[ohMom]

i'll pat you on the back!!! great story!!

 

[Neoflynn]

i'll pat you on the back!!! great story!!

thanks!!!

 

[pixiegirl131415]

That is truly amazing! Also, very close to home... I am also 33 and decided to make a change this year, by signing up and starting training for a 5k. I'm hoping to do a Disney half someday! Good luck with your Marathon training!!!

 

[Neoflynn]

That is truly amazing! Also, very close to home... I am also 33 and decided to make a change this year, by signing up and starting training for a 5k. I'm hoping to do a Disney half someday! Good luck with your Marathon training!!!

I promise you, you can do it, all it takes is the dedication on your part and you will achieve whatever you set out to, If you would have told me when I started that I would not only complete a half marathon but have my sights set on a full, I would have told you you were crazy. You are going to run in to doubters but the best thing to do is shut them out and find an awesome group of supportive people, like right here