While, I don’t feel like I’m at the “after” part yet; I was digging through old pictures, obsessively tagging faces, I came across a really great (terrible?) before picture…
Another obligatory “before and after” pic!
I did it, didn’t die and will do it again….
I mentioned a few weeks ago (So… about running..) that I was going to run a 5k and in my goal setting discussion way way back I started down the path of what I want to accomplish and some of the medium and longer term goals.
Well, June 9th; I did it. I ran in the Unlimited Performance 5k, in Sycamore. It was a very well run event and was extremely well organized. Even noobs like me could figure out where I needed to be and how to handle things. Michelle ran with me, and did an amazing job of urging me on throughout the run. There is no way I could have done it without her. Also, it was really awesome for my sister Corie, her hubby Rick, my cousin Dawn and her son Noah along with my mom Caren and of course the ever present Austin and Clark to all be there to cheer us on!
A few observations:
- I was much more nervous about figuring out where the start/finish line was and at least having some idea what the route was like than I was about the actual running.
- Running in the country seemed harder than running in the City. It probably had more to do with the fact that there was WIND slowing me down (not that I was fast; but still!)
- Why would anyone want to CHEAT in a 5k run? There were two girls who would run a bit, then walk and gossip (which is totally fine); but then they decided to cut short a round about and just turned around. I was embarrassed for them.
- I’m glad I made it through without my calf acting up; so maybe that’s healed for good?
- Why in God’s green earth would they serve dry bagels at the end? I get the bananas; that made sense.. but the bagels turned to dust in my mouth. It was rough.
- Note to self: don’t park at the top of a hill that you have to walk up after you have just run a race.
My results are below.. I’m as slow as molasses; but I did it.. and I’m going to do it again. Michelle is picking our next 5k. I also have my sights set on the pumpkin run in October. Though, the jump from 5k to 10k in just 5 months seems a bit daunting. I mean, I went from 0 to 5k in 4-ish months. I’m terrified, but I’m not going to stop!
Our Intrepid Runners shortly after the start! 
- The Race Finishers!!! (and Austin!)
The results:
|
129 |
Aric Roush | Chicago IL |
120 |
38 |
M |
13 30-39 |
37:45.1 |
12:11 |
|
130 |
Michelle Roush | Chicago IL |
121 |
38 |
F |
11 30-39 |
37:55.0 |
12:14 |
Oh No!! The Scale Isn’t Going Down, What Am I Doing Wrong?
This is a common complaint amongst those who have undertaken diet and lifestyle changes. “I’m doing everything right and the number just isn’t dropping” or “No matter what I do, I’m just not losing weight”. I have heard it many time from friends who are in the same position I was in 9 months ago. Heck, I said it myself 100 times… “I’m eating right, I’m exercising, WTF; why am I not losing weight”. Its disheartening and frustrating. Michelle said it right and continues to tell me: “it took you 30+ years to put on the weight.. its not going to come off over night!”. She is so right.
You have to keep at it. Its not a “30 day miracle diet” or something you do for a week to fit into your skinny jeans. You are changing your life; it takes time for your body to adjust to not being a fat-guy(™). There will be ups and downs along the way. Just keep working at it, you will get there!
What strategies have you used to keep going?
