Wednesday morning I woke up feeling (and probably looking) like a chubby Keith Richards.
It was the first time in the six weeks I’ve been doing this that I deliberately decided I wasn’t going to run in the morning. Maybe I was adjusting to the time change from our trip, but I just wasn’t having it. After a somewhat crappy day, I decided I wasn’t going to miss a day of my program so long as I was healthy and able to run, so I went out in the evening.
I didn’t have any plans in mind other than to do what Couch-to-5k asked for that week. I tried my first five minute interval, and it wasn’t quite successful. I managed four minutes, walked for 45 seconds, and then ran another minute. After the other intervals, I walked for a while and then on the way back home, I felt a new kick of energy and decided it was time to try again. I didn’t look at my watch, and my music was too loud to hear the time go off, but the time was all zero’s when I checked it.
I’ll be darned. I ran for five minutes straight.
On top of that, I was able to do 3 miles in exactly 45 minutes. Needless to say, I was highly satisfied!
Initially, I wasn’t going to push it, but as I was approaching mile one, I saw two firefighters from the nearby station running toward me. Anytime I run past someone, I usually greet them and pause my music so I can hear. I did so, and they both kind of nodded and smirked. “Dude looks like he’s gonna die,” one of them said as they passed, “maybe we should run him in…ha ha ha.” Great, I thought…these ripped Mario Lopez and John Cena lookalikes just mocked me…and that’s all the motivation I needed to turn it up a notch. I went out again this evening and did it again. Believe me when I say, I am on cloud nine…
Furthermore, I happy enough knowing that I don’t have to compete with Slater and a pseudo-wrestler…my wife is more than content picking this sweaty guy over anyone any day…
Am I blessed, or what?
17 comments
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July 26, 2008 at 1:07 am
loonyrunner
hey man, chanced upon your blog… Congratulations on your achievement! I’m sure you’ll have many more
July 26, 2008 at 1:14 am
AndrewE
Well done! It’s rather satisfying isn’t it?
July 26, 2008 at 8:40 am
insanitychyld
That is *fantastic*!!!!!
July 26, 2008 at 11:04 am
Elisa
Awesome! Simply awesome! Congrats!
July 26, 2008 at 2:29 pm
hillari
Those jerks! It makes me mad!
July 26, 2008 at 4:13 pm
lexi
good job… sometimes people are jerks, but you should them. way to go.
July 26, 2008 at 9:41 pm
cassidy
John, that’s awesome! There’s no greater high than accomplishing a major goal. It makes all the hard work and sweat worth it!
July 27, 2008 at 5:03 pm
christy
Yay! That is so awesome that you nailed your 5m interval! Woot!
Sometimes it feels so great to just forget the numbers- pace, distance, etc- and just run for the sake of running. I find that when I don’t constantly check my clock I have my best performances. You are awesome!! Keep up the good work
July 27, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Johnny
loonyrunner – welcome! Thanks for dropping by and for the well-wishes!
Thanks, Andrew – it is ridiculously satisfying!!
Will, Elisa – thanks for the virtual pats on the back. If feels great!
My favorite sissies – Hill, Lex and Cass: Hill, it’s ok. It really didn’t make me that mad. It motivated me more than anything. I probably wouldn’t have gone three miles that day if I hadn’t gotten fired up. Give me a few months…hopefully the firefighters won’t recognize me after a while.
And thanks, Lexi…how’s your running going? Cass, thanks for your encouragement – it means a lot. And I feel great having accomplished the five minute mark…you’re right, it was all worth it.
Christy! Thanks for stopping by (and for giving me my first woot!) I agree with you…it does feel good to run for the sake of running, and I should try to do that more often. I’ll be looking forward to reading more about your upcoming races!
July 27, 2008 at 7:33 pm
MizFit
youre blessed AND she’s blessed
July 28, 2008 at 9:40 am
Matt
Isn’t fitness an interesting journey. You are doing awesome! Those individuals who decided to mock rather than congratulate you on your efforts is why so many of us choose to not work out and not go to the gym. I know you are, but remember to always be proud of yourself, because all of us who read your blog are very proud of you.
July 28, 2008 at 11:12 am
holli jo
MizFit: That’s totally the truth – I AM blessed! I’m so proud of everything Johnny is accomplishing.
July 28, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Allan
Thanks again. Day one went well, and tonight is the second workout on the treadmill. I feel inspired, and thanks for the help..
July 28, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Annette
good attitude! People like that must be very sad inside
You look so happy!
July 29, 2008 at 7:25 pm
hillari
when do we get to hear about the kids who were cheering you on?!
July 29, 2008 at 8:29 pm
johnisfit
Great job. Love to see the sweat!
July 30, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Jolynn
As your “other” parents, we are so proud of you John! You have been such an inspiration to us. You have certainly spurred me on to get out there and exercise when I don’t want to. Those guys were being jerks, but they probably don’t understand what it has taken for you to get this far. You WILL show them!