Crawling with the Turtles - Part I
So, the day is here.
Well, technically the day is here tomorrow (Saturday, September 13, 2014).
I'm talking about the day I participate in my first 5k.
Quick recap for the readers keeping track at home, a few months ago I signed up for my first 5k: The Turtle Krawl 5k Run/Walk. Nervousness and concern took over and suddenly I was a bit worried about my decision. I downloaded the Couch-to-5k app for my iPhone in an attempt to train and prepare.
That should bring you up-to-date.
For the last eight weeks, I've continued to follow the app's directions concerning the workouts. Each week, those workouts increased in intensity. Sometimes, they increased daily.
I won't lie. There are days I considered quitting. Not because the workout was difficult necessarily, but because of my own personal feelings about the situation... my own personal shortcomings.
Back in the day... when I was 400 pounds... I couldn't understand why people chose to pay money to run. It flabbergasted me. I wouldn't do it. Why would anyone else?
Little did I know... until recently... that was a rather pompous way to look at it. I really wasn't concerned about people paying to run. I was really upset that I couldn't participate. How could I? I was 400 pounds. I could barely sleep and breathe at the same time.
For those that spoke with me about the subject back in those days, I am very sorry for being rude. I couldn't see past my own belly at the time.
Funny how suddenly being able to look down and see your feet without leaning over changes your perspective.
Back to training now. Following the app wasn't enough for me though. I honestly felt like I wasn't getting a great workout. So I decided to push the envelope. If the app directed me to jog for 10 minutes... I jogged 15-20 minutes. If it directed me to jog for 20 minutes... I jogged for 25 minutes and so on.
That still wasn't enough though. I would set my own goals in addition to those the app outlined for me. I would walk/jog another mile or two.
For my final Couch-to-5k workout, I was to complete a brisk five minute warmup walk, then jog 30 minutes (no walking) and complete a five minute cool down walk. During that time, I managed to complete the distance equal to a 5k.
But I decided that wasn't enough. I walked two more miles. When all was said and done I traveled five miles in one hour and nine minutes.
I feel better about the event tomorrow. I really do. When I first started training, I was unsure if I would be able to jog the whole thing. I now believe I will be able to do that. You'll just have to tune in tomorrow for Part II of this blog to see if I was able to make good on that.
UPDATE:
Time now for an update on my weight.
Well, technically the day is here tomorrow (Saturday, September 13, 2014).
I'm talking about the day I participate in my first 5k.
Quick recap for the readers keeping track at home, a few months ago I signed up for my first 5k: The Turtle Krawl 5k Run/Walk. Nervousness and concern took over and suddenly I was a bit worried about my decision. I downloaded the Couch-to-5k app for my iPhone in an attempt to train and prepare.
That should bring you up-to-date.
For the last eight weeks, I've continued to follow the app's directions concerning the workouts. Each week, those workouts increased in intensity. Sometimes, they increased daily.
I won't lie. There are days I considered quitting. Not because the workout was difficult necessarily, but because of my own personal feelings about the situation... my own personal shortcomings.
Back in the day... when I was 400 pounds... I couldn't understand why people chose to pay money to run. It flabbergasted me. I wouldn't do it. Why would anyone else?
Little did I know... until recently... that was a rather pompous way to look at it. I really wasn't concerned about people paying to run. I was really upset that I couldn't participate. How could I? I was 400 pounds. I could barely sleep and breathe at the same time.
For those that spoke with me about the subject back in those days, I am very sorry for being rude. I couldn't see past my own belly at the time.
Funny how suddenly being able to look down and see your feet without leaning over changes your perspective.
Back to training now. Following the app wasn't enough for me though. I honestly felt like I wasn't getting a great workout. So I decided to push the envelope. If the app directed me to jog for 10 minutes... I jogged 15-20 minutes. If it directed me to jog for 20 minutes... I jogged for 25 minutes and so on.
That still wasn't enough though. I would set my own goals in addition to those the app outlined for me. I would walk/jog another mile or two.
For my final Couch-to-5k workout, I was to complete a brisk five minute warmup walk, then jog 30 minutes (no walking) and complete a five minute cool down walk. During that time, I managed to complete the distance equal to a 5k.
But I decided that wasn't enough. I walked two more miles. When all was said and done I traveled five miles in one hour and nine minutes.
I feel better about the event tomorrow. I really do. When I first started training, I was unsure if I would be able to jog the whole thing. I now believe I will be able to do that. You'll just have to tune in tomorrow for Part II of this blog to see if I was able to make good on that.
UPDATE:
Time now for an update on my weight.
Starting Weight: 394 pounds.
Current Weight: 269.6 pounds.
Total Loss So Far: 124.4
Normally this is where I wrap things up... but I wanted to share something with you.
I still have problems with my self image... the reflection I see in the mirror when I look into it. That said, it's finally starting to change. I'm starting to see the "new" me. Because I think it's worth a look... here's a comparison picture I put together recently. There will be others, but this photo merely tracks where I was and where I am currently.
Until next time dear reader. Be infinite.
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