This is where I talk about all the crazy things that have happened to me over the last year. It's hard for me to imagine that this would have been such a life changing year, but it has been.
In January, Nate decided he was going to do something called the C25k (his buddy John was doing it at the time and I am forever in debt to both of them). At the time, I thought it was too "easy" for me. But, I felt terribly out of shape and figured that something was better than nothing. So, we trekked our way through it. It was harder than I expected. And, the results were fabulous. It really made running easy enough that you didn't hate it. And, it made running routine.
That was the catalyst... now I wanted something harder. The next program I did was the "Becoming a One Hour Runner". This really started to test me and I still remember the day that I ran for 60 minutes. It was awesome. Somewhere in the middle of this plan, I became a runner. I have no idea how it happened, I just know it did.
Then.... My wife has been talking about running a marathon for a number of years. She was always a runner (x-country in high school and college). Now that I was getting more fit, it seemed doable that we could run one together. So, we eagerly awaited the opening of the Marine Corps Marathon and signed up. It was scary and exciting all at the same time.
From there, we had to train all the way through the summer months. Some of those runs were really taxing and it was really nice to have my wife supporting me through all those runs. And, I was doing the same for her. I'm not sure if either of us would have made it without the other. But, we did it.
Despite the fact that I ran my first marathon this year... I think my biggest accomplishment was just running. Not how far or how fast... but the act itself. I now know I'm a runner. I also have finally broken the up and down swing of weight loss/weight gain that I have been on over the last 10 years. So, that is by far my biggest accomplishment.
Goals for 2008? I'll save that for another post. But, you can bet running consistently is going to be one of them.
Happy New Year!! Here's to a lighter, fitter 2008.
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7 comments:
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Congratulations on your marathon last year!
I'm also glad to see that I'm not the only one out there running to break through 'the wall' of weight gain!
Keep up the good work, you've just got a new subscriber!
Happy New year Eric, and I totally echo here's to a lighter fitter 2008
Cheers
Thanks for stopping by you two.
t... I just had the worst two week stretch of eating since I've been running. Ugh. Unbelievable.
Abi... keep up the great work. It only gets easier, truly.
Heh, I'm with you on the eating. But it's to be expected with the holidays, and really isn't a big deal after you get back on track in the coming weeks.
Congrats on the awesome year. Keep up the good work!
I was inspired by your comment on Abimars Couch25K and decided to come here and have a look. Started the programme in the summer and run a couple of 5k's sub 45mintes although I'm hibernating during these winter months - its too cold outside. Cant wait for the cold snap to be over and I'll be out again. Will look up the One hour programme. Looking forward to running a couple of 10km and half marathons this summer.
Going through ur entire archives right now.
Calabar gal... Thanks for the kind words. I hope you enjoyed the archive that is me...
Good luck coming back after the cold.
Love how you put that, "It really made running easy enough that you didn't hate it." That made me laugh! ;-)
It's funny, I found I had the same experience with these 2 running plans (C25K & BOHR). I love how you describe the process of "becoming a runner." I also found that it took me until I reached the BOHR program to really feel like I was "into" running. They should just retitle that program "Becoming A Runner"!
It's great that you had your wife as a training partner for your first marathon. That must've been a great bonding experience for both of you!
I applaud you for running, losing weight, & getting into shape, & for running your first marathon, & the Marine Corps Marathon at that, which is not an easy first marathon (or so I'm told by many others!).
Glad to hear that 2007 was such a great & transformational year for you. And of course I look forward to hearing more about your goals & plans for 2008!
I wish you a Happy, Healthy New Year!
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