Have you ever wished you could be a runner? Diary of a Wanna Be Runner.

Have you ever wished you could be a runner? I have. I am not a runner, never have been. But I have had a goal to finish a race by the time I am 50. (I started out saying this before I was, 30, 35, 40,45). I will be 50 in April of 2015. That is less than a year away. So I decided this summer to just do it. I joined a Couch to 5K group at Elite Runners and Walkers. I had no idea how much this would change my life.

I attended an informational meeting where I met Suzanne. She had a ton of passion for running and helping new people reach their goals. nother woman and I learned so much that day. She gave us so much information. By the end of the meeting I was ready to commit and registered for my first ever Couch to 5K!! Talk about being scared. I was, I am and I will do it. I was fitted for a great pair of shoes for running with Jason and Kevin.  My feet have felt great ever since!

A little bit about myself. I am 49. I have had fibromyalgia for over 20 years. I have degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis in my back. I have heel spurs and plantar faciiatis. I have been in pain for most of my life. Makes sense to make running a goal right!

In January 2012 I decided to start taking care of myself. As a mom ( I have 4 children), we don’t usually put ourselves first, but I needed to start.  My husband and I worked hard for 10 years to help our two children with high functioning autism become the caring, kind, independent young men they are turning out to be. It took a toll on my health. I gained 70 lbs.  My fibromyalgia pain was off the charts.

I was living on 800 mg of ibuprofen 3x a day and could barely move. I started taking an antioxidant called OPC3 and Isotonix vitamins. I didn’t think changing how I took my vitamins  would make a difference, but it was noticeable when I  ran out of them and the pain came back with a vengeance. My whole family takes them on a daily basis now.

I took control of my health and nutrition by eating low glycemic, removing the gluten ( I have a wheat allergy), adding in an antioxidant an supplements and seeing a Chiropractor.

I lost 30 lbs and have kept it off for two years. I have heard running will help you lose the pounds too! Yes!! I am working on losing 30 more pounds and this should help!

Ok, fast foward to the C25K. The first day I met some wonderful coaches and team members. I was able to follow along and do the 60 second run, 90 second walk for about 30 minutes.  Went home that night so proud of myself and boom, my heels hurt like crazy!

My next training, Coach Matt gave me great exercises to help stretch my calf to help with my heels. I have been doing them ever since.

Third training I got shin splints. (Now my family and friends are wondering why I am still wanting to do this, LOL!)Rested my shins, used some ice which really helped.

Getting ready for my next training and I pop a rib while riding in a van to Greensboro! I didn’t get it checked for a week in a half. I DO NOT recommend waiting that long! My chiropractor was able to help me tremendously! In the meantime I had some chest pain and breathing issues. Ended up in the ER just to be safe (my mom had passed away from heart disease and I wasn’t taking any chances, I have too much to do!!)

They couldn’t find the source of my pain, but my lungs and heart were good. That’s all I needed to know.

I decided to just walk at the next session. My team and coaches Matt, Bobbi Jo and Andrew were very supportive and encouraging. I couldn’t do this without them! Runners have a great support system. They even came back and walked me in during one of the sessions.

(Photo credit to Coach Bobbi Jo)

We get to try shoes on for test runs, they have events in the morning for the runs with coffee and snacks. They even have a drink or two (those are usually after the run 🙂 I have missed a few group runs with my work schedule so hoping to do one of those soon!

(photo credit to Elite Runners and Walkers)

Now I am having some wheezing when I run, I was diagnosed with asthma years ago, but this is the first time it has hit.  I run 3 minutes before the wheezing hits. Doctor appointment will be made next week.

I have 12 more run/walks until my race! Oh, I forgot to mention, that the same week I registered for the C25K, I registered for the Pittsburgh Great Race 5K!!!!! I figured that way it would keep me focused on my goal and I couldn’t chicken out!! Plus, I have a stubborn Irish personality and nothing will stop me from completing my goals.

There was a point about a week ago where I realized I really like this running thing. I can’t run long or even do a marathon right now, but there is something about the feeling you get when you are running. I never experienced it before. I still can’t even really believe that I am doing it! I have come a long way in 2 1/2 years, even the past two months. Do I think I will run the entire 5K, probably not, I will most likely walk most of it. But I will finish and that’s all that matters.

The thing I love most about this running thing, is that I have been able to inspire some of my friends to start running. Today at work, a co-worker shared that we should start a running club with the ones that want to run or walk after work. I’m kinda excited about that! I think it s a great way to hang out with co-workers!

I am all about health and wellness. This is a huge part of my life.  I am proud of myself and for all those who literally get off the couch and do something, anything to get moving.

I would love to hear your stories. What do you want to accomplish?

We are all in this life together.

Blessings,

Coach Mo~