Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Push Yourself

I don't know why I keep signing up for things that push me out of my comfort zone. I think it's because I am not going to school right now and I don't feel like I am growing and stretching quite like I used to. The first event was Grassroots; it was such a success that I decided to sign myself up for further torture: The Wasatch Back.

It is a 188 mile Ragnar Relay that is run with a team of 12 from Logan to Park City, UT. Previously I just mocked the runners that were crazy enough to willingly sign up for such agony

Now I'm one of them.

I am the proud runner of leg #4- possibly the easiest leg in the relay (Thank you Darcy Haas!!!), but it is still a challenge for a person that hasn't physically exerted herself since 9th grade track and field.

I began training one week ago today. I ran for 15 minutes at about 5PM, and I came home and collapsed for 45 minutes following my run. I was pretty sure I was going to die and that my brain was going to explode. Theater has made me soft. Turns out I was wrong because obviously I'm still alive to type this post. I have now completed a total of three 15 minute runs and I am surprised at how much easier it is to run those 15 minutes already. I know I can do it, and I am stoked to run with such a great group of women in this relay.

I bought these shoes today that I am hoping will carry me through my journey. It was funny when I was shopping for them. Normally I choose tennis shoes based on style rather than function. Today I gingerly tried on several pairs as if I were trying on friends. I was careful. I spent time with each pair; running up and down the aisle, chasing Will, even jumping up and down a bit. These made me feel stable. Secure. Plus, they were wide width :).

So here's to running... and hopefully not passing out or peeing my pants along the way.