I Believe in Myself
Every year, in high school, I dreaded the time when we would have those horrendous physical fitness tests. We’d have to do push ups, sit ups, climb a knotted rope to the top, sprints, and we’d have to run a mile. I did o.k. on the sit ups, but that was it. The rest were always a big, fat fail, but I never felt worse than when I was running that mile. We had to run it in under twelve minutes, and if we didn’t make it we had to stay after school to try it again. And again, and again; until we came in under the clock. I hated it so much and it was something that stuck with me through my life.
I’d look at those runners in town and think, “My God, what a crazy person!”
I’d say, “Not me! I’m no runner.”
I’d blame my bad folk-dancing knee, my lack of time, my weight, my whatever-excuse-worked.
Not. Anymore.
This is my track. Well, it’s not “my” track, but it is the track where I started my bike training. And, now it’s the track that I run on. Yes, it’s the track that I run on.
Let me say that slowly:
It’s. The. Track. That. I. Run. On.
On June 27th, I downloaded the Couch to 5K app for my iTouch. I had heard all about the app, and, quite frankly, had those same thoughts about it like, Oh My God those people are crazy, I could never run, I have a bad knee, whatever-whatever.
But, I was already in push mode. I was pushing myself with every bike ride. My legs were strong. My heart was feeling good. The scale was responding. Skirts felt loose.
So, I pushed a little harder, downloaded the damn app, and gave it a go!
I am currently in week 4. This is the week where I run for three minutes, walk, and then five minutes straight (twice!) The other day when I finished the last run portion, I exploded into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. I couldn’t stop and I know that the dad and daughter who were playing soccer on the field must’ve thought I was a loon.
I don’t know? Maybe I was laughing at Miss Callahan (and maybe giving her a big, fat middle finger) for making me feel like such a dipshit—in high school—for not being able to finish the mile in under twelve minutes? Maybe I was laughing because I was alive?!
I did it. I didn’t die. I’m going to keep doing it.
Hello, my name is Mishelle, and I’m a *runner!
*Follow my training on Daily Mile!
Back to TopYou can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I am *sooooo* proud of you, Mishi!
YAY, MISHI!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m super proud of you, too.
Maybe you’ll be the final push of inspiration I need to get my butt in gear. And I know that if I ever run …I’ll be laughing, too!
xoxo
Way to go Sista! I’m so proud of you!!!
That’s awesome! Go you!
I was doing the Couch-to-5K app for a while and then it just got too hot outside for me. I’m trying to maintain my stamina with the Jillian Michaels DVDs that I can do in my air-conditioned living room. I’ll start running again when it cools off a bit!
I’m so proud of you!
And so jealous.
Good for you. If only I could get my ass in gear this way! :)
Wow! You go girl! We are so proud!
Go you! I always hated running at school too – back in the 80s it was all about who was winning and not about enjoyment or excercise. I’m pleased to say that now, the school I teach at values the *enjoyment* of excercise above performance… and it’s catchy.
Kick ass, babe!
Awesome!! This must be such a great feeling. I’ve always been overweight but have always had the feeling like I would love to be a runner. I even have dreams where I just run and run and never get tired.
This gives me hope, maybe I can do it :)
I love you. You ARE a runner.
(Also, I cried. Bitch.)
:-)
You amaze me. So proud of you.
Could not be more proud of you, or more inspired.
I have had that app on my phone for about 5 months and have been too chicken to start.
You. inspire. me.
Thank you, Rachel! So much!!