A year ago, I woke up and (without knowing it was National Running Day) spent $19.95 to get the Couch to 5k program. I’m not sure why, but I was at home alone, feeling pretty crappy about myself, looking at my swelling feet, wondering what to do with myself.
My one goal was to get off the couch and be able to go for a jog in Central Park for BlogHer a few short weeks later.
That’s it. I wanted to lose a little weight, get a little exercise, and maybe get a race t-shirt sometime in the nearish future.
I put my feet to the pavement and invested in new shoes.
Never being one to NOT cave to peer pressure, a week later, I signed up for a half marathon. Jason thought I was insane. I’m sure all of my friends did, too. I mean, I couldn’t run 30 SECONDS, let alone 3+ hours.
But I believed I could.
And that’s half the battle.
I logged mile after mile after extremely painful mile. Running in the heat of the summer with arthritis isn’t the best way to start, but I figured if I could train in July, I could do anything.
I ran with Kelly in Central Park. Ok, it was more like walking and talking really fast, but we did run, too!
It got easier. I started not hating every single step. I only hate the steps that come before the last 5. The swelling stopped being so extreme and my arthritic joints actually felt BETTER.**
Now I look forward to running. It’s hard to squeeze it in now that I’m working full time, but somehow I do it. Not as much as I’d like, but I go when I can.
As I sit here today, thinking back, I realize how amazing it is.
A year has made a HUGE difference in my life.
I’ve run 5 5k’s, 2 10k’s, 1 15k, and a half marathon.
I’ve signed up for the Peachtree Road Race (10k) and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
I’ve lost 4 pants sizes, but only a few pounds.
I believed I could do something, and I did it. And I’m still doing it.
And you know what? You can, too.
** Obviously, please talk to your doctor before starting to run with arthritis.
20 Comments
Law Momma
You are amazing. And you LOOK amazing, too
Law Momma
You are amazing. And you LOOK amazing, too
Paula
I’m so inspired by and proud of you!
Paula
I’m so inspired by and proud of you!
Robin Plemmons
Look at you go! So proud of you & inspired by your courage. You are beautiful, as always. xoxo
Peggy
Ditto, ditto, and ditto !! “The Little Engine That Could” has nothing on you !!
Peggy
Ditto, ditto, and ditto !! “The Little Engine That Could” has nothing on you !!
Dawnie
You are such an inspiration! I’ll likely never be able to run a half marathon (lung complications) but I’ve decided that in 2014 I AM going to do the Hustle up the Hancock. It’s 94 floors of stairs. Or 1,632 steps. The average participant does it in 26 minutes, so my goal is to be slightly better than average. It’s like 25 minutes of intense running, but up. Yeah, I can do that. I can do the hell out of that. Thanks for inspiring me darling!
Dawnie
You are such an inspiration! I’ll likely never be able to run a half marathon (lung complications) but I’ve decided that in 2014 I AM going to do the Hustle up the Hancock. It’s 94 floors of stairs. Or 1,632 steps. The average participant does it in 26 minutes, so my goal is to be slightly better than average. It’s like 25 minutes of intense running, but up. Yeah, I can do that. I can do the hell out of that. Thanks for inspiring me darling!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger
So totally awesome, Jana. Your belief in yourself and determination is so inspiring.
Julia Roberts
You’re amazing! I’m so proud of you!
Heidi Calma
I so totally get this, friend. Fantastic job!
Dana
GO YOU!!!
Andrea
Wow, look at you! Way to go!
Andrea
Wow, look at you! Way to go!
Loco YaYa
how awesome! i have the app. keep thinking about it. but the thought of running again is terrifying.
maybe i should not be so scared. and just do it.
kuddos to you! and congrats.
Jamie@SouthMainMuse
Love those photos. Running is the best way to clear my head. And if you hear of someone not going to use their PRR number please give them my e-mail. I’d love to buy it. Got a good friend coming up from FL to run it so I’m looking. . . You look awesome.
Jamie@SouthMainMuse
Love those photos. Running is the best way to clear my head. And if you hear of someone not going to use their PRR number please give them my e-mail. I’d love to buy it. Got a good friend coming up from FL to run it so I’m looking. . . You look awesome.
Robbie
You look AMAZING!!! What a wonderful accomplishment and way to go for sticking with it!
Michelle Longo
First, congratulations – what an amazing year!
Second, I’m glad you posted the pics you did and the explanation of weight vs. pant size. I just got started a few weeks ago and I see changes in how things fit and how my body feels, but not in my weight. Always the pessimist, I chalked it up to being all in my head. You’re really inspired me that one year can make such a difference.
Thank you!