Walking in Water

I, Logan Chaney, being of sound mind and a somewhat battered body, have run a consecutive 3.1 miles! Some of you might be wondering what thoughts were running through my mind during that last mile - well, let me share a few with you. As I passed mile marker 2, I started thinking I could make it to the next quarter marker. As I passed the 2.25 marker, I thought, "I can make it to the next quarter marker." (I know what some of you might be thinking, this is an episode of The Engine that Could - I think I can, I think I can.) I figured for sure I would stop to walk at the 2.5 mile marker. I didn't want to run the full 3.1 miles by myself - I needed a witness! But then I thought, "what if I break both of my legs or become paralyzed and can never run again?" I figured I better try to run the full 3.1 miles if my body would let me! Who am I to say no to my "hustlin legs"? By that point, it seemed easier to keep on running than to stop and walk. So as I crossed the 2.5 mile marker, I just kept on scootin'. I can't really describe how my legs felt once I finished this run. I am quite familiar with the "spaghetti noodle" feeling, but I believe I surpassed the pasta stage. It was weird - I guess the best analogy I can think of would be a feeling of walking in waist deep water. All I can say is, where's my old cheerleading coach Clara Grantham with that stopwatch?!

Bumpy Road Ahead

There's no such thing as a "smooth and straight" road. My training was supposed to be a Monday, Wednesday, Friday thing, but it seems like "life" is getting in the way of my 5K dream. Due to work travel, a conference, and rainy weather, I've only been able to run twice this week. On Tuesday I ran on a treadmill at my Coach's gym (On a 1% incline) and was able to run 1.25 miles. Now I realize that running on a treadmill is nothing like running on the Earth. Today, I went to Centennial Park and I was able to run A MILE all by myself! On the EARTH. Maybe I don't have the lungs of a 85 year old smoker after all!

Wow, I must say, after previewing this post, it just makes me shake my head in amazement that I use the word "run" so much. Just goes to show you that anyone can change.

Challenge - Accepted!

Nothing like a little Rocky and some background music to get you inspired! Recently my office had our annual off-site retreat. We meet with a "Coach/Mediator" who leads the discussion and helps our firm identify not only our professional goals, but also our personal goals for the upcoming year. I thought my personal goals would be the most difficult to identify, but for some reason, when it became my turn to speak, these are the words that popped out of my mouth "I'm gonna run a 5K".
SAY WHHHAAATTTTT????!!!!!!!!!!
That's right - reread that last line. One more time. Now that it's starting to sink in, I know what you are going to say. What happened to "I only run if someone is chasing me with a gun?" or "I run if a bee or wasp is chasing me." Thankfully, there are no guns involved and cross your fingers there won't be any bees or wasps!
My co-worker Deb is an avid runner and just completed her first marathon. She has graciously volunteered to be my Executioner/Coach. lol. Now to figure out how I'm going to actually run a 5K. My roommate Britney has completed the "Couch to 5K" this past year, so I decided to use the same program.
The race I am signing up for is called Viva la Diva (check it out at www.vivaladivarun.org ) and it occurs on Saturday, November 19. That gives me 6 weeks to train. YIKES. I've announced my goal to my coworkers and now I'm hoping you will help me stay accountable. I can not even IMAGINE what it must feel like to run 3 point something miles consecutively, but I'm excited to see if I can do it! Training starts Monday at 4pm in Centennial Park. Basically, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will be training. I will keep you updated on my progress. And don't worry, I've already thought about what kind of outfit I want to wear during the race. Shopping is included!