A Letter to My Body After Spin Class

Dear Body,

Last night I made you take your first spin class AFTER running 2.5 miles. Maybe it wasn't the best idea and for that I apologize. However, I'm probably going to make you do it again.

The bruises on your butt?
Imagine how it would have felt if I hadn't brought that gel bike seat cover. They'll go away.

The soreness in your shoulders?
That's just them getting acclimated with being used in a new and different way. Those are strong shoulders, that sometimes carry the weight of the world, they'll feel better and it will get easier.

Your legs feel like jello now, but they're getting stronger. Stairs will be hard today, harder tomorrow and then you'll be able to fly up them with your usual swiftness again!

I know it was hard. I know you couldn't do everything the instructor and I asked you to do. BUT-It's going to get easier.

You're already getting stronger, leaner and doing things I never thought you could do.

YOU CAN DO THIS....but I won't make you try again until next week. ;)

With love and respect,
Heather

Popping my 5K Cherry!

On Saturday I ran my first official 5K. I was so nervous. I kept trying to tell myself that I have done it before, because I have, but this was official. It was timed, there were over 200 other runners, it was intimidating. I kept thinking, "What if I come in last?"
But I did it.
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and got ready to run! My goals were simple:
1. Keep it under 14 minute miles
2. Make it in under 45 minutes
3. Not come in last!

I knew quite a few other people who were running so we all met pre-race. I actually caught myself shaking at one point. I didn't realize I was as nervous as I really was. When it was finally time to go to the starting line I just turned on my iPod shuffle and was OFF!!!

Mile One was rough. I did lunges on Thursday and my booty started burning. However, I didn't have my normal mile 1 aches and pains. I tried not to focus on the fact that a lot of the people were passing me. (My friends were already far ahead working on their own personal records.)
I just kept going. I had practiced the route so I knew what milestones to look for. There were people cheering us on along the way, so that felt great!
Right before I hit Mile 1 I saw the first of the runners passing me on their way back. I didn't know how many, if any, people were behind me.
I saw most of my friends before I hit the turn around, but after the turn around I felt great....I wasn't last!
Once I hit half way, I started the negotiations..."Once this song is over, I'll give myself permission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." "When I make it to the tree, I'll give myself persmission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." I ran the whole way. I made a plan to go at my comfortable pace until I could see the straight away of the finish line and then step it up.
As I got there I could see the timer, but it was partially obscured by the tree. I saw the seconds first, then I saw a 0....My first thought was disappointment, "OH, 50 minutes isn't so bad..."Then I saw my mom, crying at the finish line, so I started running fast and there it was not a 5, but a 4! I did the race in less than 41 minutes! I got over the finish line and all my friends were there hugging and congratulating me!
I can only say this... I cannot remember EVER feeling this accomplished or strong.
I set a goal and BEAT it!
I couldn't have done it without my family and friends!
Next 5K is NEXT WEEKEND. It's a cross-country with hills. I practiced it today and I know there will be some walking involved, but I'll do it!