Monday, May 18, 2009

Wasatch Woman magazine "Love Your Body" 5K/10K

Some of you may know I'm doing an internship with Wasatch Woman magazine this summer. One of their events is this "Love Your Body" 5K/10K in August.

When I started working out in March, I asked the personal trainer who did my assessment if I was crazy to think I'd be able to train myself to run the 3.1 miles by August. She said I absolutely could, like it would be no problem.

It's been a problem.

Two months later and I'm nowhere near being able to run even a quarter of a mile, let alone three. I'm wondering if this is a genetic disorder I have; my inability to run.

Back in high school (when I was thin; ah, memories...) I remember having to run the mile in gym class. The first time I "ran" it, it took me 15 minutes, which you may know is more like a brisk walk than a run. Even after a semester of working out every day, I still only shaved that down to 10 minutes. Now, if I could do that again, I'd be thrilled, but I'm in much worse shape now.

So, to any of you runners, can anyone run? I'm being serious. My lungs feel like they're going to explode and I breathe so hard I feel like I'm going to throw up. Are some people just meant to be walkers?

Also, if any of you are interested in checking out the Wasatch Woman magazine "Love Your Body" 5K/10K, you really should. It sounds great!

5 comments:

Samantha said...

I think it is in our genetic makeup that we are not able to run. I know when I was younger I could run short sprints (and I still can) but long distances were hard for me. We have bad lungs, bad knees, and shin splints (Evans Curse) so long distance is not in our makeup. If it makes you feel any better, studies show that walking, jogging, sprinting, then repeat is more effective than consistent running. Good Luck!

Candice said...

I totally know what you mean, Rebecca! In fact, I asked the same thing after my 5k. After I finished, I felt nauseous all day and my lungs were burning almost the entire time. But then again, I didn't really train for it either, haha.
But seriously, I had the same experience in high school. I remember when we had to do the mile run and I was determined to do it in around eight minutes (I thought any time later than that would result in me not getting an A in the class). After a semester of running 3 times a week, I hauled around the track and finished close to my goal, but nearly collapsed and had to head straight to the bathroom.
One of my friends talked about having "runners high" once and I was like, "What's that?" and she said, "Oh, it's when you're running and you feel so good like you can keep going forever."
Um....yeah. NEVER felt that. So don't be discouraged! I think a lot of people experience what you do, plus it sounds like your trainer is helping you! :)

Just Us said...

Hey Becky (it's nikki's sister in law) I just ran a 5k a little over a week ago - it will surprise you what an actual 'race' does for you. I am not a runner at all so i jogged what i could and power-walked in between. Since you know you are being timed (and watched) inspiration all around you will keep you moving (especially when you realize there are just some people you want to beat ;)).

There is no way i could run a mile or anything above it... but somehow magically did it :) I think you'll do amazing and surprise yourself. Just stay motivated and keep working out! I do agree that some people are made for walking... try a light jog off and on and it'll speed things up and not wear you down!

Jennie said...

Becky, I don't run unless I'm being chased. And then only if there are large, sharp, possibly rabies infected fangs involved.

My mom, on the other hand, thinks running up and down the freaking Wasatch front is fun! For 6 hours at a stretch! In the heat! Yes. She is crazy.

But seriously, go over to her house and knock on the door and tell her you want to run. She'll get you through it, she's amazing. She'll be there to cheer you on, keep you paced, and tell you funny stories so that you forget you're running. I'm not kidding. Go. Now. Right this minute.

Lindsay said...

so i found your blog by googling wasatch woman 10k because i was interested to see what information was out there as i get ready for the run (i purposely don't call it a race cause i know i'm not going to win with my pace of 12 mile minute). I just wanted to say that i admire your courage and strength and that you put yourself out there, measurements and all and i wish you good luck. keep running :)