Running record, part II

It's been a few weeks but, I am happy to announce that I am two days away from completing my C25K challenge! I may not have been faithful to the blogging world thanks to an avalanche of work but I did not let that get in the way of working my way through the 9 weeks of running I had set for myself.

Has it been hard?
Yes.
Has it been rewarding?
Yes!
Have I noticed a difference?
YES.

For starters, let me explain that running one block for me was a giant milestone. To be able to continuously run for 30 minutes is something of a minor miracle in itself. The C25K peeps are geniuses. But I have to say, a lot of the credit has to be given to a sign that was posted up at school by an infamous boxer:

“Champions aren´t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision.”

I know it sounds crazy (and lame) but this sign has been my drive to getting up at 4:30 every morning before work. I'm not quite sure what about it touches me as much as it does but it has kept me going when I don't want to wake up, when I don't want to keep running, when I don't want to sweat in the middle of our drought and whatever other excuses I make as my alarm blares. 

I'm bummed because no, I do not have a picture of the banner hanging outside a corridor at KIPP. It was actually removed last week! It stuck around long enough to enter my life when I needed it. Thank you Mr. Ali for being my conscience throughout it all.

Check it: Ali had a white dog, too!

So, what's my plan for the future?

Me joining a real 5K and treating myself to my sneakers. Both these are currently on hold until Mildred comes across a financial breakthrough (in other words, some mon-ay). But I cannot wait until they both come into fruition!

Otherwise, my morning jogs are to remain a daily imprint of my day. I find the days I do not run, I feel gross and lethargic. Even with the nasty slime of August humidity enveloping me, having a panting Doakes by my side while forcing my body to push itself, clears my head for the day.

I am more energetic, even with the long hours I am now working.

I find I am more optimistic about things- maybe because I can reason out whatever troubles me as I run the neighborhood.

I find my skin is glowing and that my legs are looking better (as is my butt)! These could all be in my head but...apparently those endorphins are doing their job & I love it.

The only downer to all this is that I have lost exactly one pound since early July. Not cool. I keep hearing, "it's muscle...blah, blah" but the truth is my eating portions have remained the same. I need to go back to Bridezilla Dahnya mode and cut all portions in half if I am to get back into my birthday dress anytime soon.

Before losing my phone, I bought the second part to the C25K program. It's an app that is supposed to train you to run a half marathon. I really do not look forward to waking up at 4am during the week for this to take place...so I may end up pushing it for a Doakes-Francis bonding activity to do on the weekends.

To be continued...

PS: this goes out to my Suter lady. Thank you for the sweet note via the postman!