So . . . let’s talk about my first venture into the world of running.
Picture it: Tuesday, September 22nd . . . New York City, New York.
Running with Jared Fogle, of Subway, and Meb Keflezighi, winner of last year’s New York Marathon and a Silver Medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
About 20 professional photo journalists following our every move.
And what did I do? I desperately tried to keep up . . . and somehow managed to be THE ONLY ONE who couldn’t look “happy” to be running.
Photo from Celebrity News Mound
Look at that picture — notice how every one else has a “I’m so happy to be active and running and oh my goodness this is much fun” look on their face.
Me? I’m just trying not to fall flat on my face. (sigh)
Turns out, running on pavement is harder than I ever expected. I’m still in awe over Meb’s time in last year’s marathon; he ran that baby in two hours and nine minutes. That’s all . . . 26 miles in just over TWO HOURS!
Do you know how long it would take me to run 26 miles? Probably two years. And, that’s without taking a water break.
But, I suppose the main thing about the whole NYC run experience is that “I did it.” I ran — I didn’t stop — I didn’t die. I ran.
Commit to Fit
I’m so glad that I was asked to be a part of Subway’s Commit to Fit program — this is just what I was needing to remind myself that my health is WORTH the process of making it better. No, not better — the best it can be.
As I stated in my post, “It’s Not a Dream: Running, Spandex, and Cameras,” the Commit to Fit program was designed to help everyone individually “evaluate how we can achieve a healthy lifestyle” and set personalized goals that work for us.
Jared evaluated his lifestyle earlier this year after an issue of some weight he gained back; he decided one way he was going to burn off that weight was training for the NY Marathon. In the course of a year, he has gone from a 100% non-running man to a man who can run 20 miles in a training session. Next month, he’ll join Meb and hundreds of others as they run 26 miles through New York City.
I’m neither athletic nor am I coordinated. There’s a good reason I was in show choir and drama clubs during High School, people. BUT . . . I’m committed to changing my life and being a healthier Mama for my kidlets, a healthier Wife for Hubby, and a healthier Woman for myself.
Running is a good way to push myself. It forces me to breathe harder, to move my entire body . . forces me to do nothing but “do.”
And . . . (drum roll please) . . . it’s helped me break my weight loss plateau and lose THREE POUNDS this week!
(-3 lbs for the week; -33 lbs since April)
My Commit to Fit goal — “learning” to run — is not going to be an easy one to perfect. In fact, I’m pretty sure that even by the time Jared meets his goal and completes his Marathon next month . . . I still won’t be runner. I’ll probably still be huffing, puffing, and grimacing.
But, maybe — just maybe — it will be with a little more grace than now. And, maybe I’ll be able to crack a smile while I do it.
Over the next six week, I’ll keep you updated with my progress and (starting next week) I’ll be sharing giveaways Subway is graciously offering to help people achieve a new level of healthy living.
One of those giveaways will be $100 toward your fitness goal.
That’s right — one of my readers will receive financial assistance toward his or her goal. Are you thinking about running a 5K or joining a gym or investing in a personal trainer? This is one way the Subway Commit to Fit program could help make that happen.
I hope you’ll follow along over the next 6 weeks and I would LOVE to know how are recommitting yourself to a healthy lifestyle.
What is your Commit to Fit goal?
Let’s cheer each other on!
