My Running Goals*

I recently joined a weight loss challenge with some other moms, and today is “weigh-in” day.

I’m not going to lie–I was  nervous to step on the scale. I was able to get out running four times last week, but I didn’t eat terribly well while I was up visiting my parents on the weekend.

(My dad bought these incredible baguettes and this to-die-for cheese… I won’t disclose how much of it I ate. ha)

Thankfully I didn’t gain any weight, but I didn’t lose any either. I’m a little disappointed, but I know that this is a slow process, and nothing is going to happen until I improve my habits in the kitchen. So, I’m starting fresh today. I’m home again, and I have a great goal to push me this week–I have my first ever race on Saturday.

Two months ago, the Hubster and I registered for a 5km race that his work is hosting. I felt that it was close enough that I could push myself, but far enough away that I would have enough time to prepare. I’m a little nervous that I lost out on three training weeks in August, but I am otherwise really excited to do this run.

When we registered for the race, the Hubster helped me set some running goals, and offered me some incentives to keep me motivated. I explained what I wanted to accomplish, and together we came up with this:

  1km under 8 min – $20
  2km under 15 min – $20
  3km in 21 min – $20
  5km average pace of 7:45 – $20

       5km in 35 min – $20

  $100 bonus if completed by end of the Couch to 5km program

Every time I achieve one of these goals, I “earn” 20 dollars. I’m terrible at spending money on myself, especially since I’ve had kids. I always feel so guilty when I buy something that I know is completely frivolous or that I know I don’t need. The money I earn here is for exactly that. It’s mine to put towards whatever I want–new clothes, accessories, and (let’s be honest) new shoes.

I’ve already achieved four of my goals, and I’m very close to reaching the last! It’s sometimes hard to try and find time to squeeze in a run when my days already feel SO full, but I always feel SO much better when I do. I really love running, and I’m finally reaching that point where it is starting to feel a little easier. My body doesn’t feel like it’s going to die after 5 minutes and it feels so good.

I’ve been using a “Couch to 5k” app on my phone, and I feel like it’s really helping! The intervals feel so doable, and I already feel such a difference.

The best part is that I’m finally doing something for myself. I have been looking at pictures from when I ran regularly 5 years ago, and I was so happy. I want that back.

So, let’s do this. I’ve been so grateful for all the support and motivation I’ve received on Facebook and Instagram–you lovely people helped me kick my butt out the door for a run last week when I was so tired at the end of the day… but I felt so good after I went.

It’s time to get in shape, lovelies. Let’s do this.