Well, it’s official - I’ve signed up for the Redlegs Run for Home 5K Race! The race is on June 4 and I’ve got some work to do before I’m ready.

So far, the training has gone better, and worse, than expected. It’s been worse because I haven’t gotten as much running in as I should have. I should be running about three times a week, but the most I’ve done is twice. However, the running that I have done has really surprised me. Last time I went out, I ran for 5 minutes, about half a mile, without thinking about it. That’s pretty big for me! I had been trying to follow the The Couch-to-5K Running Plan, which alternates between running and walking for set durations, but last time out I ran as much as I could, about half of it uphill, without looking at my timer at all. It felt really good and made me realize that I could really do this. Previously, I didn’t think I was going to be able to make it.

There’s more, though. Not only did I run 5 minutes without stopping, but after a two minute walk, I ran 5 more minutes, followed by two minutes walking and three minutes running. In my estimation, that should be at least a mile. Now, if I can do that much without stopping, I’ll be a third of the way there. There’s hope!

The thing with me is I’m a social exerciser. I find it hard to exercise, whether it’s running, biking, etc., on my own. So, when it’s race time, and I have people around me, I’ll be able to push myself harder and go farther than my training has taken me so far. My friend Carrie, a marathon runner, has offered to run the race with me. Jeremy offered as well, but he’s disappeared on me. Jeremy, still planning on doing it?

Another thing that has really helped me out is cycling. I’ve been helping my friend Scott train for a ride, and we usually go riding once a week. We’re up to about 17 miles so far, including up and down hills, with the number increasing each week. That’s helping me with cardio and learning to breathe.

That’s the update for now. Unfortunately, there’s rain and cold weather in the forecast for the next week, which won’t help the cause, but I’m feeling better about my chances now than I was a month ago.