My First 5K: How the Hell Did I Get Here Anyway??

About two years ago, I started the great Couch to 5k program, and I completed my very first 5K in June. Of this year. So, about a month ago. I had reached week 6 of the 9 week program and then I just...stopped. I could give a 100 excuses as to why, but I won't waste your time. I am not the poster child for this program, but it does have its merits and my reasons for not following through 2 years ago have nothing to do with the program itself. It does work, even if it takes a while :) Some of what I learned from Couch to 5K has really stuck with me:

1. Start slowly. Whether you choose this program or any other kind of interval program, or make it up as you go along, it's important that you start off slowly. Most people who have never run more than 100 feet in their life can't just wake up and run 3 miles just like that. Set a realistic expectation, build up slowly and steadily as your body becomes stronger. Otherwise, you'll set yourself up to fail. And nothing kills your motivation to run faster than failure!

2. Don't worry about speed. Yes, we have all seen them. These runners who glide along like gazelles, bounding up hills while barely breaking a sweat, leaving you in their dust. Pay them no mind! I may run at a snail's pace, but hey, I'm still running. I may look like I am having a stroke, but I am still running. 1 mile is a 1 mile, no matter how long it took.

3. Get a running buddy. When I began Couch to 5K, my boyfriend would often run the same intervals with me at the gym. I admit, I sometimes got discouraged when I would look over at his treadmill and see his speed or how far he'd run. He's taller and stronger and faster than I. I had to remind myself that it wasn't a competition! When I was about to keel over, he'd give me a thumbs up and it helped me stay upright. Currently, some friends and I share a private Facebook page where we can get and give advice regarding running. Whether your buddy is right beside you or offering virtual help, sharing your running struggles with someone else can be way helpful.

I used these lessons as I started running again a few months ago. Although I didn't do so with a specific program, I did start off slowly and steadily. My goal was to complete the 2.1 route around the block. I did it, first with taking walking breaks, and eventually by running the whole way through. And though I had pretty much determined that I would never run a 5K, I found myself registering for one to take place at the end of June, which I ran with my partner and another friend. I was promised beer at the end, so my judgement may have been clouded. It was hard, harder than I expected. I walked more than I wanted. I ran more slowly than I had hoped to. But even though 700 people completed the race before I did, I still did it. And I actually beat the goal I had set for myself (I wanted to finish is a very, very reasonable 45 minutes, and completed it in 40:40).  People cheered for me as a I crossed the finish line. I felt amazing afterwards. I think that's called runner's high. Or beer.
So, what was your first 5K experience? Or, if you haven't done one yet but are considering it, what are you looking forward to most (or least)?