Friday, January 29, 2010

NEW CHALLENGE

Okay, I’ve been retired for one whole year. My official anniversary is on Sunday, January 31.

To recap the past year: I’ve walked well over 1,000 miles, visited my 90-ish parents approximately 300 times, read 75 books, watched 50 movies (mostly on the treadmill), done hundreds of crossword puzzles, and spent 53 days playing with Colbie either in Arizona or Minnesota. In short, I did all the leisurely retired-lady activities I dreamed about while I was working.

Now it’s time for a new challenge. So here it is: I’m going to train to run in a 5K. Yes, you heard me right. I said ‘run.’

Artwork by Mary GrandPre' for the IT5K

I can easily walk 3.1 miles. But on May 15, my daughter Shannon, my 60-year-old friend Bonnie, her daughter Lyssa, and my 61-year-old self—the four of us—are going to run the Lake Harriet Autism 5K Run/Walk in Minneapolis.

So that’s my new goal. Very rarely do I set a goal that I know will likely end in death. But at age 61, I’ve learned that what doesn’t actually kill me will only make me feel like I’m dead. There’s a big difference.

I may need to rename my blog to “2 to 4 to 5k a Day.” Anybody else want to join us?

8 comments:

bd said...

Good to have a goal. You go girl! I'll pass.

2to4aday said...

bd: I found a training schedule on line that is guaranteed to get me "off the couch and into the race" in two easy months. The first week consists of running for 60 seconds, then walking for 90 seconds, then running 60, walking 90, etc. Those 60-second spurts this morning on the treadmill were some of the longest 60 seconds of my life . . . I've got a l-o-n-g ways to go before May 15.

Elaine said...

Uhh. . .run? Is there an on-line donation site or something like that?

j9 said...

Congratulations, Mom!! You will all do wonderfully! It's a scary adventure at first, but once you cross that finish line, there's not better feeling of accomplishment! Maybe they'll serve beer afterwards...sometimes they do that. :)

Anonymous said...

You inspire me.

2to4aday said...

I just finished the second day of the training (one day train, one day just walk my usual 2-4, next day train, etc.). I think I may die.

If I feel like dying when I'm running 60-second sprints, what will happen next week when I have to run 90-second sprints?? I have to keep telling myself that I started out by thinking I would die if I walked 8 blocks, and now I walk 4-5 miles without flinching. One step at a time here . . .

Jenny said...

Good for you!

After baby #2 was born in April '09 I said I was going to run a 5k by summer's end. But then we sold our house, bought a new house and moved. I didn't have a lot of time to devout to training and so the excuses began.

But maybe this is my year!

P.S. I've found training is easier outside rather than on the treadmill. So you've got that to look forward to once all the ice and snow melt.

Unknown said...

After reading your 60/90 second training comment I gave it a try-twice! I haven't signed up for a 5k but it did make the treadmill more interesting. Thanks, you have again encouraged and inspired. DrH