Personal Development & Community: Self-development

Why do you want to do this?

My soon to be ex sister-in-law ran her first 5K in 2010 and then couldn't stop. She was running almost every weekend and asked me to come run with her. Physically and emotionally I was not in a position to join her. My goal is to join her in the fall for my first 5K run. In doing so, I will be in better physical condition, improve my health, and prove to myself that I can do this. I want to do this!

What three things will you need to make this happen?

I will need a good pair of running shoes so that I don't injure myself starting out. I have a couple of pairs of tennis shoes, but not real running shoes and not well fitted. I am going to get my feet measured and find a good shoe that fits.

I have located a free on-line running log that will help me track both my distance, injuries, and overall well being. Also tracking the miles I put on my shoes so that I make sure to replace them when the time comes. Again, to reduce the chance of injury.

Motivation to move from the couch to the outside world. I have committed to run a 5K with my sister-in-law in October and so I have a deadline to work in. Hopefully having already made the committment and having a date in mind to train for, I will stick with it. We are planning on celebrating our birthdays together in July, so perhaps I will be in good enough shape to go for a run with her.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

I am awful at procrastination. I always start out with really good intentions and then eventually things fall away and out of sight. Not this time. My dad sent me pictures of me as a child over the holidays. Not having any pictures of my past, I was flooded with memories. Looking at them, I realize I have spent my entire life living from day to day without a true goal. Like a boat floating in the middle of the ocean and never docking or setting it's anchor. If I am going to steer this ship (my life), the time is now.