My Beginner Running Story

[Running stories are a new feature of the RunWaterloo blog.  This is the story of Jen’s first race!]

Last Christmas, I started running as a gift to my husband James. He began running
two years ago and loves it. He takes part in the Waterloo Running Series and has
done 2 half-marathons. The last two Saturdays have been my first races.

Jen post-race!

My training began in late December using a 9-week run/walk program on our treadmill. The treadmill got boring pretty quickly so I elicited the help of a friend who runs. We started running outside in early January. Running with a friend was the best thing I ever did – the time went by so much quicker and having a running partner to give encouragement is invaluable. I completed the program in February and while I could run for 30 minutes, I was still not at the 5K distance the program had suggested I’d be at. This is where the ENDURrace comes in.

When I discovered that there was a 2.5K option for the ENDURrace, I knew it was the perfect race for us – James could run the 5K & 8K races while I ran the 2.5K fun runs. The day that I was going to sign up, I learned of the Bring A Friend promotion  where a past-runner (ie: James) could sign up a beginner-runner (ie: me) for free! It was yet another sign that I should do this race.

On the afternoon of Part 1, it was rainy and chilly but that didn’t matter because I was used to training outside in -12C weather. I fully expected James to finish his
5K before I finished my 2.5K – and that was before I got the stitch in my side ½ way
though – but I ended up finishing before him by 4 minutes with a time of 18:15. I
was tired but so proud of myself and for the first time I understood a runner’s desire
to do better the next time. At home that night, I decided to use Jeff Galloway’s run/
walk program for the following week to see if I could better my time.

That Saturday, I tied blue and yellow ribbons in my hair (paying homage to the
Boston Marathon tragedy) before we set out. The weather for Part 2 wasn’t any
nicer than it was for Part 1. By 6pm (race time), it was -3C, windy and snowing.
Again, my outdoor training helped me through. The wind slowed me down but
going back to my run/walk roots really kept me going. I did 5 minutes of jogging
with 1 minute walking intervals and finished knowing I could easily have gone
further. My time for Part 2 was 18:19 and I’m very proud of that.

Here’s what I have learned since I started running:
• Start small (2.5K was the perfect starting point) and end strong
• There will always be something trying to get me down (rain, wind, aches, the
speed of other runners). Deal with it and move on.
• The support of cheering strangers along the route is inspiring. Smile at them.
• Periodically taking walk breaks allowed me to go further & feel stronger.

I really enjoyed my first races and I’m already planning my next one. I think I’m
ready for a 5K now!

by Jen Storm