As I hit my 6 month mark, I thought I'd summarize some changes in me that I observe. . .
6 months after my first run of c25k. . .
- I can run 10 miles, where as I couldn't run 1 mile.
- I haven't taken a xanax in 6 months.
- I sleep like a baby. That's without Benadryl or Xanax.
- I much more rarely lose my temper with husband or kids.
- Work stress & money stress & the world is crazy stress (generally) rolls right off me.
- I have several friendships that have deepened greatly due to long, no-limits conversations running.
- I am 25 lb lighter (23 BMI as opposed to 27).
- My kids say things like, "Mom is strong." or "Mom is such a strong runner." when they don't even realize I am listening.
- I am taking yoga several times a week.
- I eat healthier foods most of the time, but still enjoy my chocoloate chip cookie dough by the bowlful.
- I see friends for just-me time several times a week, talking while running, walking, or going to a yoga class. 6 months ago I got one hour just-me time walking with friends a week. Now I get 3-6 hours friend time each week.
- I am running 20-25 miles a week.
- My husband has been motivated/inspired by me to take up running as well, completed c25k a couple months after I did, ran 20 miles last week with a long run over 9 miles. We're doing my favorite loop in the morning -- but a shortish one, so just 7 miles. . . since I did 6.5 today and am nursing an IT band issue.
- I have discovered many muscles and other structures I never imagined having. Mostly by 1) hurting them & 2) seeing how pretty & muscley they look.
- My kids want to run, do run, and will run more.
- I have bought a treadmill, two pairs of running shoes, more underarmour than I care to admit, running gloves, headband, ipod shuffle, a $400 watch. . . and can't imagine anything more worthwhile than every running item I've bought. I'd spend every dollar all over again tomorrow if you told me I had to in order to run the next day.
- I have had 4 minor injuries, one requiring a trip to the doctor, and one more appt in the offing, but none that stopped me from running for more than a few days.
- I have signed up for a half marathon in April, and am planning for a marathon in September. Two things I'd never have imagined 6 months ago.
