I've started and stopped learn to jog programs before, usually before I'm jogging 2-minutes at a time. I'd get scared. So when I met up with my group this weekend and we received our assignment, which involved several 3-minute jogs, I wasn't sure what to think. I was very aware that up to now in this training I'd been thinking solely of seconds -- 60 or 90 at a time. Suddenly, as when a baby turns 2 years old and the parents no longer name the age in months but in years, I'm going to be counting my jogs in minutes, not seconds.
I've already made progress with the group. My hardest week was the second week, when I thought some girls were laughing at me. It was a back to the schoolyard experience for me. This time tough, instead of feeling alone, I knew that I had both a friend and a coach supporting me. Being able to talk with them and get their feedback and support helped me get past my panic and gave me the ability to grow stronger in my mind and body.
So far I've done the new assignment twice: once with our group and once with my jogging buddy. I'm happy to say that neither time have I had a stitch in my side or that choking feeling in my throat. The only thing burning has been my quads, and even that hasn't been bad. I've wanted to stop, but I haven't needed to stop. There's a big difference. And knowing that I didn't need to stop made me want to keep going.
I'm so happy that I'm learning to jog 3 minutes at a time. I'm breaking a habit. I'm learning to conquer the fear that led me to give up on myself. I've got a couple weeks to work on this 3-minute jog. After that I'll be ready & willing to take on more. Maybe 5 minutes? 10 eventually?
I think about the 5k this fall. I wonder how much I'll be able to jog. I can't wait to find out.
