Walk, Don't Run

I conferred with my running coach today about the half marathon for which I've registered.  It's 6 months away and I have started training with my friend who has followed a different exercise path.  I figured we could do this thing together.  I mean, six months to train?  Cake walk, right?  Well, not exactly.  Coach told me something I hadn't considered, but later in the day experienced first hand.  Running utilizes different muscles than walking.  Several hours later, I can so very much attest to that.  Running is harder on your joints, but remaining in contact with the ground the whole time uses different muscles.  All I know is, I am going to be able to bounce quarters off my derriere before long!

So, why walking?  Well, several reasons.  First of all, I gained some weight back after last summer and I really don't want to put that kind of pressure on my joints.  Secondly, my friend doesn't have the race experience I do, but we'd really like to do this half together.  Finally, it's my decision to make and this is what feels right for me right now.  I checked out all of my races and they all have time limits that would allow me to walk them.  I still have a lot of training to do.  I have a 7k coming up in less than 5 weeks.  I did 2 miles today in just over 37 minutes.  I am certain that I will be able to beat the time limits.  

I took some starting pictures that I will post after I complete the half in August.  I mean business.  My fire is rekindled.  I don't feel like a failure, just because I'm walking.  I'm still standing.  I'm not staying still.  I'm moving.  I am so glad to be working out with my friend Tam again.  It's been way too long, but I know that we will get back to where we were and will surpass that point and break it.  I feel like I'm just going to own this!  I'm back to tracking, honestly, even listing the crap.  I am owning every little bit of this.  I am going to keep going, just slower.

I'm going to get those medals.  I'm signed up for 4 so far.  Can't wait!