Training for MHA's 5K: Stephanie shares the trials and the triumphs

We love when someone is inspired to begin running with our 5K event as a goal. And we especially love when we get to hear the story behind the decision. Here is Stephanie's second installment.

I just finished week two of my "One Month to 5K" training program.  Every single day I have to run, I look down at the schedule for the day and I think, "I don't know if I can do this".  Then I get on the treadmill and I do it.  Then I have a rest day and the same thoughts occur on my next run day. 

 Yesterday I went to FDR park where the 5K will take place.  I had a rough map of the race route from this website.  I wanted to walk the route to get a feel of what it will be like on race day.  With each step I took, I grew more and more anxious.  I kept thinking, "I don't know if I can do this".  The park has inclines and declines that I have not been training for.  I have been focusing on just running 3.1 miles.  I have been doing it on a nice, cushy, 0% incline treadmill.  And on the treadmill, I am focusing my eyes on my reflection in the mirror or The Real Housewives of Wherever on the TV monitor.  But at the park it was just open road and big sky and I felt small.  I felt weak.  I felt overwhelmed. 

I know I can always walk part of the 3.1 miles.  I just had this idea of running it.  And maybe I can.  I don't know if this kind of insecurity is natural for a first time runner or if this is just me and my own insecurities running amok.  I am choosing to concentrate on the fact that for the past two weeks, I have accomplished every training run put in front of me.  I am going to keep telling myself I can do this, too.  And to take the pressure off, I have also been concentrating on my iPod run day playlist (music is my motivator!) and I bought a great pair of new sneakers! 

Regardless of how I do on race day, I have discovered a love for running that I think it will be invaluable in my goal of optimal health.  I look forward to seeing you all out there!

Join Stephanie and come support mental health in Westchester. Register today at www.mharunwalk.org!