Run-Walk and 5K

By Angela Jenkins, LENA President

5K or approximately 3.1069 miles is a long way.  I can’t do it.  It’s too hard.  Believe me, I’ve been there.  As a sprinter in my younger days, I have never been able to run any distance greater than 800M, let alone one mile!  This changed when I decided to give running a try one fall, a few years back as I convinced my friend to sign up for a running class offered by the MSCR.  Yes, I paid to run. 

It was a time when work was more important and ultimately consumed what little life I had outside of work.  And I wasn’t the only one.  My husband was on the same boat!  We wanted to change and establish work-life balance.  I have always been a fan of yoga and pilates classes.  As much as I love them, they do not provide the flexibility I needed such as the ability to drop in as needed.  Many of my friends are runners and joggers and I often hear that it is a sport where you can do on your own, with a group of friends, when you want, and go as far as you want. 

I wasn’t too motivated initially due to multiple failed attempts however I wanted to give it another try.  As fate would have it, I came across the MSCR guide that same week.  I didn’t want to do it on my own so I asked a friend to join me – it was part of my master plan to ensure I don’t talk myself out of it.  On the first day of class, I told the instructor I have never been able to run a mile and that it’s likely I’ll be the one falling behind.  She assured me I’ll do fine.  I didn’t believe her, of course.  I mean, did she not hear that I can’t even run a mile?!  I looked around at my classmates….it was a diverse bunch in age as well as gender.  The route and the plan were revealed that began with a brisk walk, then running for 30 seconds and walking for 60 seconds alternating.  That first day, I ran over 3 miles and I didn’t give up!  Nine weeks later, I completed my first 5K ever and all while I was pregnant! 

I wanted to share my story with you not because I was extraordinary by any means.  In fact, I could use a running mate or two to keep me motivated!  I share this because it was a long time ago since I last thought of how I started running and how it made me feel.  My goal was to cross the finish line, regardless of the pace and I’ve achieved it.  I’ve since completed a handful of races and often run with the MSCR group as a volunteer coach.  I’m not an advanced runner by any means nor do I consider myself a runner .  However, I hope that in sharing my story will give you the encouragement that you can do it.  And you’re in good company!