Week 3 was eye-opening. Here's how:
The difficulty level went up a bit this week compared to the previous one. But I kept trudging on. What really helped were my determination to see it to the end and also slowing down as many times as I can. Like Johnny Walker, I kept walking (or more aptly, slow jogging). And more unbelievable was the fact that I ran for 3 minutes long without stopping - put that in your pipe and run with it (don't smoke it; smoking is bad for your health). My feet hurt a bit due to my shoes because I felt the pangs of plantar fasciitis that I used to have way back in the day). I now see why they suggest getting fitted running shoes by Week 4.
My mood too has improved significantly. The irritableness and weak decision-making skills I seldom lug about me have reduced a lot; my husband can testify to this. Improved mood also translated to writing more frequently (and with joy). It's been quite a while I have achieved these two things simultaneously.
Delayed gratification was never one of my strengths. I was always that kind of the person who chomped down on the chocolate bar no sooner than when it made its way into my buccal cavity, rather than slowly savoring it. As a result of this flaw, I tended to gravitate towards quick fixes - fast diet fads with fast crashes. All of which resulted in weight fluctuations and the vicious cycle of putting on more weight after the fad ends, which affected my mood.
Since I started running, I have been rewarded with instant gratifications. And this appeals greatly to my addictive personality. Even when my body was not a willing participant, my mind was always ready. This is because my mind (brain, especially) has been the most direct recipient of the rewards of running. I get the high and rush of endorphins, and most importantly - in the healthiest form possible. So, talk about positive reinforcements.
Today is the beginning of Week 4 and using everything I have learned from the past three weeks, I plan to proceed carefully but valiantly, nonetheless. I expect to see a lot of similarities interspersed with the defining Week 4 attributes I have read about. While these unknowns are enough to intimidate me, the least (which is actually the best) thing I plan to do is to show up for those three runs and practice my purpose.
I expect this new week will be one worth running 4.
Love you all!
Mo!
Week five run three!!
I have finished!! Week 9 run 3 🥳
Week 9 Run 3 - Completed! I did it!
Week 9 run 3 - the dogs and I have graduated!
