Eileen Z. Fuentes | My Fitness Chronicles: I Ran My First 5K!!!
2359
single,single-post,postid-2359,single-format-standard,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-6.6,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-4.4.3,vc_responsive
 

Blog

23 Jul My Fitness Chronicles: I Ran My First 5K!!!

I ran my first 5K! www.thespeach.com

On Saturday, July 21st, I completed my first 5K! In my wildest dreams, I never would have thought I could do it… at least that is what I often told myself. Recently, my younger brother and I woke up (too) early in the morning to jog/walk for about 30 minutes but after he took a week-long trip to California, we both fell out of the routine and then it stopped.

Here are three things I know about myself when it comes to working out: 1. I like working out with a partner, 2. I prefer variety, 3. I adore being outdoors with nature particularly when the weather is nice. And so after checking in with the universe, higher power, God, etc… my friend Mariel appeared. Mariel has been on an intense fitness journey and it shows. She has lost a ton of weight, her skin is glowing and happiness is just seeping from her pores. We recently took a crossfit class together and on our way home, she casually mentioned registering for a 5K benefiting The United Way’s Compassion Fund and I basically responded with the story I had been telling myself for years, “I have knee issues and I’m not good at running” but she was persistent and finally I said I would consider the possibility.

I invited my brother and he said he would do it too. For 3 nights, we jogged at least 45 minutes at our local park and one night my 13-year-old daughter, who is on her school’s track team, joined us. Then my sister, who also lost a significant amount of weight and completed a 10K, joined the posse of cheerleaders and encouraged me to do it. Clearly, the universe was responding to me in a major way!

When we got stuck in traffic and were in danger of missing the race, the mental chatter started up again, the question “why did you think you could do this?” kept looping in my head. Because of our late arrival, we were positioned all the way in the way in the back but I stayed clear on my 5 goals:

  1. Don’t worry about anyone else. This is only about you.
  2. Stay at a constant slow pace. This is your first time.
  3. Never stop jogging. Walking is not an option today.
  4. It isn’t about the time; it’s about the outcome and making happy cells.
  5. With God all things are possible… including this!

So there you have it, as I crossed the finish line with Outkast’s B.O.B blaring in my ears and the few remaining runners (mostly seniors, moms with strollers, and kids), I clocked in at 45 minutes. This was a HUGE personal accomplishment and I am proud of myself. My intention is to train harder, take part in more races, and keep competing with only person – MYSELF!

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Confucius  

I invite you to Subscribe to my blog | Follow me on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Follow on Pinterest

Eileen Z. Fuentes

After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, Eileen became her own Self-Healthcare Activist. She is an Integrative Cancer Coach and works full-time helping patients do more than just survive at Columbia University’s Cancer Center in New York City.

4 Comments
  • Eliana
    Posted at 11:24h, 23 July Reply

    CONGRATULATIONS! Sending you congratulatory hugs and kisses. I know first hand how mentally challenging it can pretty preparing for and getting through your first race. So big props to you! So now, when is the next one? haha

    • Eileen
      Posted at 12:00h, 23 July Reply

      Muchas Gracias… and to answer your question – August *gulp*

  • Maria
    Posted at 14:36h, 23 July Reply

    CONGRATULATIONS!

  • Isabel
    Posted at 16:47h, 23 July Reply

    Wow! This looks like so much fun. Congratulations……! You all look awesome….

Post A Reply to Eliana Cancel Reply