CZ Design

New kicks

New kicks

IMG_3892

I'm sorry, but was I born to wear these shoes? Oh, mama. Come to, well, mama.

Picked up a second pair of Newton's. Why a second pair? Because a) having an extra pair of running shoes is  a good idea and b) the young, judgmental college runner boy who sold me my first pair actually sold me the wrong shoes for my foot type (read: zero arches need a stability shoe) and yet, I was too intimidated to argue with him nor did I really even know better, and c) the store I bought them at has a 14-day return policy and wasn't about to budge.

Needless to say I won't be going back there anytime soon.

I won't be dropping any names here, but I will say it wasn't the wonderful running stores we have here in my fine city of St. Paul. But alas, those stores don't carry Newton's.

It's an interesting thing, the intimidation factor and running. First, you have to shop for shoes. If you're new to the sport, you have the feeling of not really feeling like you belong in the store to begin with. I remember the first time I went in to get fitted for my first pair of shoes, saying something to the effect of: "I won't say what I'm planning to do is called 'running' but…" The dude who helped me then put me at ease and got down to the business of watching me run, and getting me hooked up.

Fear, unfounded.

And then there's the first time you decide to go run outside. In public.

If you're like me, you still think: "Well, I know I don't look like a runner. I hope no one notices." And you know what? No one did.

Second fear, unfounded.

But then there's the fear of, "Well, what if I get out there and realize I can't do this?" And that's one that you just have to prove to  yourself that you actually can do this. That's what has been the most remarkable thing to me: I can do this. Who knew?

Third fear, unfounded.

I'm toying with the idea of doing my first 5K this Saturday. I still haven't fully committed to it mentally, but I've got my pit crew assembled and at the ready (Dan, Aidan and Cole) and they've agreed to document me crossing the finish line. I just have to figure out how to wake them all up early enough.

See, I have this fear of being in a race with other people, and seeming slow or tripping, or looking silly, or any number of other running-related fears.

And I'm guessing when all is said and done, we will also be adding those to the "Unfounded" category in no time at all.

IMG_3894

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Claire says

    Question : do you have to fear of being who you are ?
    Answer : NO !
    Go Cathy. I can’t wait to see pictures of the race 😉

  3. dawn says

    I say GO FOR IT Cathy!! You are totally ready and with those new shoes there’s nothing to stop you now, would love to see pictures of you crossing the finish line.

  4. Tammy Eberhard says

    Love your new shoes!!! Good luck on Saturday. I am sure you will LOVE it just like all the other new things you’ve tried this year & become hooked on.

  5. Maureen says

    Love following this journey, so impressed with your progress. When I ran my first and only 5K, my biggest fear was getting lost…good luck you will fit and just fine.

  7. Jett says

    Cathy – you’ve got to do it! The energy around an actual race is amazing. There is nothing like it. Just pace yourself at the beginning. It is easy to start out way to fast because there are so many people around you. My first 5k was so much fun and I was way slow, 38min, to be exact, but everyone cheered me on and I wasn’t even the last one. There were plenty of people coming in behind me.

    If you love running outside (and you know you do), you will LOVE running an official race! I promise! 🙂

  8. Christa P. says

    It will be completely unfounded-get out there and do it!! I love doing races because there are so many different types of people and the atmosphere just makes you want to keep going. Not to mention the yummy goodies waiting for you at the end of the race (cookies=GOOOOOD)!
    And they shoes are phenomenal! I think I need some for my race in October! I’m pretty sure pink shoes make you run faster!

  9. jody says

    Dont care how good they are…their colour won me over!!!!

    Now for a quick subject change…

    I don’t know if you can get hold of a copy of the July / August issue of “More” magazine, but if you can, turn to page 39 and tell me that Shari Creed and you were not separated at birth! (I know she is older than you, but humour me!).

    I know you are now tempted to hit delete (crazy scary Aussie stalker) but check it out LOL

  10. Susan Clementson says

    Definitely do it. It’s not about being ‘fast’ anyway, it’s about the prep work you did, enjoying the actual ‘race’, and coming in to your support crew that is proud and inspired by what you do. Git IT!

  11. Amanda says

    YOU CAN DO IT!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

    I soooo understand those first 3 fears. I’m living them right now. I just braved the terrifying “go into the running store even though I don’t belong here” thing on Saturday. (What a difference good shoes make!!!)

    I just registered for a 5k at the end of September (OMG!!!!). My biggest fear is that I’m going to finish in last place. I am going to bust my butt between now and then to prevent that from happening. 🙂

    You CAN do it and I know it will be fear unfounded #4. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR POST-RACE PICTURES AND BLOG POST!!!!

  12. kristen.stewart@kaman.com says

    First…you most definitely can do the 5K…treat it like any other run…plug yourself in and go.

    Second, these Newton’s…I have been running for (yikes) 11 years now and never even heard of these sneakers. So after seeing them on your website I went to their website to see what they were all about. I was a bit intimidated by the ‘working in’ period where they recommend you don’t run in them for long…etc…How do you like them? Can you just go out and start running in them? Or are they totally different from traditional running shoes? I’d appreciate your input/opinion…
    Kristen

  13. Stephanie says

    Well, with those shoes now you HAVE to run that race….it would be a shame not to show them, they are so pretty!! I started running a year ago, i even made a page about it while i was taking one of your classes. THe first “race” is so intimidating…but lucky I was because I ran it with the group I have trained for the past 2 months. The atmosphere, the crowd cheering for you (even if they don’t know you, which is better when you start right?), the after race, the overflow of emotions, the feeling of satisfaction that you’ll get from it, not to mention the pride in what you’ve just accomplished, will be the reward, whatever is your time. Yes, you heard me, you’ll be proud of yourself like you have no idea! After that first race, I registered for a couple more and even did a 10k in november. This year, I decided I would try on an half-marathon, and I did it ,last May. What a road it has been for me since I started last year, I would have never imagine I would run one day, as I used to hate that as a kid, but this time, it was my choice, my personal challenge. I wish you all the best in your new running career, and hope you’ll sign up for the race….and of course, I’ll look forward to see those pictures of you, getting over that last unfounded fear! Most important, HAVE FUN! a race doesn’t mean you have to run like crazy, it’s just , at least for me, a social event, when you meet people who share a common activity and where you have fun. When I started running, I knew I would never be in the awards, so when you acknowledge that, you know you don’t have to rush and “kill” yourself. The only challenge you’ll want to overcome is over yourself. Race after race, you just want your own personal time to get better(again, a little pride here !), and remember, you run for yourself, and for the fun of it. Enjoy!

  14. Lisa Dickinson says

    As for race: JUST DO IT.

    And seeing your new shoes has me biting my tongue to keep from yelling: CZ AND I HAVE THE SAME RUNNING SHOES! That must mean I’m cool, right?!? 🙂

  15. Tinka says

    Fear #4 is definitely one I have faced with every 5K I’ve participated in. And, each time it has been unfounded, despite my being a complete klutz! So I know you will be just fine. As for Amanda’s fear of being last? Been there, done that and survived it! I walked in a 5K several years ago and was so far last that the police officer trailing behind everyone asked if I wanted a ride, lol! I was determined to finish under my own power so I declined and kept going. By the time I got to the finish line, it was already being dismantled. But I crossed it anyway and have never felt prouder of myself. I’ve walked a couple other 5Ks since then, and have usually finished in the middle. I am currently training to walk a 1/2 marathon in November. My goal is to not be last…but if I am, it’s not the worst thing that can happen! And at least I will have finished!

  16. Dorothy F says

    You go girl! I know you will finish and look great. You are very dedicated to what you do.

  17. Elizabeth Carls says

    I can honestly see no reason why you shouldn’t run that 5k. First off you ran 5.5 miles yesterday, that’s 2.4 miles further than the 5k, obviously you’re ready. Second, I would bet a lot of money you won’t finish last, or even second to last, and if you did that would be a great story to tell. Third, your fear of the trip and fall is unfounded, you might actually trip and fall, but so what. I did a total face plant once during a race complete with bloody knee caps and I can not even express how bad-ass I felt when I popped up and finished running my race. Same bad-ass feeling happens when gut it out in the rain, or the cold, or the heat. The bottom line is racing is fun, super fun, and a little bit thrilling. Trust me, when you finish on Saturday you will feel so proud of yourself, and maybe a little bit bad-ass, and you will have had a whole heap of fun. And you’ll be wanting to do it again soon.

  18. DawnS says

    You can do it!

    I also wanted to thank you for your advice about the “Couch to 5k” podcast…I downloaded it and it couldn’t be more perfect! I’m in week 2 and it’s going really, really well. I’m planning on doing a 5k in October and I’m actually beginning to think that I can do it 🙂

    Good luck this weekend!

  19. cathy says

    Kristen, I’m liking them, but i’m also aware that maybe all these fancy shoes are making our feet weaker overall, and causing problems in the first place.

    I’m reading “Born to Run” right now, and it is SUCH an interesting book on so many levels.

    I do believe that not striking with the heel makes me knees absorb the shock better, ergo, no knee pain.

    And i’m trying to have a light stride as well, and not pound the ground.

    I just know my knees are benefitting from this, however, i do have some heel issues, and of course, i have to be careful of that too.

  21. cathy says

    So Lisa, you like those shoes then? How long have you been running in Newtons? I mean, coming from you, a bona fide runner, I must be onto something, right?

  24. Cindy says

    I am so happy to see you having fun with your running! If you haven’t seen it yet, you should check out Run, Fatboy, Run! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425413/). It is totally hysterical and uplifting and will make you feel like you can run a marathon, much less a 5K. Good luck getting everyone out of bed – I know you can manage the 5K with no problem. =]

  26. KathyinMN says

    Come to Mendota to run Lucky’s Saving Second Base 5K this weekend! Benefits Susan G Komen. Great t-shirt too. =) And don’t be nervous. Heck you can run 5 miles, whats 3.1? That’s nothing… Scoop of chocolate, scoop of vanilla!

  27. Jennifer Brannon says

    NICE shoes, girl!

    I thought I would hate races, because I don’t like ‘performing’ for large crowds… I thought it would slow me down… I was scared!

    But I LOVED it! I must have gotten some adrenaline surge or my competitive drive kicked in, or SOMETHING… because I just loved it… the atmosphere is wonderful at races, and I guarantee you’re gonna have fun! Go for it! And then post pics!

  28. cathy says

    Okay, Aidan and I were just talking about that movie. It was on HBO the other day and we both love Simon Pegg, so we want to see it. I didn’t know it was about running!

  30. KathyinMN says

    Oh and the racing with other people part…yeah, about that…uh, you will find people who don’t look at all like runners who can run way faster than you. And people who do look like they are in tremendous shape run slower than you. My first 10K I was passed by a guy with his right arm in a sling (he said he separated his shoulder a few days before the race) and whose pants-no kidding here!-were falling down. So every 4th or 5th step he hiked his pants up with his good arm. He passed me almost like I was standing still. Still makes me laugh.

  31. deb says

    I LOVE those shoes. Don’t know if they’d work for my feet, but MAN I love the color. And way to go on the 5K. With those 5 milers under your belt it’ll be nothing. You can do the distance easily, and with the extra adrenaline of running an actual race it’ll be fantastic. I can’t wait to hear about it.

  32. kp says

    JUST DO IT! and I can’t wait to see the great page(s) you will come up with to celebrate.

  33. Jill says

    Good luck and HAVE FUN! Will patiently wait for the report of your successful 5K

  34. Jeanette says

    My dear friend gave me some excellent advice when I was agonizing about running in front of a bunch of people in my first race. She said, “there will always be someone faster than you, and there will always be someone slower than you.”

    I find this is not only true, but is pretty good advice for almost everything we choose to take on in life. Unless, of course, one is an Olympian or something, in which case the second half of that statement is the only thing that is guaranteed. 🙂

  35. Nicole Czarnecki says

    I feel EXACTLY like you! Uncomfortable in those running stores. (I’m still pretty chubby.) However – it takes legs and movement to run and you’ve got those, right? So – you’re a runner!!

    Enjoy your first 5K. You might just like it! I know I did a few and really like running with a group. I found it very empowering and it moved me along at a good pace.

    Go Cathy! Go Cathy!

  36. KathyinMN says

    I should add that I read an article a year or two after that where a runner doing a marathon was passed by someone in a full cow costume at about the 20 mile mark. The article went something like “I’m 20 miles in, I’m dying and I’m getting passed by a cow.”. Of course I cut that out and put that in my runner’s scrapbook. Shared running experiences–> AWESOME!

  37. Cara S says

    Love the new shoes. I just started running (like, last week!) and I was totally inspired to do so by YOU! Thanks for that. Even though right now I can barely run/walk a mile, and I feel like I’m going to die when I’m done, I also feel GOOD, you know?

    Thanks for proving that anyone can be a runner. My goal is to be able to do a 5K this fall. Fingers crossed.

  38. Julie E says

    On the subject of worrying about coming in last… a running coach once told me: the person who comes in last has the largest crowd cheering them on, and the loudest cheers. Having completed my first 10k last month, I was witness to this! I was near the back of the pack at the end, and many many people cheered me across the finish line. And I was there to see this little boy maybe age 12 come across the line last. Almost makes me cry remembering… the crowd went wild as he pushed himself to the end. He was THRILLED – and rightfully so. 🙂

  39. Megan says

    On the subject of unfounded fears, I will say only this: the other day, I had cause to google ‘imodium + running’…should have turned off images. I then said to my daughter: ‘If I ever get to a place where beating someone else in a race becomes more important than basic human dignity, take. me. down.’ She promised. 🙂
    Now, completely off topic, but a hilarious read nevertheless, it contains the adoptable word: ‘lactivist’–you’ll love this.
    http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/07/02/cribs_v_beds_parenting_wars

  41. cathy says

    That is hilarious. And good for me to keep in mind. I just want to run it in 35 minutes or less. That’s all I’m shooting for!

  45. Amanda says

    Awesome perspective and insight. Last isn’t the worst thing that can happen! Thank you!!! 🙂

  46. Amanda says

    Aw! That’s awesome!!! Now I’m even MORE psyched for my race!!! I can’t wait to cross the finish!

  47. LoriHudson says

    I’ve signed up for my first 5k with my 9 year old son on the 22nd. I’m shooting for less than 45 min! Could you share some of your running playlists? You and I seem to have similar tastes. Thanks Cathy! You are the wind beneath my wings. Lol. That’s not on your playlist is it?

  48. alexa says

    Love the rhythm of the “first/second/third fear unfounded in your journalling.” In fact, “fear unfounded’ sounds like a good internal mantra while you pound your way round the 5K! Cheering you on, and looking forward to the LO!

  49. Michelle says

    Do the race! I did an 8k race a few months after I started running and was scared as hell. But I did it anyway and it fantastic. I ran faster than ever. The entire time I had a huge smile on my face and I remember thinking “I’m running in a race!”. I never, ever dreamed I could run in a race. It was so fun. And, I discovered that a small fraction of the runners were the ones I was afraid of. Most of the others? They were much more like me than I ever would have guessed. Which did wonders for my self confidence. Well, my running confidence anyway 😉

  50. kristin says

    the looks of these kicks are way better than the other (sorry). so i think that although it took a stinker pair to get to these, it’s worth it!

    good luck with the 5k if you do it. i’ve run one the past two weekends (totaling 2) and they were both very different experiences. one was more *fun* and the other more *goal* oriented (read: not *fun*) 🙂 dropped the 2nd one by 4 minutes, though, so again worth it. 🙂

  51. kristin says

    the looks of these kicks are way better than the other (sorry). so i think that although it took a stinker pair to get to these, it’s worth it!

    good luck with the 5k if you do it. i’ve run one the past two weekends (totaling 2) and they were both very different experiences. one was more fun and the other more goal oriented (read: not fun) 🙂 dropped the 2nd one by 4 minutes, though, so again worth it. 🙂

  53. Chatty Scrapper - Kari R'ville says

    LOVE the shoes! Maybe not for me, but they are great.
    I must say, for some reason reading today’s post brought tears to my eyes, sharing your fears helps us realize we are not alone if we share similar ones. Same goes for hopes & dreams. Thanks for sharing your life with use Cathy.

    Hope you do take the plunge & do the race this weekend. Thanks to your inspiration I’ve been doing intervals of running on the treadmill at the gym & when taking my son for walks. Good thing the stroller we got is made for running too, who knew when we got it I’d ever use it for that. If I keep this up I’m gonna make it a goal to run a 5K (by next summer) so maybe I’ll see you around.

    Got email notice about fall MeTAV class. (I thought you were never doing it again) Enticing, but since I never finished most of it the first ime (in part due to lovely distractions of having a newborn) maybe I should work on that 1st rather than starting a new version. Though that’s a bit tricky cause I’ll have to try to recall how things were feeling then vs. now. Thankfully I did finish alot of the journaling related to my new (then) addition since my perspective on that is so different now & it’s difficult to recall the details of the blur that is becoming a mother for the first time.

  54. Milena says

    As someone who is overweight and has run a 5K and come in almost last – JUST DO IT. Nothing, and i do mean NOTHING beats the feeling of crossing that finish line!!!

  55. Kim K says

    Go for it! I’m just like you…never been a runner…never thought I could.
    I’m living vicariously through you. Haven’t tried it yet. Would love to see how it turns out. ;D

    Hey—hoping you’ll read this—saw your A-Z class at BPS. I really WANT to learn digi, and haven’t done it yet. If I get photoshop-e, will I be able to learn the basics (enough to make the album) through your videos? Or should I have more experience with photoshop that just loading it onto my computer?

    Thanks!

  56. Barb M. says

    Do it, Girl! I want to read about it and see the pics. I will admire you and be inspired!

  57. cathy says

    Did you ever know that you’re my hero?

    Okay, here’s my current mix for 5 mile runs.

    The Long Way Around Dixie Chicks
    Long, Long Way from Home Foreigner
    My Name Is Prince Prince
    Starlight Muse
    I Gotta Feeling Black Eyed Peas
    Tidal Wave Owl City
    Safety Dance (Glee Cast Version) Glee Cast
    Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Single Version) Michael Jackson
    Root Down The Beastie Boys
    Everlong Foo Fighters
    X-Static Process Madonna
    Any Way You Want It / Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ (Glee Cast Version) Glee Cast
    Some Fantastic Barenaked Ladies
    Over The Rainbow (Glee Cast Version) Glee Cast

  59. cathy says

    Hey Kari, you CAN do it!

    Oh, it’s Design Your Life that was retired! Not Me: The Abridged Version! I want to teach that one every year! : )

  61. cathy says

    Kim, you don’t HAVE to have PS to do the class.

    You can use the Word journaling template and build the album traditionally (cutting, pasting, cardstock, patterned paper!)

    There ARE videos, however, in the class, showing how to use some of the class templates, but it’s not a full on “this is how you digi scrap”.

    : ) Hope that helps!

  62. Kim says

    Cathy – I’m almost four years into my running journey. I’m still super slow, but I can at least go the distance now. I’ve done about 12 races, including 3 half marathons. I’ve felt exactly every one of your fears. And you’re right – unfounded. You know what else, if you do trip in a race – you will survive.

    I’ve tripped in a 5K. It turned out more to be scary than anything else. A sweet 10 year old boy stopped to see that I was okay. I was – I cried for about 1/2 mile. But you know what. I started running again and I ran across the finish line a couple miles later. I’ve never felt so powerful.

    You go!! Can’t wait to see the photos.

  63. Renee Mattei Myers says

    I remember my first 5k. And my supportive hubby at the halfway point cheering ” at least you’re not last” …. 35 5ks a hand full of 10 ks 5 half marathons 2 full marathons and one adventure race later…I still am a back of the pack runner but it’s all worth it !! Go for it !!

  64. Cynthia H says

    What you describe reminded me of when I went bike shopping as a non-cyclist. The protocol is that you go into the store, say you want to test-ride a bike, they outfit you with a helmet, then let you loose to test ride the bike on the streets around the store. At one store, the tech had adjusted the seat way too high and I remember being outside, standing behind the store, unable to even mount the bike, and too embarrassed to go inside and ask them to lower it (since you’re supposed to have it high and I didn’t want to show my lack of skill or overall wussiness). I just wanted to cry.

  65. cathy says

    Thanks, Kim. I will just focus on putting one foot in front of the other, and starting at the back of the pack, so as not to be trampled.

  66. cathy says

    I will happily be in the back of the pack! I don’t want to get in the way of people out to make good times! : )

  67. chris says

    Cathy, I am curious why the sold you the racer model?? I have been running for 14 years and never bought a racing shoe. Though I race all the time. Maybe I am missing something! GOOD LUCK WITH THE 5K!!

  68. Sarah says

    Ok, so I was gonna tell you that you have to watch Run Fatboy Run, but I see someone beat me to it. You will love this movie. It’s not about running, it’s about him. His life, dealing with his issues…and running just happens somewhere in there. It’s great. AND HILARIOUS! He however chose a marathon for his first run. I think 5k makes more sense. 🙂 YOU CAN DO IT!

  69. Mary says

    Sorry they sold you the wrong shoes. What a pain. You are right, totally unfounded on #4. I’m not a runner either, but I’ve run 5Ks, 10Ks, and even a half-marathon and every time I was nervous as hell. I hate running with others but I really “needed” to do so I did. You won’t be last I promise. You have a great pace time and an even better attitude. You will do great and I can’t wait to read all about it as only you can write it. Thanks for the inspiration.

  70. mamajulie says

    GO FOR IT! YOU’VE EARNED IT WITH SWEAT AND TEARS! GO FOR IT! (besides, if you don’t you can’t write about it for us.)

  71. Mindakms says

    too funny! I haven’t checked in to your website in months and I check in today and you are touting the shoes I was just talking about last night and running a 5k that I’m going to guess is the same one I’m running. You will do great and you’ll have a new high. I too resisted races at first, for all the reasons you listed, and my first race was a little anxiety ridden, but by the end I was in love, and now I try to get in six or seven a year! Have a blast!

  72. KellyB says

    Totally unfounded. Especially at the distances you’ve been running. Go Cathy! Can’t wait to hear about the 5K on Monday.

  73. RobynS says

    Yeah YOU!!!! It is just such an accomplishment to sign up, go, participate and enjoy every minute of it. The day will be memorable and your number that you wear will have so much meaning too. I remember running my first 10K in 1982. Now all of these years later, 2 kids, back surgery etc I am just glad to be able to walk it. I have not been in a race in such a long time. Again, I think it is great. We are headed your way on Saturday. I am looking forward to days that are NOT 100 degrees. BTW – I saw someone running in these today http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/barefoot_running.cfm which was funny after reading this the other day. http://www.tomfishburne.com/

  74. Kristen says

    My husband asked if I’d run the TC 10K (he’s running the Twin Cities marathon) and the first thing I did was look up last year’s results to make sure I wouldn’t be the slowest one there! Dumb I know! I have a 5K Saturday and it’s probably about my 10th one, but I still get nervous every time! Good luck, I hope you decide to run!

  75. Corey Acton says

    If you can run 5 miles without stopping, you can definitely do a 5K! And you know what? It’s ok if you walk a little if you need to. I did my first one in March and walked a time or two, did my second one in June and walked a bit during that one too, but improved my time by about 5 minutes. Once you get that first one under your belt, you’ll feel a lot better. I thought someone was going to take a gun to my head during the first one if I walked, but they didn’t. And I promise that there will be a lot of people that will be a lot slower than you. You can do it! Good luck!

  76. Lorraine Reynolds says

    Know that I will be there in spirit cheering you on, on Saturday. I’m sure most of us will be. Wish I could be there in person, but I would have had to book flights 6 months ago.
    I have been totally awe struck by your determination in this journey this year – and wishing I could be half as dedicated.
    You go girl.

  77. anna says

    go cathy go!
    i’ve been running for 2 1/2 years now; and i know all about those fears you described. amen sister.
    and about the 5k race; just do it!!! seriously everyone is too tierd to focus on anyone else; and it’s not about anyone else anyways; it’s about you setting your own personal goals, and i say go girl!!!! 🙂
    so i’m waiting for next week when you tell us all about how your 5k race went!!!! 🙂
    a

  78. Candyce says

    Cathy, I just want to say that I have been following your fitness odyssey via blog since taking your fantastic DYL class this past winter. Wanted to let you know that you have really inspired me in a way that I have found surprising.

    Many years ago when I was on a fitness kick (bought a treadmill) a college age friend of my kids bought me a nike+. I thought the idea behind it was cool, but didn’t really understand how to work it, or how it would benefit me. I never even opened. Any exercise I did, fell by the way-side and I eventually went on Nutrisystem. I was not “fat” but close to it, and ashamed of how I looked. Over the next nine months I lost 30 lbs. and loved the way I looked and felt. Never did add in exercise (it’s something I hate!)

    Over the past year, as is typical, I have slowly been gaining weight (returned to old habits). I look “ok” but don’t feel as good as I did, after regaining 13 of the 30 lost pounds. I had a cardiac scare in April, after an angiogram found that my arteries are completely clear, but decided that it’s about time I was kind to my heart.

    When I saw your blog regarding the nike+, I finally understood it, and you made it sound so cool, that I searched through the drawers until I found it. I am really technically retarted, but decided to give it a try. I was successful in calibrating it, so far so good, and took it out on a maiden voyage a few days later. Don’t get me wrong, I am no athlete, I have only used it three times in the past two weeks,but I do love it and find it to be very motivating. (Addicting, some say)

    I haven’t bought any special shoes, don’t want to invest in something that may be a fleeting interest. Plus I have the same fears you had about going into a sport shop and talking to a saleperson. Glad to hear the fear was unfounded! Also wanted to add that I recently befriended a young man that is a “real runner” and works at one of “those” stores. I am 52 yrs. old and asked him if he thought he could turn me into a runner. He assured me that he could, and suggested that I start out walking only 15 minutes at a time, eventually incorporating 30 seconds of running at a time. I thought to myself “I can do that!”

    Anyway, don’t know why I felt the need to write to a complete stranger. Just wanted to encourage you and let you know that you have become an inspiration to others—me!

    Candyce Warren

  79. loriet says

    One more bit of race advice: you will feel good and you will feel bad while you are running, and neither will last. Look forward to those “good” times and remember to get past the “bad” ones. Good luck on Saturday! We are cheering for you.

  80. Alison Shearer says

    Cathy they are PERFECT shoes. As another (former) scrapbooker turned runner you have summed up some of my fears to a tee. If I have a few days off running I also have another irrational fear – “What if all this running and it all being Ok was just a weird accident and when I go back out there I won’t be able to run anymore!” So far – also an irrational fear. Thanks for the inspiration as always.

  87. cathy says

    I’m debating doing the TC 5K, but heck, if i build up my miles, maybe i’ll do the 10K. I mean, the weather has got to be cooler then, and i think i could handle that!

  88. cathy says

    You know, i’m reading the most interesting book, “Born to Run” talks about barefoot running and the Vibram shoe and from whence it came (yachting competitions, actually). All of the barefoot stuff is SO interesting.

  91. cathy says

    Chris, it was more on a recommendation from a friend to just go with the racer. I took her advice. We shall see!

  92. Del says

    Hey Cathy

    Any event you enter have 3 goals:
    1. Have Fun! (This is first and foremost)
    2. Don’t get hurt (listen to what your body wants you to do)
    3. Finish in what ever time it takes you.

    Used these in the KusamKlimb (KusamKilmb.com) and had an absolute blast – 7 hours plus of hard climbing and long running but boy was it awesome – especially the bear scat at about the 14 km mark:-)

    Have fun tomorrow.

  93. Chatty Scrapper - Kari R'ville says

    Oh yah, that’s why I took DYL now rather than Stacey’s photo one (I forget the name just now). That’s great cause it’s an awesome class. Once you’ve got it going it’s one people can repeat on their own too. But I think it will be great to take the class again every so often to get a fresh perspective & share with classmates. In that class especially the forums were awesome and you could get great ideas from each other if you get stumped.

  94. Chatty Scrapper - Kari R'ville says

    Kim,
    Just a bit of info on Cathy’s class from my perspective as a total newbie to digital scrapping prior to that class. Even though it’s class specific and pretty basic the videos, in CZ’s MeTAV (A-Z class), taught me alot about digi scrapping. Before the class I’d been pretty confused about it and now I can even do some stuff on my own in PS once I have a template. Still don’t know how to create things from scratch but I learned alot. And I’d never used my Photoshop before the class. I also did some stuff the “old fashioned way” with Word and paper etc… I just downloaded both types of files so I could do either way depending on what I felt like doing. Hope it helps.

  95. Krista O' says

    Go for it! oh and while you are at it check out the Milk Run 5k at the State Fair, by far the best value 5k in town (free entrance to the fair for the day, race, t-shirt, and malt coupon). Usually fills up fast though. Plus its great to grab a crepe before heading home to shower and head back.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *