Today is has been raining for most of the day and I woke up with some major back pain. I was all about skipping our training session today. But Naomi said, "But I need to start training." So we put on our running gear and she pulled our her big rainbow umbrella that she got for Christmas and we headed out.
I know that doing a 1/2 marathon is a big deal already, but for Omi, this is a HUGE deal. She has done several 5Ks with me, and they have always been a leisurely stroll and not competitive at all. She does not run. As a matter of fact, she has a doctor's excuse in PE that keeps her from getting her heart rate up. Omi was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, General Anxiety, Separation Anxiety and PTSD just before school started. Running in PE was causing her major panic attacks. Running caused her heart rate to shoot up, she had a hard time catching her breath, she was afraid she would pass out in front of her classmates which caused a panic attack. This means that in PE, all she has to do is a leisurely stroll. We plan on walking the 1/2 marathon, but I do not plan on doing it as a leisurely stroll. We plan on working for this medal.
Today as we started out, we went fast enough to get our heart rates up and to break a sweat. It was also a bit chilly and damp out (which can make breathing a bit difficult for a person without issues). I kept a close eye on her, and she did great. Since this was our first time out, and since it was raining and we needed a bit of extra motivation, we decided to walk 2 miles to the bagel store to get sandwiches and then walk back. We walked the 2 miles at 17:25/mile. We had our bagels then walked back. She asked if we could walk a bit slower since we just ate. We did, but it only brought down our time to 17:37/mile. All said and done, we did 4 miles in 1 hour 10 minutes and change. Not bad for a first training "run".
While on our run, we talked about ways to push through when pain hits or when she feels like she just can't take another step or breath. We discussed visualizing crossing the finish line. I told her what she could expect from crossing the finish line at a Final Kick Event race. Final Kicks is the best race organization in the area. They are very friendly to walkers. Christy (one of the race directors) will go out to meet the last racers out on the course and walk/run them in. Or she will be at the finish line with the music pumping waiting for you to cross the line, put the medal around your neck and give you a huge hug! I had Naomi picturing herself crossing the line, with Christie at the other end waiting for her, the announcement of her name over the PA... "Naomi Spiva crossing the finish line at 3 hours 45 minutes finishing her very first 1/2 marathon." And those at the finish line cheer and clap as she crosses the line, receives her medal and her hugs from Christie. I saw Naomi's face as we talked about this. She had a huge smile on her face and maybe even the start of tears in her eyes. She wants this. She is ready for this.
We discussed our training plan. We planned out what our mileage will be for week day walks and our mileage for our long walks on the weekends. The race is in 4 weeks. We are jumping right into this. But I think she will be ready. I know she will be ready. Her heart is in this. She did great today and I am so proud of her!
How often do you get excited for your goals? How often do you set a goal that scares the crap out of you and makes you stretch yourself further than you thought you could go. My 15 year old daughter is doing this, and I could not be any prouder! She is learning that she is much stronger than she think she is! I love seeing the light in her eyes!
After the walk, it was time to hit burlesque practice with Suzy. That is so much fun!!! First we sat in a circle with the other members of our group and did a show and tell with our costumes in the making. Then we practiced our routine over and over again. There was lots of laughs. We are a great group of women together. The chemistry is awesome!
After class, Suzy and I came home and went to work on our costumes (bras and panties). Naomi came down to join us with her own crafts and to give a lending hand and expert advise on costume design. Omi has a great eye for clothing design. All 3 of us made a mess in the kitchen and giggled and laughed. Then Suzy and I showed Omi our dance. I love these 2 girls!
This week coming up will be a whirlwind of a week (especially if I actually score tickets to President Obama's visit here at BSU this week).
Here's to a fun week of more dancing, creativity, walking, and getting healthy both physically and emotionally!
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