Here we go...

Last night was our first official Team in Training workout/run. Although I had been looking forward to it, as it drew closer to the time to go, I began getting nervous. I was wondering if I would have what it took to even be able to do the first training.

At the introduction meeting last month, the coaches had been very encouraging as they explained how they have trained many people who had never even run before. They tried to calm any worries for those who believed they needed to be in tip top shape before taking on this training. But of course, I was still a bit worried. While I have been training with the kids for a month now, and have seen tremendous improvement in what I have been able to do, I still had doubts about whether or not I could keep up with what was required for the TNT training.

Well, it was funny, as I picked up the kids so we could all go together to our first training, it seemed they had worries too. We laughed much of the way there as we described how we imagined how it could go for us. We worried about everything from being made fun of for the way we ran, to the clothes that we wore. While we all seemed genuinely worried, it was comforting to know that we were all feeling pretty much the same. However, we have been working hard for a month now. I just don't think we've given ourselves enough credit for what we've been able to accomplish so far.

As we got to the track and saw the variety of people, it suddenly seemed as though it was going to be ok. After meeting our mentors, the first thing they had us do was a warm up jog, twice around the track--a half mile. It was a piece of cake! Suddenly, all my fears seemed to subside. I can do this!

After several announcements, they had us do a group stretch/warm up routine. (I don't know why we didn't do that before the first jog, but it was fine.) The routine included the usual runner type lunges, but also included other exercises that were very similar to yoga poses. That was my favorite part. Taking yoga three times a week has actually really helped, and so I was really proud of myself for being able to do all they were asking us to do!

The next part of the training included a timed 30 minute walk/run--about 2 miles. The coaches/mentors know what they are doing. They encourage us to take things slow and gave us a choice to do either a 6 minute run/1 minute walk or a 4 minute run/1 minute walk. Since it was a timed run, not a distance run, I opted fot he 4/1. Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, etc. While I was pretty tired towards the end and did a bit more walking that I was supposed to, I was very proud of what I was able to do. I did not feel I was lacking in keeping up with other people at all! It felt great.

Afterwards, they encouraged us to go to dinner so we could socialize and get to know some of our other teammates. So we did. It was very nice to meet other people and hear their stories about why they are taking this on for themselves. It was also nice to eat out--as I haven't been doing that much since starting Weight Watchers. And it simply felt good to be a part of something fun.

Last night was simply a great night. The kids and I all seemed to have fun and are looking forward to our journey. There's much more to come, but it is nice to have had such a great beginning... our month of pre-training, and now, our official training. Here we go...

I've got a busy day, but no workout for today. I only work half day, then will be helping Dana with her cupcake baking for her fundraiser tomorrow, and then spending a social evening with friends. I need it and definitely deserve it! Tomorrow, I'm up early for training day 2! Until later...