As I pulled up to Fleet Feet to gear up for my last NoBo Group Workout, the sun's glow made me know that I was exactly where I needed to be. The warmth of it's light as I was sitting in my car, eating my Perfect Zone Protein Bar somehow made me feel how far I've come in just three short months. I'll always remember that gloomy first day of this running program. That day I was terrified that I wouldn't succeed, and fail at something that all along I knew I could never do. I was not that girl anymore! I was the girl that kept up with the program and that was about to run for SEVEN MINUTES with only a 30 second break of walking, for SIX intervals.
I went inside and met up with the friends I have made along the way and we talked about how crazy our workout routine was going to be. Even if we didn't think we could do it, the NoBo program, coaches and mentors assured us that "We've got this".
There was a tiny chill in the air, but we had the sun and we needed to take advantage of this!! "3-2-1, start your watches and RUN".
Like always, the first 10 minutes took a little time to get into the motion. My brain was telling my body that we were going to be doing this for a while, so "GET USE TO IT ". Patty, a mentor that I haven't met until tonight, stayed by me the entire time. It was great listening to her stories while I focused on my nose breathing in air, so I could successfully push it out my mouth. She taught me a new tip. Along with keeping my arms relaxed, keeping my thumbs up was a good thing to practice. It helps the hands to stay open, instead of tensing up! Another tidbit to throw in my "running treasure chest". I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow, and will not be able to workout with the group for the program's last three workouts. I'll need to tap into all the words of wisdom as I run so I can stay on track!
At the end of the workout, I was beside myself. Were the numbers displayed on my Garmin watch accurate?? Really? This is for real?
There was a tiny chill in the air, but we had the sun and we needed to take advantage of this!! "3-2-1, start your watches and RUN".
Like always, the first 10 minutes took a little time to get into the motion. My brain was telling my body that we were going to be doing this for a while, so "GET USE TO IT ". Patty, a mentor that I haven't met until tonight, stayed by me the entire time. It was great listening to her stories while I focused on my nose breathing in air, so I could successfully push it out my mouth. She taught me a new tip. Along with keeping my arms relaxed, keeping my thumbs up was a good thing to practice. It helps the hands to stay open, instead of tensing up! Another tidbit to throw in my "running treasure chest". I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow, and will not be able to workout with the group for the program's last three workouts. I'll need to tap into all the words of wisdom as I run so I can stay on track!
At the end of the workout, I was beside myself. Were the numbers displayed on my Garmin watch accurate?? Really? This is for real?
During the run, I focused on myself instead of staying with friends who are at a difference pace than me. Patty stayed by my side and helped when I needed to go slower. She was awesome, but did I expect anything less from a mentor?? (NO!) Just like Saturday's workout, at the last interval I ran faster than the other's. I had saved energy and wanted to give it my all for that last leg of the workout. As I passed other runners and coaches, hearing them yell "You look Great, Divina... keep it up and finish strong" pushed me to the end. What a great way to end the NoBo workouts. It felt incredible!!
Even though I'm going to miss the new friends I've made as they finish up the program and workouts, I know it's not goodbye. I'll see them at the graduation race, and hopefully many will continue on to the second level of the program... LIKE ME!!! At least I'm certain I'll still see the wonderful mentors and coaches who have been able to get me this far.
From here on out, it's all on me to keep up with the homework leading up our graduation race. It will be a new and fun experience running in Myrtle Beach and my sister Laura has even said she'd run with me!! I can't wait. I better finish packing!!!
Even though I'm going to miss the new friends I've made as they finish up the program and workouts, I know it's not goodbye. I'll see them at the graduation race, and hopefully many will continue on to the second level of the program... LIKE ME!!! At least I'm certain I'll still see the wonderful mentors and coaches who have been able to get me this far.
From here on out, it's all on me to keep up with the homework leading up our graduation race. It will be a new and fun experience running in Myrtle Beach and my sister Laura has even said she'd run with me!! I can't wait. I better finish packing!!!
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