Friday, January 1, 2010

Operation C25K. And a giveaway!

The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.
~ John Bingham

Isn't it funny how certain things continue to touch your life ... over and over again? And the more those things appear, the more inspired you become?

Running.

I hate it.

I have always hated it.

I have never understood why people would want to run.

But I continued to be inspired by those very people. People around me who run for pure enjoyment. People around me who are completing marathons. People around me who are a part of the camaraderie that comes with those who run.

You might remember Liz. I have sort of been able to vicariously live her journey through my good friend, McKenna. And if something like this does not smack you in the head, then I'm not sure what does.

McKenna runs. Shortly after Liz was diagnosed with bone cancer, McKenna ran a half marathon. She called me to tell me the camaraderie that she experienced during the race ... and I cried. And I told another friend ... and she cried.

McKenna's story from her blog ...

So ... I ran a half-marathon last Sunday. And ... this post is soooooo not about accomplishing this goal. I did it and am happy I did it ... but to be honest ... with everything going on with Liz, it really was the last thing I wanted to be doing on Sunday ... and the last thing I want a pat on the back about right now.

Knowing that I was very unmotivated to be there, I decided to make my run all about Liz and ironed the words "Pray for Liz" on the back of my shirt. I seriously cannot count the number of people who asked me, "Who's Liz?", or told me, "I'm praying for Liz!", while we were running the 13.1 miles.

I was motivated to run faster because I knew the faster I ran ... the more people would be behind me to see my shirt and pray for Liz. A man at mile 13 told me that I was pacing him between miles 11 and 13 and he had been praying nonstop for two miles for Liz (and I'm not fast, so that's a good 25 minutes of prayer! LOL!). It was awesome to know that hundreds of people were praying for sweet Liz during that looooong run.

Right before the start of the race, a woman came up to me and asked me about my shirt. I told her Liz's story and she prayed with me right there, while we waited to start the race.

{Ok, here's the WOW part.......} I just got a facebook message from this person asking me if I was the person she prayed with before the start of the race! We never exchanged names and I am guessing she found me by my bib number? However she found me, she had to do some digging ... what a blessing!

Seriously. How awesome is that? If McKenna's story is any indication of what goes on at these races, then I am so in.

I am going to learn to love to run.

Starting ... um, tomorrow.

Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika


A few days ago, I visited my local running store to be fitted with running shoes. They are awful looking, but man are they ever comfortable! And that is all I need to accomplish my goal.

Right?

I would like to challenge you to join me.

We shall call it ... Operation C25K (Couch to 5K).

We will train for nine weeks and then run 5K races all around the nation ... each in our own area. I've been looking at doing a Shamrock run ... let's aim for right around St. Patrick's Day.

Am I biting off more than I can chew? Nah. I don't think so.

We are going to support each other and blog about our progress. Link up below and grab the button for your blog.

Let's get this!


* * * * * *

Need a little boost?

How about the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to your local running store so you can snag some shoes? And a 2GB iPod Shuffle to get you in your groove? Use it to upload C25K Training Podcasts, of course.

Yup. I'm giving away this prize package right here, right now.

1) Leave a comment on this blog post telling me why you want to win.

2) Blog, tweet, follow me and/or post this contest on facebook for additional chances at winning -- be sure to leave a comment here for each additional chance at winning, telling me how you earned your additional chance.

That is a total of five chances per person!

3) Contest ends Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at midnight EST. Training for a St. Patrick's Day run must start next week!

Good luck!

56 comments:

  1. Oh Bethany. I hate running. I've tried before. I have a another mom at the gym trying to get me to do a 5K. SHE does marathons and triathalons and is training for an IRONMAN triathalon! She's a CRAZY woman. Did I say I hate running. I'm an elliptical trainer kind of gal. I can't breathe when I run. Oh why did you have to post this?

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  2. Oh we are so in the same boat! Running has never been horrible for me. My goal/dream is to get in shape and show my girls that it is important to be healthy and active. Two years ago a friend challenged me to do a Triathlon. I got pregnant with Kate instead :). Then last year I signed up. I trained and I did it!! I can't tell you how great it felt to finish the race. The only thing I regret is not running the entire 5K portion. My goal this year is to run the entire 5K and finish closer to 1.5 hours. Let me know if it is worth the money to get the "pretty" shoes. Most of my problem running is due to my feet feel like there is electricity going through my toes (not fun)...it should make me run faster but it doesn't. I think it wonderful you are doing the shammrock run...you should come to WI and do the tri with me in August. You can do it and then you could get together with everyone that you missed when you were in the car accident. We could get Meeghan to do the tri too...who knows....we could maybe get Missy to join us :). If I can do it ANYONE can- trust me!

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  3. I'm so glad you're doing this!! You're inspiring me to put my running shoes back on! I'm going for a run tomorrow! :)

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  4. Hey Bethany - Good luck with your c25K! I tried the Couch to 5K this summer, but got shin splints (ok - my fault) - I thought the tennis shoes I had in my close from Payless would be sufficient. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten motivated again. I am seriously thinking about your proposition though. Anyways - good luck!

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  5. PS: I would feel guilty winning since I'm mentioned in here...but the reason I want to win is because it's time for new shoes after I ran my half marathon and I lost my mp3 player, so I have to run music free for now!

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  6. I'll follow the blogs and encourage from the side-line...don't drag me into your craziness Sheri! LOL!

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  7. You can do it Missy! Your girls will be so proud of you! Will you do it if Bethany comes to WI to do it with us? You can use a pool noodle and walk the entire 5K (trust me....). COMMME OONNNNN.

    Oh...and I didn't say why I NEED to win this contest! First, my shoes are from Walmart and 2nd I have never had an Apple anything...my name is Sheri, and I am coveting the ipod....

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  8. I would love to run the shamrock with you! I am so excited that you are taking up running! I love it and am very excited about running my first 10 miles this year at the Cherry Blossom race in D.C. in April with a team we put together. I would have asked you if I knew you were into running sooner :) I soo need to get knew sneakers though cause I have heard that makes all the difference in the world! Good luck and let me know the details on the Shamrock race!

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  9. Oh my lord. I've been contemplating it. Really. Seriously. Blargh. Ok. I will certainly maybe entertain the idea. and if I win the contest then obviously it's a sign from God that I should get my butt running. heh. Ok. I want ot do this. I'm not sure if I can. Or if my physical therapist will let me. I'll check with him and get back to you. Because if the large Australian man says no? You listen.

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  10. You know I am in and I hate running just as much as you, if not more. LOL. Let's see why I want to win...hmmmmm, so I can replenish the $ that I already spent out on those ugly man shoes! HA. A new iPod shuffle would be great instead of my phone so I don't have to convert earphones and stuff. :)

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  12. Ok I've followed you too! Oh boy. Running? Really?

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  13. I am so with you Bethany, I have never enjoyed running. I like to pretend, and sometimes desperately wish I did love it. . . but I don't. What I do like though, is setting a goal and accomplishing it! All last year I kept saying I was going to do a 5k, never happened (morning sickness got the better of me).

    Technically I don't think I can win because I will be almost 8 1/2 months pregnant st patricks day, and don't see myself running. . . but I do need to start walking again. . . and you better believe I will start running after baby comes.

    Sidenote: two good reasons I am promising myself to actually start running. 1. bye bye baby weight. 2. Because I want to be able to say I DID IT!!!

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  14. By the way. . . I still want to see the flying "squirrel" action, that has been going on in the Balsis family!!

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  15. Hi, I just found your blog through Reece's Rainbow (in a round about way!). We are currently adopting a little angel from Armenia. We have 3 bio children, and our new little guy will be our first child with DS. We are very excited, and trying to learn everything we can (which is why I have enjoyed your blog so much!). I am trying to get back into shape to combat some of the adoption stress, to be in the best shape I can be for our when our new addition arrives, and recover from spending the last 3 years of my life going to nursing school while homeschooling my children. Phew! Thanks! http://workinprogresspage.blogspot.com/

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  16. I just saw the C25k plan last night on active.com. . .I've never run before in my life (basically), and want to be able to run. I have friends that run. I want to be able to run with them, and feel better about my body and myself.

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  17. I used to like to run and even did a 1/2 marathon two years ago. I've hardly run at all since then. I'm resolving to start back running this year! So, I'm entering your contest in hopes that it will help me reach my goal. And I became a follower of your blog...I could've sworn I already was a follower! Oh well, glad I wasn't because it means two entries for me! HA!

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  18. I started this program 3 times last year and never made it past week 3. Not sure why, I did pretty well and I actually started enjoying it. We hope to go get our daughter from Serbia in March and I now plan to run a 5k before she comes home. Yippee! I hate running, but I love new goals.

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  19. Already follow you even though I am never on Twitter. :)

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  20. Bethany,
    I have posted this adventure on my blog. I am starting with the Biggest Looser program at our church and the 5K in April. Our City hosts a marathon every year in honor of the Memorial Bombing in 1995. My sister has committed to joining me too. Thanks for inspiring me to get off the couch. I would love a pair of running shoes and an I-Pod of my own. Isn't it funny how our kids have great shoes and electronic gadgets for themselves, not really funny. I'm hoping it's MY turn. Pick Me! Pick Me!
    Blessings,
    Meghan

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  21. This might be just the motivation I need! I used to run (about 20 years ago) and am feeling like I should start again, but wondering if I'm to old and too out of shape!!

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  22. Hello Bethany ~ My name is Jennifer and I have been reading your blog for about a year, but this is my first time to post. I am the very proud Aunt of Marcus and Macey over at "Grew By 2" and am excited to say that my life was changed the moment I met those two amazing children!

    It was actually your post from last week, when you mentioned the Couch to 5K challenge, that got my attention! I had been to the website before, even entertained the idea of giving it a try but never have I even started! This year...is different! I even invited my sister, Meghan, along for the run...which she gladly accepted! Our goal...is to run the 5K race at the OKC National Memorial Marathon in OKC this April! We are both so excited to start this journey together!

    Why do I want to win? First and foremost...I don't even own a pair of running/walking shoes...at all! This would be a great jumpstart for me! The iPod would be an appreciated added bonus, too! I am a proud single Mom to three amazing children! I work full time and also go to college part time! As a busy mom, I always make sure everyone else is taken care of first, which leaves me on the backburner most of the time! This time, I am excited to do something just for me...and in the long run, my entire family will benefit, too!

    Got to go for now...heading to FB to post about this challenge to all of my friends! :)

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  23. I've had my running shoes since 1990! Still good as new. Running does not make me happy. Nor does my mid-section. I'm going to sit on my couch and contemplate all of this. It will still be cold outside in mid-March! --Dorene

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  24. Twice in one day.I know.Weird,uh?But you see I am a runner.Or maybe was a runner,since it has been a feww months since I have done much of anything.Did run the Nike Women's Marathon on October with my daughter.All proceeds go to the leukemia/lymphoma society.For my girl and all the other warriors.Anyway,I began training for our rock N roll marathon in San Diego,in June,yesterday.Race all goes to the L/L Society too.You can all do this.If I can.Anyone can.You might just become addicted like me.Promise.

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  25. I am a type 1 diabetic, diagnosed 4 years ago at the age of 26. Yep, I am one of those! I am trying to prepare my body for another baby but need a jump start. I would love to have a support team to get me running. I think an Ipod would do the trick. I am having surgery on my foot so will have a week of down time but other than that, i have a treadmill just sitting in my house screaming my name but need a major jumpstart! Pick me and I will make you proud. www.greetingsfromthecooks.blogspot.com
    lindsey

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  26. Chance #2...I am now an official follower of your blog!!!

    Thanks!

    ~Jennifer

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  27. Woot...Woot!!!

    Chance #3 ~ I just friended you on Facebook AND I posted about your blog!!!

    ~Jennifer

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  28. I'm linking up to you on my blog today:) Promise. And starting W1D1 this evening...on my treadmill. Too cold to go outside.

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  29. and I joined your Operation C25K on facebook :)

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  30. OH my word! Look at how many followers you have already girl! Look at how fast the word spreads, your story brought tears to my eyes about Liz and Mckenna, you have such a great support system-and that's why I'm doing this. I'm going to run-and most of all PREPARE myself for it. If we all do this together then it won't seem so hard. I was a fast runner in high school but never long distance or where I have to pace myself. I hope to overcome that and fully "run" a 5K. You ask why but perhaps why not is the correct answer. Go Peeps!!! Plus, who couldn't use a decent pair of running shoes & a good music player? If you got the gear then what more do you need?
    Good Luck everyone and spread the word!!!
    Angie

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  31. Facebooked with the link and will always be your follower, freebies or not!

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  32. I am no runner, but the idea sounds fun and McKenna's story really got me thinking... so here I am! I started this week and W1D1 is checked off! I would love to win because I really need new running shoes - the shoes I have now are not cutting it and money is tight, so a gift certiifcate would be nice! The MP3 would be nice too and I could upgrade from my prehistoric first generation! And I would love to pass it along to someone who could use one also!
    I put a link on my blog at www.themannionfamily.blogspot.com, am following here and on Operation C25K on facebook and I posted about it on facebook. Don't tweet, so I miss out on that one huh?
    Thanks for starting and encouraging us all Bethany!
    GinnyM

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  33. Don't know why it wouldn't let me post from my account? Sorry!
    GinnyM

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  34. I did W1D1 this evening and used hubby's big honker ipod. Almost tripped over the cord...perhaps I need to get a shuffle and download a few podcasts:)

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  35. Bethany-Hello! Its Nicole here from Elkridge MD I have Ethan (DS) and Aidan who you photographed in September! Anyways I am joining your mission to run! I first want to run because I feel like I can help promote Down Syndrome and Epilepsy for Ethan. So many people are unaware of what Epilepsy can do to a young child. I am committed to start running for my kids and hopefully bring them with me running. We just purchased a jogging stroller so I would love to win the contest so that I can get some running shoes soon! Either way win or lose I am running and will purchase running shoes soon!
    Nicole Mills- ncampbell_05@hotmail.com (email)

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  36. I found your blog through Tesney. I started the C25K program last year and had to stop because of leg pain, probably due to not having proper shoes. I think this would be a great chance for me to get started again.

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  37. Okay. I did W1D1 at the gym this morning! I love the idea of having so many other people doing this, too. The workout had me sweating, but I did it! So I guess I'm in! And my crazy-racing-woman friend at the gym is all excited about me doing this! She is going to look for a race in May for me, because I think I may have to do some of the later weeks of this program for 2 weeks before moving on. I just became an official follower of your blog and I will post this on FB, since I do not have a blog of my own. I have decent sneakers, but they are not running sneakers and since hubby is currently unemployed, winning a pair would be great!

    (Back in 2003, I had been training for about 2 months for a 5K race when I got pregnant with Aleena. That put an end to that. So, I'll just do it 7 years later! LOL)

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  38. Hello Bethany...it's just me again!

    Chance #4 (possibly!) ~ I hopped on the treadmill this morning and this time I borrowed my son's iPod. I loved it! It really makes a difference to have music to carry me through! I would love an iPod of my own...and would love to check out the podcast too!

    Also...can I just add how much it SUCKS doing this in flip-flops! LOL!!! Praying hard that you draw my name!!!! :)

    BTW - Working hard on getting my blog up and going by the end of the evening...

    ~ Jennifer

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  39. Ok Ok, I admit it, I'm in on a last minute decision!!! I did this program already and ran a 5k in November, BUT I haven't kept up my running over the winter and I need to get back into it slowly so I can run a 5k in March with my sister in law. So I'm looking forward to doing it with someone else.

    I do not have an IPod and I do not own a "real pair" of running shoes. This would be a blessing to have some running tools for this journey. Thanks for the great Give A Way, and Good Luck to ALL :)

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  40. Placed your link on my blog:

    http://www.hanzelyclan.blogspot.com

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  41. Made your contest entry my status for Facebook today

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  42. I'm not a tweeter, but I have a Biggest Loser Competition going on right now and I posted on our board about the C25K and your give away.

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  43. Bethany how awesome is this! My husband is a runner, and well he has tried to encourage me to do this for a few months now. He found the Couch to 5K website and keeps telling Me I can do it! So well when i seen this I thought....YES I can do it...and I am gonna do it! So I will post this on my face book and I do already follow your blog. I start my training next week as I really need to get over this CRUD! Im going to start blogging again on my weight loss site so i will let you know when its going again. Good Luck to you!

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  44. I want to get in shape and this seems like a great way to get started. I'm excited to have other bogger friends encouraging each other to keep with it. I would love to get some good running shoes, but it isn't in the budget any time soon. Maybe I'll win the give away and I can get new shoes. Stay with it everyone!

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  45. I saw this on Rita's Facebook and I am going to go for it also.. I HATE running .. I can not run for long, but i have 50lbs to lose and I need a good motivator and I really need to lose the weight .. I can't stand the way I look and I have 3 children that i want to be able to have fun and do stuff with but i never seem to be able to do so thanks for this and I have start a blog so i am going to start blogging about my weight loss also.

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  46. OK....so about two or three years ago Mark, my husband bet me that I couldn't run a 5K. He was serious. Well, who couldn't blame him. I hated running, never did, never wanted to do it. So I took on his challenge. Mostly because I was pissed he didn't believe in my that much. The prize....dinner at the Melting Pot. He said I had to run the entire race. NO WALKING! So I called up my then friend, now sister-in-law who is a die hard runner. She told me she could get me to the point where I could run the 5K no problem.

    So after a couple of months of running in our elementary school gym after a day of teaching, we ran. And ran. And ran. FINALLY, I got to the point where I could run 3.2 miles no problem. We entered a local race and I DID IT!! I was so proud of myself. I got dinner at the melting pot and bragged to Mark that he never has run a 5K.

    Here I am a couple years later and have given up running. I had a baby recently and I packed on the pounds during the pregnancy. I know it had nothing to do with the french fries and chocolate I ate ALL the time. Must have been from the baby!!

    I am accepting your challenge Bethany because I want to prove to myself this time that I can run a 5K, no problem again. I actually started craving running before, even though right now all I want to do is throw up thinking about it.

    So here we go. Here's to building up those endorphins, shedding a few pounds, and running for something I believe in. I also promise to run at least a 5K at the 24 hour walk for cancer I do every year for Relay for Life in May. So I guess I have to keep running at least until then!!

    THANKS Bethany for pulling me up of my shake big butt!!

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  47. Hi Bethany,
    I am recently separated, Mom to two-a teenager and a toddler(who has Down Syndrome) and in the hustle and bustle of life I have gained 65 extra pounds. I used to run a l.o.n.g. time ago so this is JUST what I need to get up and do something for me. I have signed my daughter up for a 12 week Girls on Track program and at the end of the program she too will be ready for a 5K. I can not think of a better way to spend some quality time with my teenager than exercising for our health and running in some charities for others.
    Some new shoes would be awfully nice, and a POD would be just what I need to stay motivated!

    I have taken all 5 steps for additional entries- you can find me on FB under sari farrell, same on twitter. I blog at www.sarifarrell.com

    Thank you for this.

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  48. I found this on my friend Sari's FB page... I lost my father to Leukemia. I have always thought about how great it would be to run in the Team in Training for Leukemia/Lymphoma, but I hate and cannot run. Here's to trying! I am posting on twitter, my blog and FB page... OH all the evidence! I will have to succeed!

    Jamie Rogers

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  50. i commented earlier but am posting my blog on here.. http://barnesfamilyantics.blogspot.com/

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  51. I'm late...but I'm in! Better late than never! :)

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  52. Another interesting blog that I found from Google. I appreciate the way this is written.

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