I was RUNNING (in my best Forrest Gump voice)

Tuesday night was the first night of my 5 Weeks to 5k clinic. It was actually the second session of the clinic, but I hadn't gotten started with Abby until after the first session. We had gone through most of session one during my assessment, and I had had my first run. I really wasn't sure what the training session would consist of. I just thought that everyone would simply run, at his or her own pace, and Abby would just be sprinting along with all of us, calling us out on what we screwed up on. I couldn't figure out how this clinic was for beginners as well as seasoned runners; I just couldn't get through my mind how that would work. Needless to say, I was nervous!

Nickey and I showed up at the Riverwalk and joined Abby, Cecelia and two other folks for our second session. In our first session, we had learned about form and stance. For the second session, our feet and hips were the focus. I had NO idea how much thought, preparation and detail went into running! Our group of five trainees divided up into three and two (with two being Nickey and me) and we would learn one basic fundamental from Abby and implement it, running just a short distance. Truth be known, the distance wasn't really long enough for me to get all my bearings straight. By the time I had concentrated on one aspect, I had forgotten about all the others!

There's so much to think about when running properly. I tell you again--I had NO idea! Abby uses a lot of tricks (metaphors) to help us remember certain things and while I was busy concentrating on short, quick steps and not raising my knees, I forgot about the bungee pulling me forward. I would concentrate on my floppy ankles and butt but forget all about my washing machine hips. My form has a lot to be desired yet, but I can tell I'm learning because ever since Tuesday night when I have seen someone running, I analyze their form and think to myself what they are doing wrong. Abby has never indicated so, but I can imagine she gets frustrated with me. In my head, I know what to do and I feel like I'm doing it, but I can tell from her gentle reminders that I'm not doing something right. In time, I'll get better.