Countdown to 5K, Real and Raw: Week 1

Oh, how I am cringing as I write this post.

As you’ll see in the video below (reason for said cringing), I’m publicly declaring 2 major commitments this week:

After 8 months off from running, I will train to run a 5k nine weeks from now
I will post a weekly video blog about my process

Eeeeeeekkk!

At this point I have thousands of members of my community. I am grateful for this. Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to bare most of myself to you in this way. But after deep reflection, especially on the positive results of my Voice of Vulnerability blogging over the past two years, I’ve realized that the above two challenges are the necessary accelerant for my desired growth and business expansion. Special thanks to Peter Shankman for inspiring me to be fully visible during this process.

I invite you to follow my journey and share one of your own in the comments below. (Please be gentle with me.)

24 Comments

Maryann on August 21, 2012 at 10:50 pm

I'm taking the LSAT on October 6, Deb. So both of us are in training for that all-important 8am start on that day. I'm totally going to be thinking of you as I study these next 6 or 7 weeks. 1-9-8-9 Wellesley Rah! You can do it!
- Debra Woog on August 22, 2012 at 5:07 am
  
  Go, Maryann! That's quite an event. I too will be thinking of you as we train together!
Paula Gregorowicz on August 10, 2012 at 11:22 am

Yay! It's going to be great! Glad to hear your conviction and that you're starting it. One suggestion – be mindful. Agree with Stef on picking UP your feet. As someone who can't run (achilles injuries), but does a lot of hiking and tons of cycling. Mindfulness and form is the key to staying healthy. The rest will come. Big Hugs!
- Debra Woog on August 14, 2012 at 9:27 am
  
  Thanks, Paula. I am thinking of you and Stef with every step. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Tara Sage Steeves on August 9, 2012 at 3:42 pm

I'm inspired! Cheering you on!!
- Debra Woog on August 9, 2012 at 3:46 pm
  
  Thank you, my salsa friend!Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse brevity and typos.
Stefanie Frank on August 8, 2012 at 11:41 am

SO PROUD OF YOU! And agree that Peter Shankman's year to 10% blog is a superb model. He really laid it all out there — the fears, frustrations, food, insecurities — all the obstacles that can come up on the path to something great. And of course the triumphs!
You will inspire a lot of people with this journey — and some you won't even know about — they will quietly make changes through seeing you do it. It will produce a powerful ripple effect. And I agree with Dawn, do whatever it takes to keep your ankles healthy! Love you.
My recent post Want to Know How to Focus Your Writing? Read This Post
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 3:26 pm
  
  Ok I admit it – I have absolutely no idea how to keep my ankles healthy. I'm just trying not to trip on anything. Any other tips?
  My recent post Countdown to 5K, Real and Raw: Week 1
  - Stef on August 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm
    
    Be careful to pick your feet UP when running outside (i.e. don't trip).
    Develop an efficient stride/cadence (I'll send you some info on this).
    Listen to your body. If an ankle even threatens to turn or fall out of whack stop, walk, reassess. Consult doctor as necessary.
    ** Based on my experience after a strained ankle in 2010.
    ** Form is more important than pace — as your form gets efficient your pace will get faster but it's most important to stay healthy.
    My recent post Ironman 70.3 Boise Race Report
    - Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 4:35 pm
      
      Good advice. Thanks, Stef..
Tara McCay on August 8, 2012 at 10:11 am

Congratulations! You go girl!!!
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 10:31 am
  
  Thanks, Tara! You are an inspiration to me!
dawn on August 8, 2012 at 7:42 am

Dear Deb,
Good luck with your new challenge! I know you will meet it with courage and determination. I am also getting into a new training routine right now, so maybe we can help each other out. (I will send my ideas in an email.) I hope you will briefly consult your physio for daily exercises to keep those ankles healthy! And please don't cringe. Your beauty as a person transcends all! Love, Dawn
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 10:32 am
  
  Oh, Dawn – thank you for these kind words. And please do email me about how we can support each other! Much love to you.
Ginger on August 8, 2012 at 7:15 am

You're terrific, Debra. Can't wait to see all your progress. I know you'll inspire us all!
My recent post T-Shirts: Friend or Foe
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 10:33 am
  
  Thanks, Ginger! One of my inspirations is our upcoming post-5k fall shopping trip!
Amy on August 8, 2012 at 6:27 am

You go girl!
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 6:37 am
  
  Thanks, Amy! Second run was this morning!
Barbara on August 7, 2012 at 11:49 pm

You are courageous–you'll do it!
- Debra Woog on August 8, 2012 at 5:05 am
  
  Thank you!
Kelly Ann Matuskiewicz on August 7, 2012 at 8:30 pm

Rock on Debra!
Vulnerability is SO hip – all the cool kids are doing it. 😉
- Debra Woog on August 7, 2012 at 8:34 pm
  
  Tune in to see if it's healing as well as hip!
Nance on August 7, 2012 at 8:28 pm

Not able to watch the video (kids in room), but YOU CAN DO IT!
- Debra Woog on August 7, 2012 at 8:32 pm
  
  The video is embarrassing but there's no explicit content! 🙂