I’m NOT Sporty!

I have always joked that the only way that I am going to run is if someone is chasing me. I run a lot in my dreams because I usually am being chased and my adrenaline never fails me. In reality I have always been a fast walker but never thought about running. I have a friend who is now a runner and 2 years ago when we would go for a walk in my neighborhood he would be begging me to slow down. Walking has always been a nice form of exercise for me because I love looking around and taking in the scenery and it doesn’t take any coordination. I am one of the clumsiest people you could ever meet. I have never played a sport, I can’t roller blade, ice skate, ski or snowboard and even tubing down a river is an adventure to me. I simply am not sporty.

I think that is why I am enjoying running so much. It doesn’t require any real skill and it makes me feel great. My mother constantly worries about my asthma and my bad back, but honestly I have not had an asthma attack since I started running in January and my back feels better on days I run. I am really happy to get out and get some exercise and running has a calming affect on me too. I get to clear my head and just let go for an hour. Plus I get some fresh air and I’m getting tan!

Last week I got back on track after 2 weeks off and I had a break through. I ran 2.9 miles (in a row!) on Friday. I was so excited when I realized how well I had done. I started jogging in January to prepare for a 5K next month and it has seemed like a pipe dream for the last couple of months. I have been able to run a mile straight but then I lose steam and have to walk for another half mile to mile before I can run again. Last week was different and I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. A year ago I walked a 5K and I was wiped out. I was 20 pounds heavier and I felt like I could never run a mile let alone 3.1 miles. Now I am going to run that same 5K this year with my friend Brooke who just lost 70 pounds (okay, she’s going to run while I jog) and I am planning on running one next weekend to prove to myself that I can do it. I think it's a thing that they have to have medics at all races so I'll be fine :)