Run

I'm learning how to run.

I'm not kidding when I say learning. I'm the most uncoordinated, and unathletic (I know that's not really a word) I have ever met. The only reason I wasn't picked last on the sport teams at school recesses was because one of the captains had a crush on me. Although I did get picked 2nd last on several occasions when he wasn't there.

It was always between me that the kid who could hardly lift up the bat. Yes. I was THAT bad.

The only thing I ever did well at athletically was when the school did those periodic fitness tests. The thing I would kick butt at were how many crunches I could do in a minute. I had freakishly strong ab muscles. I currently keep them safe under lock and key (aka tummy chub). It's VERY good at protecting them. And just so you know, I lost the ab crunching title many, many, sad years ago.

But I have several friends who are into running. They look lean and fit. I want to look lean and fit. I also would like to have the discipline to actually push my body to another point. Have a goal, and reach it!

My weight only really began to be a struggle after I got married. I married a delightful man who has the same food impulses that I do. And it's been a glorious 3 years! We would eat night snack with the kids...and then we would eat night snack after the kids went to bed. Mmmmm.

So really all weight gain has been my fault. I can't blame it on genetics, thyroid issues or anything medical. It's simply the math that I ate more than I should, and was extremely lazy. I did diet a year ago. I did a protein diet, and it really does work! I dropped 16 pounds. And then I started eating normal food again and put it all back on.

I decided I needed a better plan. Something that made sense. Something that I could manage. And then the brainwave hit me:

Eat a reasonable number of calories and exercise.

There it was. BING! The light went on. Revolutionary I know. I'm right up there with Thomas Edison. And so looking at my options, I decided running would be the best way to go. Still haven't figured out why I thought that, but I guess seeing the success my friends have all had, it was encouraging.

My husband is all into this too. We bought a Bowflex for him and it's wonderful. I try to do some weight training too as that is really what burns the fat off my jiggly arms. And then we bought a treadmill.

Treadmill vs outside running is sometimes a running discussion. I, however, look like a tomato ready for the plucking after my run. Wait. A tomato in the rain ready for plucking. That's more like it. And so I was super self-conscious about my hot, glowing face. That and...well I suck at running. What I like about the treadmill besides the comfort of home, is that I can run "uphill" and that it is very encouraging. That little strip of running pad just doesn't stop. Unlike me. I would stop. So it is a very good trainer.

I started running 3 weeks ago. Last week was a right off as I had a brutal cold, did hardcore interval training on Monday and fatigued my muscles into agreeing that I was a wimp.

Yesterday, I finally hit a goal. 2 miles! I know. To some people, that is a warm up lap. But to me, I was wondering if I was running to meet my Maker.  To sound more impressive, that's more than running 3K.

But to anyone starting to run, take encouragement from my attempts. I have mild asthma, I can hardly run in a straight line, and death becomes me 5 steps in. If I can do this, so can you. AND, here's a great playlist that helped me hit my 2 miles!

(I run at a speed alternating between 5.0, incline 2.0 and 5.5, incline 1.0 and this list takes me straight to the end after my 3 minute warmup. It's a 353 calorie workout.)

Jeremy Riddle - You are good
David Crowder Band - O Praise Him
The Fray - Heartbeat
Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait

Mumford & Sons are one of my ultimate favourite bands. I keep them for last because there is nothing like a banjo that can push me forward. (don't knock the banjo until you've listened to these fine young musicians!)

The Fray is also a favourite band. This song is perfect in the middle for me. And the other 2 artists are great artists, but their music doesn't push me as much as I need later on, so they get first pickings.

I'm hoping to hit 5K by mid-November. I don't know how much more pushing I will do. That's a really long workout past 5K, and unless I develop a solid and divine love for running, I hardly think more than that is worth it.

I just need something to uncover these abs of steel from the good ole days.