I can’t believe I’m doing this. But I’ve done it 4 times over the last week. Anyone that knows me knows it’s the last thing I would ever want to do.
I’m running*.
Gah! – just typing that makes me cringe. I HATE running. HATE. HATE. HATE. I always have. I think I always will.
At elementary school soccer practice I was always the kid fiddling with her shin guards and cleats so I didn’t have to do the 3-times-around-the-field running warm up. At high school soccer practice I dreaded the “suicide”** sprints our coach made us run after a lousy practice or game. There is a reason I played fullback or goalie. In college I even took Jogging – an honest to goodness 16-week class that I got credit for – hoping that I’d learn to love running. I didn’t. I ended up loathing every second of that class.
But, right now I can’t make it to my beloved trainer 3 times a week like I want. The thought of doing another round of 30-Day Shred or listening to Tony Horton’s cheerful encouragement in Power 90 in the unfinished basement is unbearable. So for almost 2 months I did nothing and felt like a slug.
Last week I finally loaded up the Couch to 5k app, tied on my shoes and headed out under the cover of dusk. And I survived. Although I wasn’t sure I would. The next 2 days I was in pain; like can barely walk kind of pain. But I did it 2 more times to finish the first week.
Tonight I started week 2 which, if you’re not familiar, ramps up the running time by 30 seconds each interval. I’m not going to lie – by the second run my inner dialogue went something like this: “You went through 2 labors without so much as a freaking Advil. You can run 20 more seconds, damn it!” And I did.
I’ll do it again on Saturday, then on again on Monday. Who knows – maybe by the fall I’ll sign up to run a 5k, but don’t count on it; I still hate running.
*It’s more of a jog/shuffle, really. I’m not sure anyone who saw me would call it running.
**I’m sure they’ve come up with a different name for those horrid sprints by now
i TOTALLY use the labor theory when working out and running too! c’mon kimi, you can go through 36 hours of labor but you want to walk after X amount of miles?!?!?! it always works. yay for you!
I give you alot of thumbs up etc. I want to try running and have asked you about it and everything. Maybe this time I will finally get off the couch and get motivates like you did. Because you have inspired me to try.
PS my 8 yr old dd likes playing goalie for the same reason you did. No running. Hehe
Yay! We can run together, on the beach, in HHI 🙂
that’s awesome you started running! I have been running a little here and there and definitely want to start doing more… a 5k is about my limit right now… but i bet i would be doing a lot better if i was still working out with you guys at Jen’s. Hopefully in the fall I can start again I miss that burn the next morning getting out of bed!
You go girl! I am so not a runner but I’m addicted to it. It’s my only alone time where I can collect my thoughts and not be gathering laundry or cleaning the kitchen. I’m slow but it’s not about speed, it’s about health and crossing the finish! Be proud!
Good for you!! That is awesome.