Stop complaining. Grab your shoes.

O.K. my right knee is killing me. I've been going, going, going all day and really need to ice it. This knee was a problem before we started. I'm honestly hoping that taking some weight off of it will help but I'm afraid that I have damage that might be a problem. I could just be stiff.

Today's run was cathartic and painful. It amazed me to feel like I was able to process through a lot of mental anguish just by putting one foot in front of the other. I didn't eat very much the day before and I definitely felt it. I was very lightheaded after our intervals. It is becoming very apparent to me that I am not going to be able to abuse myself and get what I want out of my body.

I'm proud of making it out today. I really just wanted to stay in my house and feel sorry for myself. It was kind of hard after reading a friend's email about training for her first marathon---in the hills of San Francisco. I think what she said was "it's hard for me to think about complaining running the hills when I'm thinking of all the kids I'm running for who just want to run." Good point. Stop complaining and grab your shoes.

So we had our first increase today, time and distance. I convinced A that we needed to start running 1:30. She thought she was being crafty leaving the recovery time at 5 minutes. I think she was a little sad when I told her she had added 3 extra minutes to our final time. At the end, though, she was as proud as me!

All I know is, it sure as hell is easier to run without the jogging stroller! I brought alot to the run with me today. Since my accident on Sat. night I have been terrified that I was going to be laid up for a while. I'm still sore for sure but I think I would have damaged my soul more by staying home. I've started this thing and I want to see it though. I've also been under the gun with getting Christmas stuff done for my boss and myself. It doesn't help that I have all of these extra things to do and no car seat yet to take little guy with me.

A. brought her grandkids with her today that just got into town. The older one was running circles around us. Her desire to run just for the joy of running was contagious. It was also inspiring. That's exactly the feeling I want to recapture.

I felt amazing when we were done. It's so sad to think that we were pushing ourselves at the slow pace we were going until you realize that 3 weeks ago this would have flat out killed me!

GO US!

Close to the Beginning

I am putting way too much pressure on myself to make this first post engaging and thought provoking. Let me make it simple.

This will be a blog about experiences as a new runner. I really don't know what brought me to this decision. I just feel like I could be embarking on an exciting new journey. I should probably make clear that I'm not looking to win. I'm looking to finish---finish whatever I think I should finish each day.

I really don't know what to expect. This could be as exciting as watching paint dry. My past history with even consistent exercise has been spotty at best. There's usually great flurries of activity followed by long periods of rest. The only thing I can do is listen to the thoughts flying around in my head that are full of hope and excitement.

It was recently brought to my attention that all you had to do to be a runner was run. You can't fake that. You can't buy it. You can't go to school for it. It doesn't matter how fast you run, how long you run or how well you run.

I remember liking to run as a kid and feeling my heart beating while I did. I want that feeling back.


Anyway, where I am at---Week Three. Weeks One and Two were spent running one minute and then walking five. We did six intervals. Plan to meet A tomorrow to start running 1:30 w/ 5 minute walk-X6 intervals.

Interval 4 kills. We have decided. Can't wait to feel how 1:30 will feel.

Oy, I'm old.