Learning to Run

Photo Credit: Getty Images Stock

I recall being on the long distance running team in middle-school. I'm not sure why. I don't remember actually enjoying it, but I guess I must have. I remember running around Waterloo Park, which was really beautiful, so I'm sure that helped. For years I have wanted to become a runner. The idea of a runner's high makes me want it! I've always been fascinated with runners because the ones that are serious about it LOVE it. I've heard about the kind of experiences people have while running; moments of real connection with themselves, moments of meditation with God, moments of exhilaration and wanted it for myself. Joel's always wanted me to start running as well so that I would run with him.

SO, for over a year I've been thinking of teaching myself to run. I tried it once last summer. I ran as far as I could, then huffed and puffed in agony all the way home, vowing to not run again. It was awful!! Then I heard about a program that actually teaches you to run in 8 weeks. You go from not being able to run at all, to running 2.25 miles by the end of 8 weeks. Now, I know that's no marathon, but if I could run 2.25 miles without stopping I think I'd be pretty happy. I also saw programs on how to train for a 5 K, 10K and marathon. Not sure I'll ever get that far, but at least I'm starting.

So last night was day number one. I didn't even run! I was supposed to walk briskly for 30 minutes. Enough to get my heart pumping, but not to be out of breath. Today I'm supposed to rest. By Thursday of this week I'll be walking for 5 minutes, running for 30 seconds, and repeating that for my 30 minutes. Sounds super easy to me. The the amount of jogging time increases (by 30 seconds at a time). I can see how it could work. Now I'm just hoping I have the dedication to stick with it.

It should help that my dear friend Jenn actually GAVE me a jogging stroller to use!! So now on the days Obi is in school, Lyric and I can do my training together. I'm really excited.

So I'm going to try to keep posting in here about how I'm doing. Maybe with that accountability I'll be able to stick with it. I've always done quite a bit of walking and biking, so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to manage this. We'll just see if my old body can handle it :)

Here's to starting a new sport!!

Mel