just a runner

So I'm still sore today (big surprise). I guess it has been longer than I thought since I've had steady exercise. I used to run around my neighborhood a few years ago. I ran every night for several months. It did wonders for my fitness, and I got to the point where I didn't hate it so much. But that was during the winter when it gets dark at 5 p.m., 40 degrees is nice, and no one ever wants to be outside. I felt nice and alone. But now that it's summer, everyone and their brother is out in their yard grilling or washing their car or talking on the phone or walking their dogs. I just try to tell myself: 'you're just a runner. you are invisible. when was the last time you gave more than 2 seconds of thought to a runner you saw on the road?'. That helps :). I will run tomorrow but I think this will get worse before it gets better.

goals

day 3 of this weird experiment of mine. I'm a little sore from my run, which surprised me. It feels like a drop in the ocean in the grand scheme of things, yet so huge for me because I actually managed to force myself to do something I strongly dislike. Anywho, I'm here to talk about goals since I'm not going to run today (I'm not giving up! keep on reading...). I've always found that for me it's best to set little goals. If I set too big of a goal I usually end up not accomplishing it, then I feel guilty which wears away my resolve faster than hate for running ever could. So I'm only going to plan my runs one run out--instead of a one month plan or something. My next run will be on Tuesday June 2, 2010. Now it is out for all of you (or two of you as the case may be ;)) to read and I will have to do it. That's part of the reason I decided to write this blog in the first place. Writing it down or telling someone I'm going to do something means I have to do it. That's just the way it is for me. Before I go, I have one more goal to impart: I will try very hard to run at least 3 times a week. (The chances of it being more than that are slim to none but I thought I'd put the "at least" in just in case.) There will be weeks where I am on vacation or working alot or it is simply too hot out, but I'll do my best.

hit the ground running

I sit at my computer sweaty, with labored breathing, and hands shaking to bring you news of my first run in probably years. I took my asthma inhaler before I left, grabbed a bottle of water, and set my favorite song on repeat. I was all ready to go. It's 80 degrees out at 6 p.m. I left my driveway in the dust, feeling good. About a block later my asthma kicked in. I walked about 20 feet and picked up running again. Another block... my legs started to hurt. Some more walking. Another block... I got that stabbing pain in my collar bone that means I'm not getting enough air. After another block I turned around to return home. I was about halfway home when a curious noise began to come through the filter of my music: an ice cream truck. Pop Goes The Weasel followed me all the way home. What kind of sick torture is that? If I drove an ice cream truck, I would be sure not to follow any red faced, mildly chubby runners around!

the first step

hello! I'm new at blogging so bear with me please :)

I have never liked running. I've always had asthma and terrible summer allergies, so the whole being outside doing physical activity thing has never been very appealing. However, I have struggled with my weight for several years now and I'm ready to make a change. I see people who love to run: how fit they are, how much energy they have, and just how they are generally happy. This is what I want. So I'm willing to make a temporary sacrifice while I learn to like to run so that eventually I will love it too.

Yesterday I bought my first pair of real running shoes that I actually intend to use for running on a regular basis. All winter (which is long where I live) I told myself "when summer comes, I'll start running." Well, summer has arrived and it won't get any more summery than this, so here I go.