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!