Sarah the Runner

Have I mentioned that I started running?

I didn't think so.

Well, I did. I started a couple weeks ago. I've gotten out there about a half dozen times and I'm thinking it may just become permanent in my "routine" (not that I have much of a routine).

Running has always had a presence around my life, just not in my life. My dad ran track in high school and has been regularly running marathons for the last few years. He always wanted my brother or I to take to running, but we tended to be lazy. We were more intellectual and/or artistic than athletic. I've always said I'm vertically and athletically challenged. Not only was I never interested in running, I wasn't interested in exercise of any kind. I'm not sure what changed a few years ago, but I suddenly became aware of my body in more ways than the typical "I look fat." "I look thin." "I weigh ###." I also exploited exercise as a fantastic way to get through any emotional time in my life. While B was gone I was going to the gym at least 3 times a week, usually more. I was in the best shape of my life and I felt good.

I moved to LA and B came home and my exercise routine took a severe pounding. I went to the gym once with B, but I did not like it. After going to a brand new gym at home (on the AF base), the gym in a gym concept here (all the equipment is inside a large gymnasium complete with giant scoreboard hanging from the center of the ceiling) left alot to be desired. I just did not feel comfortable. I bought a couple workout DVDs and enjoy them every once in awhile, but I wasn't getting in the groove with them. I tried replicating some of my exercises from the gym at home, but wasn't feeling that either. A couple weekends ago I talked B into jogging with me. I'm so NOT a runner, but my body was craving some exersion. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin if I don't do something to break out in a decent sweat. (Is that just me?)

Since that Saturday I've gone every couple days depending on the day of the week and the weather. I've gotten better too! I've steadily been going a little bit further every time. Today was a little rough because it's super humid (about 90%). I hadn't really run in humidity before. We've been in a rain spell the last like 5 days and before that it was gorgeous spring weather that was a dream to run in. I'm up to running about a half mile at a decent slow pace and I'm not exhausted when I'm finished. More than anything I don't want to push myself too hard. I want to enjoy running so that I'll keep doing it. If my dad can run marathons on a regular basis, then surely I can run a little bit a few times a week. My next goal will be to work up to a mile - then I'll feel super accomplished!

So, all the typing just to tell everyone (or my 2 readers) that I started running.

Oh and I still love me some Wii Fit for a fun in-home workout! :)

S.