Running

I've always wanted to be able to run. However, I have NEVER been able to run. I wasn't able to run as a kid, when the other kids seemed to be able to run forever, I was walking behind them. Somehow, I managed to never have to run a mile in school. I managed to skip out of PE every time there was a physical abilities test that required running. A few years ago I became a fierce walker and was proud of myself for jogging down a steep hill some of the time. But we've discussed my tendency to not stick with things I start, and the walking/running came to an end.

About 5 1/2 weeks ago, Big Ben and I decided to really challenge ourselves. I found a training program for "couch potato to 5k" on line. Yep... couch potato, that pretty well described my fitness level. And we assessed that it would be pretty appropriate timing to be ready to run a 5k (3.2 miles) by the 4th of July. That is, if the training program worked. If it could really take a complete non runner like myself to the point of being ready to run over 3 miles. The plan was reasonable, we only have to run for 20-30 minutes 3 times a week, we found a park in town where the kids are able to play while we run around.

We have been doing this program for 5 1/2 weeks now. On Saturday we accomplished quite a milestone. Big Ben and I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. In that amount of time I was able to run 1.25 miles and Big Ben ran almost 1.5. When I hit that 1 mile mark, I was so proud of myself... I have never in my life run a whole mile without stopping!

Even though I don't run very fast... in fact, I run quite slow, I'm proud to say that I am a RUNNER! Big Ben and I will be running a 5 k on July 4th! And I plan to keep improving from there.