Learning to Run

So, as I mentioned in my first post, workout ruts are impossible to avoid. Maybe its all in my head due to my recent 26th birthday when for the first time I actually felt old, but I swear my ass is starting to sag! That is why I have decided to finally commit to taking up the one workout I absolutely detest doing, running. There's just something about the word that makes me cringe. It conjures up thoughts of excessive panting, out-of-breathlessness and horrible side cramps that make me want to curl up and die. But, alas, runners typically have nice asses. I embarked on my new goal at Planet Fitness because what better place to try something completely out of my comfort zone than the "judgement free zone"?

Now, I've tried to run in the past, quite unsuccessfully. I tried track and field in middle school, but I always chose the sprint and field activities (even though I had no speed or arm strength) since they didn't require any lasting endurance.  I've gone on the occasional jog around the Back Cove with friends but I always get left in the dust at about the 1/4 mile mark when my cramps kick in. Then there's those back-to-school and New Years resolution times of the year when all the cardio equipment at the gym is taken except for one last lonely treadmill which I reluctantly step upon for about 5 minutes until I spot someone about to get off their eliptical from across the gym and I make a beeline for it. But perhaps now that I'm spelling it out for all of the internet to see, I will actually go through with it!

I keep telling myself that if nothing else I need to do it for the sake of my dog who has an overabundance of puppy-like energy and desperately needs a running companion. There's just always so many more excuses not to do it than to do it; its too hot out, I don't want to be soaked in sweat, I'm too tired, my knees hurt when I run, etc. etc. etc. So, today is day #2 of learning to run. Made it 8 minutes on the treadmill today, up from 6 the other day during try #1. Going for 10 tomorrow...or the next day...