What do you know?

I'm liking it!

So after all that serious thinking I still had to face the fact it didn't mean nothing if I didn't start to run. It's a lot more glamorous to think about being a runner than to say, go run three miles.

I jogged a couple times on old shoes and knew I needed to invest in new ones. At the same time I found a great pair of running pants--destiny!

I also met with Carliss at my YMCA to get schooled again in weightlifting in order to begin getting stronger. I've found that cardio and weightlifting done together are what actually changes my body.

It was hard at first. In fact, I started by running 5 minutes, walking 2 minutes, running 5 and so on until it added up to 25 minutes. Then I ran 7, walked 2 until it added up to 30 minutes. Then I ran 9 and walked 1. Then I ran 15 and walked 1. Finally I was ready to just run for 30 minutes. Over the weeks I've built up to where I can run comfortably for 40 minutes.

My biggest surprise has been how much fun it's been to run with Maya (my australian shepherd). It took us a little time to figure it out. I couldn't have her off-leash when we ran because it was too much work to know where she was all the time (I like to run with music so I couldn't hear her). I thought she'd hate being on a leash for 30 minutes. But it's actually worked out great - I think she just likes going along. I love having her because it feels like added security (I pay attention to what she pays attention to and usually know if someone is approaching from a direction I haven't seen) and because she likes to run faster than I do. It's a little added motivation. It's annoying how much easier it is for her though.

I've been able, except when sick, to manage about three runs/workouts a week. I'm pretty proud of that. And I can't wait for the days to get longer - it can be hard to squeeze in that run after work before it gets dark.