My sorry excuse for a running shoe

Today was day two of my introduction to running.  I can’t recall ever having set myself a running goal.  I have always professed myself a non-runner.  Scoffed at those who tried to tell me it was the best way to get exercise.  Thought: there must be something more fun I can do.  Anything is more fun than running.

Well, I’ve done it now.  Actually started a running program, and followed through for not one, but two days!  Here are my observations and experiences thus far:

Monday morning I woke up gung ho.  Ready to go from the “Couch to 5K.”  Psyched.  Found my window to run at 8:30am, and headed down the stairs to shoot out the door.  Only to discover that I don’t own a pair of running shoes.  It was a bit of a shock to me, too.  I figured they must be there, hiding in the  back closet or something.  No luck.

So, I chose the next best thing, a pair of sporty walking Clarks, and was off.  The walk/jog combination of this particular running program appealed to me.  It actually felt great to be out there, moving my body, breathing fresh air (with the cars whizzing by on my busy road, the quality of this air is in question, still…).  Twenty solid minutes.  I was pretty proud.

Later that day, I felt it.  Not horrible, but achy.  Like I had asked my body to do something new, and somewhat horrible.  Which, I suppose I did.

Today, I went for my second run.  I was a little less enthusiastic, having had a horrible night (babies can do that to you) and waking up with a sore throat.  Still, out I went.  Still no runners.  I got halfway down the block when the trouble started.  My pants started slipping.  Apparently, I have lost weight since the last time I wore my yoga pants (I was pregnant).  So, there I was, running down the street, constantly yanking on my pants.  Hoping they would hold up.  I think they did.  I hope so.  Otherwise, I pity the aforementioned cars whizzing by.

Oh, and about those non-runners.  Apparently they gave me a blister.  Which I burst today.  While running.

But, complete with limp and droopy pants, I made it out.  And I made it home.  Clearly, I still have a few kinks to work out.  But, the fact that I am working them out feels great.  In fact, I actually enjoyed both runs.  Which was a surprise.  So, am I thankful that I don’t have to run tomorrow?  Absolutely.  But, am I looking forward to Friday’s run?  You bet.

I’m as surprised as you are.

P.S. Got a pair of runners you love?  This non-runner would love to know.