the evolution of a runner

Jeff is teaching me how to run.

When I was in Israel, I was able to complete a 3 mile run a few times per week, and then came along the sad story named "plantar fasciitis" which has persisted to this day.

but, with orthotics, physical therapy, devotion to stretching, new sneakers, and just grinning and bearing the pain, ive decided to overcome my fear and attempt to run again.

i know that some people love running. i envy you people. i hate it. i hate every friggin' minute of the run. i hate the feeling of breathlessness. i hate that i start asking jeff how long we've been running when we've only gone 3 minutes.

but, i feel so good when im done that hopefully my distaste for the actual exercise will be overcome.

2 weeks ago we started slowly. 10 minutes. that was all. at 3 minutes, i thought there was NO WAY i would be able to finish TEN WHOLE MINUTES (i know, im kind of ridiculous, huh?).

well, low and behold, i persevered. i made it ten minutes without stopping. and it felt great!!! (afterwards, of course).

then, the next day 12 minutes. then 13. by the end of the week, i was at 16 whole minutes!

to you, my friends, this may not seem to be a big accomplishment. but running is hard. and 16 minutes in a row was really big news for me!

this past week, my goal was to be able to run all the way to Levi's school to pick him up. Jeff said i wasnt ready for that long a run yet, but i insisted on trying.

When i walked into Levi's school 22 minutes of straight running (jogging) later, sweating like a dog, probably looking dirty and red and disgusting, i was prouder than ever to pick up my boy and walk home.

so, here we are at week three. we took a little step back to 20 minutes and 21 minutes, but today, we are back up to 22 minutes....

when i get to 30 minutes, im going to buy myself a new lucky brand bag. its my treat to myself. and then i'll sign myself up for a real 5K.

i hope i can really do it. i think i can. i think i can.

i'll keep you all updated! wish me luck....