runnin', runnin'

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I've always kind of wanted to be a runner. I think I like the idea of running (in the same way I like the idea of writing a book or painting my walls or reading all the books I bought that are just sitting on my bookshelf … sounds great in theory), and sometimes when people meet me they say, "Are you a runner?" And I have to shamefully say, "No. I was a sprinter and jumper in high school, though! And I have good genes and a decent metabolism."

Our P.E. teacher made us run 1.5 miles twice a month and it wasn't bad, but I was in a lot better shape then. I even enjoyed running the mile in volleyball practice every week, but that's because after 7 minutes, you were done. It wasn't a lot of time to think about whether or not you were enjoying yourself. My biggest problem with running in the past seems to be boredom … I don't know what to think about and so I usually think, Okay, I want to stop. I'm ready to stop. Yeah, I should stop.

I've started a running program called Couch to 10K. It's 13 weeks and apparently at the end of it, I'm supposed to be able to run 6.21 miles. And I know a couple other people at work who are doing it (like almost done with it) and I kind of want to be in that club. Kind of really. I want to be a runner.

So I started the first workout on Sunday, about 2.5 miles of walking and running. I made a CD mix of upbeat songs so when I run, I'm saying the lyrics in my head instead of thinking about running. Sunday's workout felt good, but I was ready to get off after 34 minutes on the treadmill. At work yesterday I started feeling sick and by the time I drove home at 3 p.m., I felt like I was going to throw up or pass out; I didn't know what was wrong with me. I got home and Nate was there and I laid down. Nate got some dinner for me and after eating I felt miraculously better.

I was telling one of my coworkers, who is a runner, that I wanted to start this 13-week program, and she said, "Oh yeah, I know a guy who did that and he lost 60 pounds!" I'm pretty sure I would die if I lost 60 pounds … so, that's a pretty good deal. I become a runner and I get to eat a lot. Win. Win.