Back to Running

During the past few weeks, the desire to run has been growing in my heart. I love running, but it's been several months since I last did it. And generally speaking, the hardest time for me to run is during the time it takes to get acclimated to it, which for me is about two weeks. But today, I finally decided to do it, and before I could change my mind, I told Rachel that I was going to go for a run after work.

I have two primary motivators driving me to run. One is I know how much I love and need it. The other is that I am getting quite flabby. When I tell my nine-month-pregnant-wife I'm getting fat, she just rolls her eyes and says, "Dear, you have no room to talk." But I'm tired of looking down and seeing my belly stick out. I'm tired of subconsciously sucking in my stomach whenever I'm standing up or moving around And I'm tired of just generally being a couch potato. Sure, I get out and go for walks or hikes, but those are infrequent and obviously aren't enough to use up all the Calories I've consumed over the past several months.

When I left work today, I was excited about going for a run, but by the time I got home, I was in more of a 'meh' attitude about it. Rachel told me all about her day, and I almost succumbed to the couch which was loudly calling my name. But I changed into some shorts and running shoes, put the leash on Sonny, and headed out.

I won't lie, I was a bit disappointed with how I did. I ran three miles in 33 minutes and 15 seconds. This is the same route which I had down to about 22 minutes last year. I had to walk quite a ways today too. I know this was my first time out, but I quickly realized just how badly out of shape I am. It's going to be a long journey back to where I was.

BUT.....I've made that first step. I now know where I'm at. I can see how far I need to go. And I've tasted the joy I experience running. The next couple of weeks are going to be more misery than joy, but I remember what it's like to lose myself in the run: to live in the rhythm of my breathing, to run and not grow weary, to go several miles and wish for more. That remembrance will help drive me to push through the initial pain. I know what's coming.....

I'll keep you posted on my progress. :D