~* My New Thing *~

Apparently running is my new thing. I did my first 5k in April. I did my second one this past Saturday. I'm registered for my third at the end of June. How did this happen??

I have no clue. It is awesome to be able to do something I was unable to do for so long. I was a severely asthmatic child, and I got winded running down the stairs, so this is an accomplishment for me. I did the Color Run in Baltimore this past weekend, and I finished in roughly 35 minutes. 7 full minutes quicker than my first run. AND I actually ran most of it. I'm trying to get to 30 minutes by the next one.

Here I am, all smurfed up on Saturday.

~* At Least I Finished *~

So, I ran my very first 5K yesterday. Well, more like jog-walked. My foot is still not 100%, and it was a trail run, so I didn't push it. I'm smart enough not to hurt myself more than necessary, but I did get a little running in. I'm not excited about the time, but it was close to my goal. I figured I could do it in about 40minutes, I came in at 42:07. It was weird, I was "running" the last stretch because I wanted to run across the finish line, and out of nowhere, my right nostril decided to stop working. I couldn't breathe and I started to panic a little bit. BUT- I did it. I can say I finished. And that is one less goal to accomplish this year.

~* And I Was Running *~

Thinking of Forrest Gump.

I did it!! I freakin' ran today!!! It was only for 60 seconds at a time, thanks to my C25K app on my nifty iPhone, but it was definitely a run. And it felt amazing. I feel like for the first time in my life, I have a pretty solid grip on my breathing control and belief in my no-longer-smokers-lungs' capacity, so that takes a lot of the scariness out of it. I actually felt like I could have run a little longer than a minute at a time, but I figure these people designed this app with some kind of insider info, and I should probably just trust their judgement.

I couldn't have done it without some incredible inspiration from one of my clients and the genius who helped me pick out my running shoes. I think he was spot-on with the barefoot style- I love them! And he suggested we run this weekend- just a short run- but his support means the world to me. I am such an incredibly lucky person, to be blessed with so many amazing people in my life.

I can't wait for the Run for the Ribbons 5K in 4 weeks, and then the Color Run in Baltimore!! I'm so excited to be going "home", even if just for a weekend!!!!

~* Case Of The Mondays *~

Yep, I've got it. Definite case of the Mondays, and I'm ready for it to be gone. I have a wicked sinus infection. So rough that I cancelled all of my clients today. I hate that shit. I hate not working. Plus, it's only 10am. What the hell am I gonna do with the rest of the day???  I damn sure better feel better tomorrow. I'm going to work anyway.

But I can't complain about being miserable too much today. I had such a great weekend that today never stood a chance. Friday, I went to see J. We went in search of running shoes for me, with no luck. Then we had a quiet night with some James Bond. Saturday, we spent the day in Raleigh. We checked out the Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of History, then went to Brasa, a Brazilian steakhouse, for lunch. Ohmyholyfood! It was amazing.

From lunch, we ventured over to the mall, where I had booked him a massage. Well, I had booked both of us a massage, but 2 of their massage therapists were sick, so I let him have it. He treated me to some hand-made bath bombs from Lush, which smell amazing, and I got my iPhone fixed. We had dinner at a snooty little joint called BuKu, which was not what I expected, but the sushi was delicious. Then we waited for an hour for dessert at the Melting Pot- worth every minute, by the way.

Sunday, I was supposed to take my first Crossfit class, but I woke up with my throat on fire. I'm still disappointed. I really really want to take this damn class. I guess there's always next Sunday. So, instead of getting ready for the class, J made breakfast and we fell asleep on the couch watching some comedy. Pretty perfect Sunday morning, actually.

And now that I've rambled on and documented my amazing weekend for posterity, it's time to get my study on.

~* Still Not A Runner...Yet *~

BUT- I'm getting running shoes tomorrow. I can't believe how excited I am about that. It's so weird...to go from the unathletic, asthmatic, clumsy kid to now. Well, I'm still the clumsy kid, but ya can't win 'em all.

I still need to register for the 5k in April, but I'll do it soon. I'm a little nervous, because I found out it's not a road run, it's like over-the-river-and-through-the-woods...but if I can make it without breaking an ankle, I think it will be fun. And I just found out today that registration for the Color Run in Charlotte opens next week, and the run is in October. I'm super-excited about that one because it's a LOT closer and I might be able to persuade a few people that I know to do it with me. And, there's this guy I know (wink, wink) who said he will run with me on the weekends to help me prep for all of this.

I know I'm rambling. I'm tired, and I'm waiting for the laundry to stop. And because I'm tired, I'm even worse than usual with words. I wish I could adequately convey my level of excitement and anticipation and accomplishment. I don't know how many people have been reading this, but a WHIIIIIILE back, I put up a picture of a slightly-pudgy looking me. I was at about 29% body fat when I took that picture. Way less healthy than I thought I was. The changes I've made in my life have affected my body (down to 20% body fat) and my outlook on so many things. I'm looking forward to trying all kinds of new things this year. I'll be running, and I'm trying my very first Crossfit class this weekend. I'm terrified of that, so wish me luck!!

Dryer finally stopped. Rambling complete.

~* Crushing Goals *~

I went shopping for new jeans today. Not because I really HAD to...I have probably a dozen-ish pairs of jeans. But I had noticed that lately, they weren't fitting quite right. They were too...loose. Wait, that doesn't sound right...the scale isn't moving. My legs and my rear end seem bigger, although I haven't measured in a while...But yep, sure enough, my jeans are too big. So, today, I got my first 2 pairs of SIZE 4 jeans since high school!!! Size freakin' 4!!!

Also, I did my second full 5k on the treadmill today in preparation for the mess I've signed myself up for in the upcoming months. I cut 3 minutes off my time!! Granted, I've just been walking. I don't wanna run until I get running shoes, but still...I feel like it's progress.

Oh yeah, I don't think I mentioned it- after I do this first 5k in April, I signed up for the Baltimore Color Run on May 11. I'm super-excited about this one. I'll be running on a team with some people I haven't seen in a few years, and it's supposed to be just a really fun time. Check it out- http://thecolorrun.com/baltimore/ .

Anyway, the moral of the story- hard work pays off.

~* Running Down A Dream *~

Or a nightmare, possibly.

I have promised one of my clients that, because of her commitment to me and her training program, I will run a 5k with her at the beginning of April. WTF was I thinking?? I'm not a runner. Well, not yet anyway.

I have until April 6 to change that. I'm simultaneously excited and terrified. I'm looking forward to pushing my body outside of its comfort zone, trying something new, and proving my dedication to my clients. But, I am scared to death. I had asthma really bad as a child, and every time I start to lose my breath, I flash back to what that was like and I panic. Then, of course, breathing is even harder, so I panic more, and it's a vicious cycle.

I downloaded an app onto my phone that a few people recommended to me, called C25K (couch to 5k), which will take me step by step from a "couch potato" to running a 5K in 8 weeks. Hopefully, it's a good app. I also have enlisted the help of my "male friend" to find a good pair of running shoes. He's good with that kind of thing. He just ran the Krispy Kreme challenge yesterday, and he runs for PT all the time, so I trust his opinion.

I'll keep this updated with my progress. Cross your fingers that I don't break an ankle or something stupid like that.