About a week ago, my Boston BFF called me. Thanks to caller ID, I answered the phone, dismissing the traditional ‘Hello” and simply asking, “What’s up?” Without feeling the need to identify herself, she replied, “So, I hear you are running these days.” I pondered the statement. Running. I guess that’s the term although, I really think “shuffling” or even “tripping” is a much better descriptor.
The truth is, I have spent the last 9 weeks following the Couch to 5K program. It is a completely do-able program in that it only asks for 3 days a week and ups the running time in teeny tiny increments.
I began the program on a lonely, quiet road where very few people could see me, figuring if I failed only a few people would take notice. Much to my own shock, I didn’t fail. In fact, I haven’t missed a day. So, in this second day of my 9th week, I just “ran” for 30 straight minutes. Ideally this is supposed to be approximately 5K. Yeaaahhhh. For me it is almost exactly 2 miles. That’s right, I shuffle a 15 minute mile. Just call me Flash.
Moreover, my running form, or lack thereof, is comical. I know it and I expect people to laugh. I laugh. My shadow, which often passes me out of shear frustration, is fairly honest with the round belly in front and the butt waddling dutifully behind. I am sure that young people who see me run are dumbfounded at the sight and purists have burned their retinas watching me run by.
I’m ok with that. After 3 surgeries on my right foot and knee, I never thought running would be an option. But it is, and I am doing it. I feel pretty good about that. If you see a blue or gray mass stumbling by. . . it’s me. I still can’t call myself a runner and keep a straight face, but that is my goal!
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