I actually can run!

So, with all this talk of running and triathlons, you might think that I'm going to start with a 5K next week and run a marathon in a month or so. ;)

Or not.

What I am going to do is follow a program dubbed the C25K, or "couch to 5K". It's a "gentle" introduction to running that claims to take you from couch potato to running a 5K in 9 weeks.

My first reaction when looking at week one was skepticism. I have never been a runner, and while it may be a "gentle" introduction, I did not think I could even run for the 60 seconds it asked without having to stop and walk.

But, I'm not giving up on things before even trying them anymore.

So, I took my kids to the sitter, and headed to the indoor track with my running shoes, inhaler (for asthma) and water.

Once I changed my shoes and started the 5 minute warm up, I realized a flaw in my plan. I had nothing to time my running and walking segments. There was a giant clock on the wall, but it didn't have a second counter. I was stuck. I could head home, but I didn't have enough time to go back and run then. Or, I could make do with only being able to change my pace at the minute marks.

So, when I finished walking for 5 minutes, I started to run. I was expecting to get hit with that feeling I remember from high school gym class. That "bla! I don't want to run; I'll walk instead" feeling. It didn't come. I realized that this wasn't as hard as I thought and when that clock changed minutes and it was time to walk again, I felt like I could even run for longer.

So, rather then doing 20 minutes, of 60 seconds running and 90 seconds walking, I did 20 minutes, where I ran for 60 seconds and walked for 60 seconds.

How did I feel afterwards? Amazing. Really bloody amazing. I don't think it was the runners high that everyone talks about, but rather a feeling of accomplishment. Running has always been one of those things that I've put in the category of "can't". I still have a long ways to go, but I've made a solid start.

For the record, the new shoes felt great. My ankles and knees feel fine, and less stressed then they do on a hike.