Never Runners

I've talked about the Skit Guys before several times.  I love their stuff.  This happens to be a favorite among the youth over the past several years.  It does have a point that goes along with it for purposes of teaching, but right now I'm going to use it as a metaphor for how I feel about running.  (Take the time to watch it because it really is hilarious and I can so relate.)

http://skitguys.com/videos/item/never-runners

Yeah, that basically sums it up for me.  I have tried since January 2 to do this running thing.  I feel like I have given it an honest, determined effort.  And although I'm not completely ready to throw in the towel, I'm getting fairly close.  I kind of like the idea of being on a golf cart, racing up next to a runner and giving them a swift kick...okay, just kidding, I would never do that...most likely.

I read blogs, I talk to people, and I don't get it.  How can all of these people love running so much and I hate it so much?  I have come to the conclusion (brace yourselves for this one) that it's okay that I don't love running even though so many others seems to.  It is okay that Jay loves to run, run, run and that I would rather walk, walk, walk...or ride.  It is okay that I see friends running 5k's and talking about how great it feels to accomplish that goal and I would rather cheer them on at the finish line or walk it instead.  It is okay that I do not enjoy running.

Because I do enjoy walking.  In fact, I love walking.  I realize that runners may say this is an excuse for laziness.  I disagree.  If I said I hated running and did nothing, maybe.  But I don't.  I have walked pretty faithfully since 1997 when I started working in Lawrenceville.  There have been only a handful of times since then that I fell off my walking wagon, but they have been very few and far between.

I made this serious attempt at running because I had never really tried.  I really, really hoped I would come to love it.  I don't.  And it has made me feel like a failure or that people will think less of me, or think I'm a quitter.  Last night I decided that is silly.  Why am I doing this to myself?  For others?  That is ridiculous.  The point of exercise is for health and mind...in my opinion.  I have never dreaded taking a big walk...ever.  I look forward to it.  I love the peace.  I love being out in the air, feeling the sun, smelling the outdoors.  I love talking to God on the walk.  I love how it makes me feel.

The only high points for me on the running so far:  it burns more calories and occasionally I do feel good when I'm done (but only in the early part when I was running in five minute increments).

I began this silliness on the treadmill in the basement since it was winter, and I could read, which is about the only way I can stand to be on a treadmill.  Not even watching the television keeps me distracted enough on that thing.  I thought that when it was nice enough to run outside, that would be the thing that pushed me over the edge...where I finally would gain that strong liking to this whole running experience, but my first attempt nearly resulted in me passing out.  I cannot figure out the breathing pattern (which I know sounds completely ridiculous), and I was pretty sure I might hyperventilate the entire time.  Jay said I was blue and he asked me if I was dying.  Nope, not yet.  (I'm starting to wonder if that is his plan.)

I tried again last week and it was okay, but again, there wasn't that "Oh, this is such a great feeling" realization washing over me.  I did a little interval training and felt decent afterwards.   I've read that is good for you.  I may try and stick with something like walking five minutes, running five and repeating that a couple times.  That way I'm burning more calories and also not in complete and total misery (or feeling the intense desire to trip Jay...only kidding, of course).

Jay and I are signed up for a 5k in late April.  I have been told this particular 5k is a fun, very laid-back event.  Although I'm still unsure about my ability to run/jog the entire 3.1 miles, at this point I'm going to try it.  Jay will just have to wait for me at the finish line...with a stretcher.