Running Fool

This week I have really been concentrating on my running in the evenings. I decided that I needed to give myself a little push. When I started running back in the summer, everything about it was a challenge. I started at a 5.0 speed on the treadmill. And it was hard. My friend Jana, told me I needed to try to run about a 10 minute mile. It was hard. Seriously hard. So, I kept pushing and ended up getting shinsplints and couldn't do the midnight run, which I had planned for my first 5K. So, I let it slide to back burner. Maybe running wasn't for me. After a few weeks, the thoughts started creeping back. I could do this. But would I push myself? So, I looked around for a 5K to push me towards my goal. I found one. So, back on the treadmill I hopped. I realized that I was a little angry with myself. I wasn't pushing the way I needed to. I was content to get on the treadmill, do a 5 minute warm up, and then run on and off for the next 15 minutes. That isn't going to cut it. So, I decided that I was going to see what I could do. First, I started with just upping my base run from 5.5 to 6.0. And it felt so good. A lot easier. Which to me, was a little strange. So, 6.0 felt so good, I decided to see what 6.5 felt like. Even better. So, I started lengthening my time from 20 minutes on the treadmill from start to finish to 22. Not much, but since I had increased my speed, it was. Monday night, I was trucking along, at my 6.0 speed and alternating between the walking and running, since my lung capacity isn't that great and I felt it.

It was a rush like I have never felt before. Just pure energy sizzling through my body. I was sweaty and breathing hard, but my body felt alive. Then I realized it. THIS is why people become addicted to running. So, I decided to increase my speed up to 7.0, just to see if I could do it. I could handle at least a minute of that and then I could cool down. It was like my legs had a mind of their own, there was no pain in my body and it felt so good to be running like that.

Last night, I increased my total time to 30 minutes and I alternated between 6.5 and walking and 7.0 and walking. I try to run those speeds for 2 minutes and then walk for 1 minute. I feel like my legs could handle the distance but my lungs can't. So, I need to work on increasing my lung capacity. Also, I am getting some serious blisters on my big toes. Any suggestions? I think my feet sweat a lot and I am wearing thin socks, so that could be the problem. Also, does anyone have a favorite sports bra? I love my Nike ones, but I have to wear two. But that could just be a curse of the big bubbies. Is there any gear you can't live without? Since I am officially addicted now, I need all the gadgets.

I never thought I would be one of those people.