I run Therefore...I'm Stupid.

I am not a runner.

Not physically, spiritually, or metaphorically. Well, I do "run" to the store. I "run" errands, but that is the extent of it. I have never enjoyed -- or seen the purpose in -- running for the sake of running/exercise/enjoyment or whatever other reason people have to do so. Running is for escape, or defense, or to get to something first (not a finish line, I'm thinking of running to get a head of that group of 8 piling out of the car in the restaurant parking lot).

Now, I can sprint, don't get me wrong. I can sprint fast. I pride myself on my many Elementary and Middle School Field Day ribbons in the 50 and 100 Yard dash. Look out, I'll smoke ya'.

However.

In the real world, people run. And they like it! Chris runs. He seems to marginally like it. I've tried. Years ago, before children were even a blip on the screen, I tried to run with Chris. I thought, huh, wouldn't this be something nice -- and healthy for us -- that we could do together. (Of course, I can also give you a million other exercises that trump running and are probably billed as better for you, just so I have back up when faced with a person who credits running as their health plan.) No dice. It didn't work. I couldn't even do a mile. Actually, once, I did a slow jog. I actually and honestly jogged 2.2 miles around on a trail. I was so proud of myself! But I never did it again. Walking I can do, fast too. I can probably walk as fast as a lot of people jog. But it's not running.

So, fast forward to the now. And, I've decided that I am going to run a 5K. That's 5 Kilometers, better known as 3.1 miles. In November. Last year, Chris trained and ran a half marathon. He had a physical exam not too long afterwards, and had rave reviews from his doctor. We had a great time watching him, and cheering him on. And now it's about time for the weather to finally turn a little cooler, and he will be able to start training again. And crazy me, thinking that maybe my body will change into some super woman, has decided that I will try the 5K.

I don't know why I think I can do this. I need to find the will to push myself I suppose. Challenge myself. You see, the skin above my knees seems to think it is related more to an elephant than an under 40, thin, healthy person. It is trying to run away from me. I am pretty sure I am the only one to notice this, and if you see me on the street somewhere, feel free to look and tell me what you think. But I feel it is the beginning of the end. For drama's sake of course. So last night, during Greta's dance class, Chris and I brought Clara's jogging stroller (see, running even has a hold on the materialistic industry of baby gear!) and went for a very brisk walk. It is a nice neighborhood, scenic for walking, and a little hilly. It was pushing me to the max, seeing as my allergies are full blown and my asthma has me toughening my abs with each cough. Not making excuses though...really I'm not. So we walked. And near the end, Chris said why don't we try running the last little bit. By little bit, we're talking like 2/10 of a mile at the most. The MOST. After a little whining, I relent. I suck. I have the mental and physical stamina of a bassett hound. I was so afraid of gasping for breath at the end, I stopped early. I am pathetic.

"You need to toughen your mental game." Coach Husband so lovingly instructed me.

So...The Biggest Loser was on t.v. last night. Angry that we couldn't watch what has now become the highlight of our workweek evenings -- Hell's Kitchen (post to come raving about that show soon) -- I was content to let Chris channel surf and I was just hanging out, maybe would read my book. But, the t.v. settled on Loser, and I actually have always found it an interesting show. These grossly obese people battle for their lives to see who can lose the most weight. At first, I thought this show was a joke, but over the years have come to learn a lot from these folks. Their perserverance, struggles, their heartaches and injuries and all they overcome sends such a powerful message. Last night, their first challenge on their first day was to run a mile. They scoffed, they laughed, they knew it was like asking the average person to do an Ironman with no preparation. Yet, they were bound and determined to finish. And they did. 2 of them had to be hospitalized, one woman who actually crawled to the finish line with help from the others -- actually her opponents-- just to say she finished and ran a mile.

I look at these people, and I feel motivated and challenged. I am not looking to change my life, I am looking to do something that my mind doesn't want to do, but that I should be perfectly capable of achieving with some oomph. It's been a while since I've had to practice to do something, musical instruments, a sport, etc. While there are so many kinks to work out, I am searching for the mental stamina, as I work on my physical game, to achieve my goal. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to share. I'm not looking to become some lifelong runner, just to do something I never thought I'd do.

Run on.