I went for a run today. I'm inspired watching some of you run 5ks and 10ks, especially Pking, who is cranking them out. :) I used to be a runner, actually, when I was a child. My dad got me started when I was 9. It was something we did together. We ran lots of 5ks and 10ks and I racked up lots of 14 and under trophies which I no longer have. (easy to rack up as there are few dedicated female 14 and under runners!) Good times, good times. I didn't eat much as a child and I remember one time my mom served some imitation crab meat that I found very unappealing. I was told I had to eat it (or try it, I don't remember) or I could not go to the race in the morning. I was so opposed to this crab meat that I was really upset about this ultimatum-- but, I ate some because I really loved running.
There is a park near my house, and a couple months ago I was walking through it and there was a race! Finishers were gathering around, talking about their race times and eating free bagels. Further into the park people were crossing the finish line. I saw a child crossing the finish line and lots of people were cheering her on. I got so excited remembering the thrill of the finish line that I really desperately wanted to run through it myself. But there were tons of people around and that would have been embarrassing. And I wanted to run next to it as fast as I could but I was embarrassed about that, too. So I kind of jogged along, pretending like that was what I was doing anyway... silly me. :)
I got lazy when I was in middle school and quit running. I would run every once in a while but my heart wasn't in it. Most likely I was depressed, because middle school sucked. After that my dad went on to run 1 or 2 marathons, and then pull/tore a muscle in the last one and was told by his doctor never to run again. This saddens me because I would love to get my dad running again... I think he was a lot happier and healthier back then.
Anyway, I tried running a while back and it was not a success. I can dance vigorously or bicycle for more than an hour pretty easily, but I only ran for like 3-5 mins before my body said, "What the heck are you doing?" (It used stronger language, but I am cleaning it up for you guys. ;) Ouch, I was in pain. I guess biking is just easier, and dancing, while not less of a challenge for the heart at the rate I often do it, is not as much of a challenge on any particular muscle group because I can switch muscle groups anytime I want.
This run was much more successful than the last attempt. By stretching first and running in the grass instead of on the pavement, I ran for twenty minutes with only two short stops. Not much for some, but better than I thought I could do after last time!
I fear I may have a gain tomorrow. This morning's extreme loss was related to the fact that I ate an extremely small dinner last night. I didn't do it because of the challenge-- just ran out of time in between my regular job and my occasional night-time job caring for a developmentally disabled woman. It seemed fine, except that all day today I was very exhausted and depressed and I think it had to do with not eating enough yesterday. But, for today anyway, I like that that big loss made my chart look I have made up for last week!!
I still want to get some strength training today but I feel lacking in motivation. There is still time. I hope you are well and happy, buddies. :)
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