Monday, April 6, 2009

Still balancing, oh and I need some encouragement

Remember this post? You know, where I told you that Jim balances me? Well, we balance each other.
And Friday as we completed the second week of our eight week running program I was reminded why. The running program that I hate (and I won't even apologize for using that word), that I feel like a loser doing, and that I really really want to give up on. Until, as I was "cooling down" in the 6:15am heat and lovely Florida humidity, Jim said to me "Hey, its ok if you're not perfect at it, at least we are exercising, and I need you to get me up and motivated to keep going." And there is the balance. I have to tip the scales back sometimes as well.

Maybe I should back up.

You may know, and if not, are about to find out that two years ago we moved to southeast Florida from Northern Ohio. It was a big change in many ways. Many are amazingly positive, some are negative. One that is neither great or awful is the physical differences. It's hard to explain, but a friend said it best once when he said "In Ohio I am a bit out of shape, in Florida I am morbidly obese!" It's a bit of wake up. It's not just the stereotypical changes. I am not talking about the clothes, cosmetic surgery, or the cars. Sure, its a difference, but I don't care about those things. I haven't changed the way I dress (Jessica would still probably put money on me being the first to where a sweater with snowman buttons to a PTA meeting), the things I value, etc.

So let's just put it out there, sometimes it's hard to feel like you are in a sea of fit people and not be there yourself. I have often said that my weight didn't matter, but being fit did. The numbers on the scale don't mean as much to me as knowing that I am in shape. And the thing is, I could use some work.

We have taken great strides in eating better, but neither of us were really exercising. A few weeks ago Jim told me we should start exercising together. I, in a moment I will forever look back on with great regret, said "Why don't we start a running program?" And like that, it was done.

We found a program called "From the Couch to the 5K". Over the course of eight weeks, through interval training, you work your way through the program and are at the end, able to run a 5k. There are no promises for speed in the 5K, just the ability to endure and run the distance. Pretty simple right? Well, I would have thought so too. Then there was me on Friday, sweating and trying to breathe at 6:15 in the morning (and btw it's like 70 and humid at that point already).

I wanted to quit, and Jim kept encouraging me. I kept thinking, six more weeks, just get through it. Then the moment happened. I realized that he needed me for this. To get him up 45 minutes earlier than normal, to make him do this, to help us both. CRAP! It's my turn. I can't keep whining, and hoping we can quit. I have to make this happen, I have to be the balance. Did I already say CRAP!

How do you runners do it? Did you ever hate it? Is it bad that I have to remind myself to breathe? Am I loser because I struggle to run 90 seconds straight? How many Ibuprofen do you take before, during, and after each run? Are you suppose to lose 8 gallons of sweat during your run?

The truth is I want to enjoy this. I want to want to keep doing this after eight weeks. I do.

Do me a favor please. Send me comments and emails and tell me I am a loser if I can't do this. Tell me to push through this program or you will make fun of me. I need a kick in the pants.

6 comments:

Heather said...

I won't kick you in the pants, but you are an inspiration to me. I really need to do something to get fit. I'm like you and don't really care what the scale says, but I want to be able to run around with the kids and not lose my breath and have to sit down. I need to get in shape. So keep doing it for me too. And just think if you were still in OH you will have snow/rain/sleet/cold weather to deal with. The warm weather has to be much better. :)

Kendall said...

I find tracking my distance keeps me motivated. I use mapmyrun.com seeing what I've done makes me want to continue doing it!

Take it slow and don't be frustrated running is definitely not a sport where you do max effort to get immediate results.. you can only get hurt that way. Good Luck!

ManicMandee said...

I know you can do it. I am counting on you to not give up or I am gonna feel personally insulted for you trashing my favorite sport. I was a terrible runner at first. Most of us are. It takes a lot of time and practice and perseverence.
(How's that for a pep talk?) Now don't you dare give up!!!!

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

You are doing awesome!!! I am not running, but I started working out regularly at a gym (located on my work campus - thank goodness!) just over a year ago. I used to have to force myself to go. I really didn't like it, but I knew I needed to work out. I realized this week that I LOVE going now. It is such a great stress reliever for me, and I always feel better afterwards. Keep it up!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog yesterday!

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