Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Exhaustion Taketh Over

I ran today. No doubt this would seem a small feat to most, however allow me to put this in perspective for you. I RAN today, and I haven't ran since I was 12 years old. Yikes.

Even in High School gym class I refused to run. When we were being tested I would simply walk the track. Each lap I would have to listen to my P.E. teacher tell me to speed up, move faster, RRRUUUUNNNNN FOREST RRRRUUUUNNNNN!!!! But I was the stronger one. Sticking to my ideals, my beliefs, my laziness. I would not run, no matter the cost. Give me a D in P.E., so my GPA would suffer. No matter....I was a walker.

Now, at the ripe age of 28, I do indeed get my cardio in daily...by walking (quickly). In fact I walk so quickly that I probably should be jogging, but again, sticking to my guns, I will my legs to W-A-L-K at an unnatural pace simply to stand firm (or flabby, depending on how you look at it).

At 3:45 this morning I strolled up to the track, preparing myself for the very worst. And sure enough, just as I thought, Armageddon rained down upon me. I lapped once at a respectable speed. Hands pumping above my heart to increase speed & heart rate. Then the second lap was upon me.

I began to jog. Okay, this isn't too bad. I can totally handle this. Third lap. Holy crap I am sweating buckets. Fourth lap. My chest is heaving ridiculously. Four & 3/4. My heart is going to beat out of my chest. By lap five I am fairly sure flames were shooting from my calves and thighs, but I drove on. For 40 minutes I carried on like this. Eventually I began running up and down the bleachers as I came to them. Insanity exudes.

My final 20 minutes I walked....quickly. And as if that wasn't enough I decided to do another mile when my girlfriends B & G showed up. Just a mile though, I was SMOKED. Besides, that mile was far more fun for me. I could laugh between gasps for breath. Thankful for good friends.

My thighs are killing me at present. I could fall asleep at any moment. I dread crawling out of bed in the morning...I may need a walker. Tomorrow is a new day. I don't even have to think about running again until next Wednesday (as this is the new game plan...YUK!)

My positive thoughts? I did it...I ran. I didn't puke, I didn't pass out, I didn't give up, and I didn't die. Am I a runner? HECK NO!!!! But I'll never say never. Far weirder things have happened in my lifetime. Let's just say the verdict is still out on that one & it probably will be for a good long while.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Baby, you are insane, the good kind not the bad, the kind that makes me cry, from laughing not heartbreak! I adore you! I am so proud of you! Keep of the great work and I look forward to meeting the skinny you that you've been hiding.

Anonymous said...

Ah ha! You are my soul mate! Every day I meet 3 other drivers to walk for 30. They pass me relentlessly but I thrudge on, panting. They offered to walk "with" me as I am the one in need but alas they look great and me- well. Now they are speaking the unspeakabe...weight lifting!!! Good grief every time I get up I am lifting weight! Hang in there sweetie and I'll flop along with you. Loveya much!

Anonymous said...

You are now officially becoming a well oiled psychotic machine! You are my new inspiration, though I doubt I will ever make it to your level of commitment. I myself have also never been a runner, but where you have relented I will stand strong. I will run only if someone is chasing me, and even then I will only run two blocks before I stop and take my chances with hand to hand combat! Those kickboxing classes might be my saving grace after all. Keep up the good work!

... said...

I can't believe you are going to the track at 3:45 in the morning...are you nuts? How do you even get up that early, especially when I know you are a night owl? Are you getting any sleep at all?

Ronda said...

Wow, I am out of touch for a few days and see what happens. I also am amazed at your fortitude. Of course I know you can do anything you put your mind to. Wish I was there to walk with you. Keep up the good work Hot Chick!!