Going the Distance

I never liked running. I didn't "get it" when I was younger. Unless you were chasing after a ball of some sort, what was the point? But, as I wasn't in the position to be part of a group of people who ran while chasing things and wanted to get in shape, I attempted to take up running.

I did this for the first time several years ago, while still in the midst of college. It didn't stick. I did it again a year or two later, after graduating and getting friendly with the running fiend that was my school's psychologist. I had a lot more success this time around, but then I got pregnant and couldn't maintain a regular running schedule. (And let's clarify, running for me, at that point, was going for maybe five minutes and then walking for two or three.) I didn't run again until this past spring when I decided that, despite my initial and sincere dislike for running as a youth, that this was going to become my thing.

So, while loosely following the Couch to 5k model (running for a few minutes, walking a few more), I built up my endurance and distance. During the last few weeks when I've run, I've started to drop the walking part. My running time has been getting longer and longer and tonight I did not walk at all.

This is HUGE for me. I didn't feel winded, my legs didn't hurt, and I could have kept going, even after TWO MILES. I don't remember the last time I ran a whole mile, never mind two. What's more, I really, really enjoyed it.

I am so incredibly proud of myself.

And while I know this isn't food related (as this blog has been and will likely remain), as I'm trying to make healthier choices in my life, being able to run and like it is a huge check in the win column. Here's to hoping I only go farther!