Running a Bit
I've never been a runner. I take that back. I was in track in 8th grade and ran, slowly, the 400 meter and some relay races. But in the last 20 years I've probably run less than 10 miles total. My reasons for not running are many - from getting shin splints to not having running shoes or a decent running bra to simply not wanting to.
And, to be honest, I always thought runners were kind of nutty.
I mean, why would someone run on purpose?
Because running looks like a lot of work.
But I used to think bicyclists were nutty, too.
And I think of myself as a bicyclist now, or at least a hard-core aficionado.
Hmmm....
Now that there is snow on the ground and my road bike is not set up for dashing through the snow I've been seeking alternate methods of exercise. I've been walking the dogs and while this is great, starting and stopping a lot with a 14 years old dog and a year-old pup doesn't translate to a lot of calories burned.
I started running indoors using my Wii Fit. I like it. I can watch back episodes of Glee while exercising and not feel guilty about sitting still and watching TV. I first set a 10 minute goal and now can run in place for 30 minutes. This is wonderful but, I know, not the same as actually running.
So I have decided to jog outside a little. I take my young dog, Rocket, and we head out for some exercise. We start out at a brisk walking pace and then I talk myself into running a bit. I pick out a driveway or taxiway (I live next to a grass runway) and tell myself to run to it. Sometimes I want to quit, or never break into a run to begin with, but next thing I know we've made it to my stopping point. Then we walk for awhile. And sometimes we stop if Rocket decides he needs to sniff something. Then we walk some more. And more. And run a bit. And walk. And so it goes. Even though it's been a cool 25 degrees or less here in Minnesota it's exceptionally nice outside in the sunshine. I like hearing my feet crunch through the snow and Rocket is good company. And the entire walking, walking, running, stopping, walking experience is great overall.
In fact, I just got back from from a two mile walk/run. Yes, 80% of the time I walked. Yes, the 20% I ran was very slow. But I ran. And I kind of liked it. And I think I'll do it some more.
1,000 miles in 2010 Goal update:
881 miles logged. 119 to go.
And, to be honest, I always thought runners were kind of nutty.
I mean, why would someone run on purpose?
Because running looks like a lot of work.
Sweating and all that when you could simply walk.
And I think of myself as a bicyclist now, or at least a hard-core aficionado.
Hmmm....
Now that there is snow on the ground and my road bike is not set up for dashing through the snow I've been seeking alternate methods of exercise. I've been walking the dogs and while this is great, starting and stopping a lot with a 14 years old dog and a year-old pup doesn't translate to a lot of calories burned.
I started running indoors using my Wii Fit. I like it. I can watch back episodes of Glee while exercising and not feel guilty about sitting still and watching TV. I first set a 10 minute goal and now can run in place for 30 minutes. This is wonderful but, I know, not the same as actually running.
So I have decided to jog outside a little. I take my young dog, Rocket, and we head out for some exercise. We start out at a brisk walking pace and then I talk myself into running a bit. I pick out a driveway or taxiway (I live next to a grass runway) and tell myself to run to it. Sometimes I want to quit, or never break into a run to begin with, but next thing I know we've made it to my stopping point. Then we walk for awhile. And sometimes we stop if Rocket decides he needs to sniff something. Then we walk some more. And more. And run a bit. And walk. And so it goes. Even though it's been a cool 25 degrees or less here in Minnesota it's exceptionally nice outside in the sunshine. I like hearing my feet crunch through the snow and Rocket is good company. And the entire walking, walking, running, stopping, walking experience is great overall.
In fact, I just got back from from a two mile walk/run. Yes, 80% of the time I walked. Yes, the 20% I ran was very slow. But I ran. And I kind of liked it. And I think I'll do it some more.
Rocket - my walking & running companion.
Note the wide, plowed, grass taxiway we have to walk and run on. We're lucky!
881 miles logged. 119 to go.
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By the way - I got my great bike cards and other fun things. They are as wonderful as I expected! Thanks for the quick shipping. The kids and I loved playing with the fortune telling fish, too!