One week

In exactly ONE week, Al, Pam and I will be running our very first 5k.  I don't know how they feel about it, but I could seriously throw up.

Yet, I'm very excited at the same time.  

Run, Turtle, Run!

Sometimes on the Rail Trail, Pam and I come across wildlife.  We've seen a deer, a snake (which Pam jumped higher than both my kids on a trampoline can over it), a coyote (or fox, or really large/fat cat - with rabies whatever it was), bunnies, squirrels out the wazoo, and now this cute little turtle. 

I feel like this turtle on the Rail Trail.  He probably runs faster than I do too. 

I don't run with my man!

I love my husband....HONESTLY.  But I absolutely HATE the fact that he can run better than I can. 

Why you ask?

Well, for starters, running was MY thing that I decided to start doing back in September with Pam.  Al was going to the gym several times a week and was loosing weight like mad.  I decided I had to bump up my game (which consisted of nothing) or else my man might leave my fat arse.  I decided to start running.  Pam and I even made goals to reach.  Well then all of sudden Al comes home from the gym and says,

"Oh, I ran today at the gym.  How far do you usually go?  Hmm...I ran for a mile straight.  Yeap, today was the first time I have EVER, EVER ran.  Did you hear me?  I've never ran before and I can already run better than you!"  *evil laugh*

I punished myself farther by going to the gym with him a few days later and running with him.  He blew me out the frigging water.  I could have signed divorce papers ON THE SPOT.  Until today folks (or folk if only one person is actually following this blog), I haven't been back to the gym with him to run.  He can still outrun me. 

And that folks is why Pam and I run so well together.  Pam might only be a few years older than me *wink* but she doesn't try to outdo me.  We balance each other out and push each other when we need too.  There's a reason I don't run with my man -  Now you know.

Sign of weakness

Yesterday Pam and I did six plus miles in about two hours.  The first three of those miles, we did mostly running and little walking.  You can say we took a breather for the last three miles.  Ha ha!  Our goal wasn't to do six miles, that just happened because the weather was so nice and we just kept going - our goal was to time ourselves on how long it took us to do 3.2 miles (5k distance).

We finished a 5k distance in under an hour.  WOOT!!!  That's a HUGE, no SUPER HUGE accomplishment for two non-runners.  And we pushed ourselves.  We ran longer than we really *wanted* too and walked much, much less.  If it wasn't for my stupid bruised foot, we probably could have done better.  But Pam doesn't want to do this 5k alone, so she took it easy on my behalf.  She's a pal. 

While I ran my foot was fine, but once we started the three mile walk, all Hades broke loose.  It wasn't too bad, so I worked through it but right at the end I honestly didn't think I would make it off the rail trail.  Here's our conversation:

Me:  Damn Pam, I don't think I can make it.  Can we stop for a second?

Pam:  We're going to get stuck in the woods at dark if we don't hurry.

Me:  Crap, I didn't realize how late it was getting.  *Hobbling*  Let's go.

Pam:  Oh god you're limping.

Me:  My frigging foot hurts Pam!

Pam:  Don't limp.

Me:  Kiss it.  *Hobbling faster*

Pam:  The wild animals will know you're easy prey if you limp.

Me:  *blank stare*  Oh dear lord, let's get out of here.

Pam:  I'm just looking out for you.

Me:  Yeah right, I heard "if you get attacked, I'm totally leaving your ass" in your voice, I'm not stupid.

Pam:  I wouldn't leave you Mandy!

Me:  I know what I heard.

Needless to say, we got out the woods before dark, but just barely.  By the time we got out though, I was just about dragging my leg.  I'm not sure what I did, but my foot feels much better today.  Go figure.  I'm sure it was karma.



I'm not new to blogging, but I'm new to jogging!

I get talked into just about anything.  Trust me, I do - here I am starting a "running" blog thanks to my girl, Pam (who is also my partner in pain....ew, running) because she thinks we can "become instant millionaires" if we tell people about our "journey" to become runners.  Oh and becoming healthy people....because Pam and I are like the healthiest people in the world.

Yeah.

Yet here I am.  But I think Pam's on to something because we do have some pretty hilarious conversations as we're running (ok, slow jogging) and sweating like pigs.  When we started this back in September, we never, I mean NEVER, thought we'd still be jogging (I'll stop giving you the impression I'm running) in February.  Oh yeah, we rock.  For reals.  But let's get one thing straight - something you must NEVER, EVER forget.  I frigging HATE running.  I hated it when I started and I still hate it now.  Hence the name of this blog.  I love the results I'm seeing (I'm down almost 20 pounds already) but I hate what I have to do to get there.  Isn't that how everyone feels though?  YES, unless you're one of these health nuts and then well, you have other issues that need to be resolved because no one should love running like that. 

Ok fine, maybe I'm bi-polar or maybe I just like punishing myself - but I do find myself enjoying running/jogging/going towards the light more and more every day.  I doubt I'll ever LOVE it though - that's a pretty strong word.  Unless I drop 100 pounds and become one of those skinny bitches with her skin tight clothes on/full make up/makes it look super easy girls that I absolutely hope gain 250 pounds if they ever get knocked up.  I'm about to dry heave and Ms.IOnlyWeigh80Pounds zooms by us. Every single day - do these women not get sick?  Geez!  At least I have my girl Pam struggling with me.  I would totally look like an idiot if it weren't for her.  Two people huffing for breath and giving other people the impression we're have spontaneous/synchronized asthma attacks makes it all better. 

Right? 

I think so too - so anyways, I'll blog my little heart out as we continue on "our little journey."  We are signed up for our first 5k run/walk in about 3 weeks.  I'm still not sure what I am thinking.  I'm pissed I don't qualify for gastric by-pass...no running required baby!  :)