Me a Runner?

Ha ha ha ha! Yeah right. I wouldn't call myself a runner, but I'm slowly trying to become that. My physical condition is strong as far as muscles go. I take some fairly rigorous aerobics classes and have improved tremendously over the past few years. However, my heart and lungs are in need of some conditioning. Why running? Well, I'm not too sure about that myself. It's just a desire I have - to be able to run.

The Plan
I'm on Week 2 of the 5K training program on www.coolrunning.com. Last week was devoid of workouts of any sort because of our illnesses. It's amazing how quickly one can transition to not working out and losing all desire to be active. Yesterday I made myself get back out and run (it's really jogging and walking - so you know the reality of the situation). This week I am jogging 90 seconds and walking 2 mintues in repeating intervals for 20 mintues. For you fitness buffs out there I'm sure that sounds like a weiner level of running. It is. But I'm working my way up. I could already see an improvement of my time in the first week.

The Inspiration
1. It's been 1 1/2 years since I birthed a child. Unfortunately my pants are still way tighter than the should be at this point. My battle with the scale has been long and brutal (usually with the scales victorious). I'll talk about my weight and how it's affected me some other time.
2. My friend Jen (Michael's buddy Dave's wife) recently started running and completed a 5K race. She so inspired me because she started from nothing and worked up to a 5K in 6 weeks. How cool is that.
3. I want to be healthy and live well. I want to be strong and capable of doing the activities I want and need to do. With my back surgery 3 years ago I don't take it for granted that I can bend over and pick up Joshua without pain or worry.
4. Running makes me feel energized and confidant.

The Plan
My goal is to run a 5K race in February. That's 3.1 miles. Can I do it? We'll see!

My Worries
Michael and I are concerned that my body just can't handle running. Several months ago I attempted to jog 1/2 mile and my back was out for a good week. The weird thing was that I felt the Lord wanted me to start running then. I was so disappointed when my back couldn't take it. This time it seems to be doing well. Praise God! My knees were a little sore yesterday, but otherwise I'm surviving.