I’m a runner. Not an actual runner. A remedial runner. More like the class below the remedial class runner. Does that still count? Let’s just say my small fits of running are not because I am being chased, but because I am exercising. That says something.

I started the Couch-to-5K program with a friend. We only started yesterday so my running probably totals less than 10 minutes, but it was still running so I’m going to take it. It was harder and easier to get started than I thought.

Whoever came up with the C2K program did not really know how much couch I have been on lately. If this was truly meant for my kind of couch people, it would start with a couch-to-couch and include really bad reality TV watching. Then it would gradually build up to couch-to-recliner, couch-to-standing, couch-to-walking, and finally couch-to-5K.

I thought the running bits would be easier—I was wrong. I also anticipated I would be discouraged after the first day and want to quit, but I feel good about this. A lot of that has to do with having a “running” buddy. My running buddy and I plan on doing a 5K in August. I am being positive about making this goal happen.

But as they say, the hardest things in life don’t come easy. Is that what they say?  If so, it’s stupid. Of course things that are hard are not easy.

Confession: I am writing this while eating a piece of pizza and drinking a milkshake.

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, people.



*New Beginnings was a writing prompt on Studio 30+

*

 A week before a recent 5K Run/Walk (bet you can't guess which one I was signing up for) I received what was titled, "Athlete's Standard Release Form". After reading it several times I decided to share it with all of you so you could get the same joy from it I have received. I have just offered up the most amusing part (between the arrows) so you wouldn't have to wade through the other legal junk.

I think they included the "fixed or moving objects" part just for me.

Two slices of chocolate chip banana bread, with layers of Nutella, bananas, and marshmallow creme sandwiched in between, dipped in cake batter and deep-fried, then dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in toasted almonds and coconut.

(Submitted by Pearl Hurst) From the website This is Why You're Fat

On a daily basis I go to bed thinking, "Tomorrow I am going to eat better and exercise more and maybe lose some of the fat I've gained in the last few years eating like a 20-something undergraduate with self-esteem issues." Problem is, the next morning I get up, look at the beautiful sunny day that is very appealing for an early morning walk, and close my curtains. I choose instead sit at my desk eating 'Nilla Wafers as I work, sure the pounds will just decide they don't like me one day. It doesn't help that I come across some of my favorite blogs  with posts like these:

Pie Pops from A Cup of Jo
Banana Bites from Framed
Philadelphia Lemon-Style Ice Cream from Not So Humble Pie

Seriously people, I may have to start following diet blogs. This is getting ridiculous. I figure if I say it on my blog I'll have to actually do it (otherwise I'll have to answer to you all). So, without further procrastination, I am going jogging/speed walking/running/strolling) sometime tonight after I finish work and before I go to bed. I'll let you know how it goes. I am easily sidetracked, so it could be a very short or very long jog/speed walk/run/stroll.