Florida Chick Runs

I was inspired today as I watched hundreds of people cross the finish line of the Miami marathon this morning. Apparently it went from Coconut Grove to South Beach through the Art District and back...which if you're not familiar...is a stinkin long way. It reminded me that the last time I had been running was about 6 months ago in the Coast Guard 1 mile fun run...I had hoped to run in the 5K but, well...I just didn't have the energy...or ability - but this year is different, this is the year I become a runner.

I actually used to be a pretty good runner. I could run 100 meters faster than most other kids in my highschool, I could even jump over hurdles while doing it - but let me tell you, the minute I hit 105 meters, it was like I hit a wall - nevermind running a mile, that just wasn't going to happen. I actually went out for Cross Country my junior year...but I quit after the first practice, I've just never had the endurance to run long distance...which, to me, is anything over 100 meters.

Today though, I was determined. I grabbed my running gear (it took me a while to find the one pair of athletic socks that I own...actually they are the only pair of socks that I own.) And I decided to run the 1.1 miles to my parent's house. I walked the first .1 mile because I figured my goal was 1 mile - why make it any harder than it had to be - and then began to run. Let me tell you, it wasn't pretty.

After the first block my calves began to burn...I think they were slightly in shock. After the second block I began to notice a slight pain in my chest...but it was on the right side not the left so I figured I probably wasn't going to keel over from a heart attack. After the third block my teeth began to hurt - I'm not sure how this happens, but apparently it's just part of my entire body protesting about getting too much exercise. Finally, I made it halfway, which was a stoplight. I'm embarrassed to admit that I did the one thing I always make fun of people doing when they run...I ran in place until the light changed. It wasn't so much that I wanted to keep my heart rate up, more that I knew if I stopped, I would never start again. The second half of the run was easier...I think everything just became numb and my adrenaline took over. I was slightly embarrassed when I passed a real-life runner...he looked like he had just continued on his way from the Miami marathon. He was dressed in those fancy running clothes and wore a sweatband and everything. I tried to say hi but I was too out of breath.

Anyway, I am pleased to say that I made it the entire way without stopping...or puking. I'm a little sore (yes, already) but I'm definitely proud of myself - and the best part, I figure if I add in the running-in-place at the stoplight, I actually ran a full 1.1 miles...I might be a runner after all.