5K Training - Progress report #1

I've never been able to run. I mean ever. Even as a kid, I could never run the whole mile in P.E. It was always a source of embarassment for me, one of the few things I've ever completely failed at. I walk 3-5 miles a day, every day, but the second you add that little jump in the step that separates the walk from the jog, my body immediately thinks, "Oh my god! I'm going to die!" The worst feeling in the world is when you run and run and run until your knees buckle, your heart's beating out of your chest and you lungs are going to explode... then you turn around and you can still see your house.

As part of Operation "Get Awesome", I swore that I would conquer this inability to run. That's how I came up with one of the worst ideas I've ever had in my life (or at least it seems that way at the moment.) I made it a goal to run a 5k this year. So, on September 10th, I will be in Illinois, running the Underground Railroad 5k with my sister. I would say sisters, but I'm pretty sure the other one is boycotting this whole business.

The great thing about having my sister as a running buddy for my first run is that she can't run either, so I'm not so alone in my misery. The other day, the beautiful and athletic Ms. Lauren Rhodes, suggested I check out the 5k training plans on runnersworld.com. The following is a message correspondence between my sister and I regarding the training plans. I thought it was funny, so I figured I'd share.

ME:
"This friend recommended I go to runnersworld.com because they have good training plans for 5k's. So I did and selected '5k for beginners.'

"week 1: day 1: run 2 miles at an easy pace."

Someone doesn't know what 'beginner' means..."

TRICIA:
"Hahahaha... Yeah, I didn't know that "run" came in the form of "easy pace"... I must be doing it wrong! Lol. Do they have 5k for toddlers? That might be more appropriate for me!"

See what I mean? It helps to have a workout buddy to make you feel better! Thanks Trish. :P