January 12, 2013
170lbs
C25K Progress: Week 2, Day 1 – Run 1.5 minutes, walk 2 minutes, 5 minute warmup and cooldown – 31 minutes
Current Goal: Complete the C25K program.

It’s a strict coincidence that I started a running program in January. Really, this isn’t a New Year’s resolution or some hokey game or competition…truthfully, I have no hot clue why I decided to start running *now*.

It’s been rattling around in my brain for the past…oh…10 years. There are runners all around me. My aunts have been avid runners since I can remember. Serrah picked up running a few years back, Tamara last year and Anita most recently. All of them report the addiction they feel….and I just don’t see it yet. But, I started, so now I’m in.

I find myself saying funny things now in conversation, like “Oh, I ran today, and I don’t have a run today now until Tuesday.” The recipient of this information gives me a knowing nod of understanding, as if that is fact and written in stone. I also note that not much trumps a run. So, for example, if I were to say “Oh sure, I can do that right after my run” I don’t get any kickback. It’s like the elusive run is the 31 minutes of completely sacred Nadia time, and nothing can stop it.

I haven’t gotten to the “addicted” point yet, that’s for darn sure. I could sure do without the searing shinsplints, the swollen right knee, and the lovely sticky film of sweat that appears without my consent or control. (I.hate.sweating)

But there is something completely invaluable about being on the treadmill – and it’s that I get to be there completely by myself. No one can run for me, and there is this unspoken circumfrence of silence around me as I run. It’s me and my headphones. And my cute little C25K app. I got it for free too! It maps out exactly what I have to do each day (structure), how many minutes I have to run for, balanced by a corresponding period of walking (symmetry), and the little happy voice that tells me when I am halfway and when there is one minute left (support!)

In fairness to my body as well, I have never actually given it the benefit of regular running. Maybe, just maybe, this is what will get be down to that wonderific 130lb weight which seems so far out of reach right now….stay with me, reader!