Every Journey Begins with a Single Step

It is said that every journey begins with a single step, but never more so than when you’re starting a new fitness regimen.  Specifically, for me, this adage has a literal meaning given the fact I’ve decided to try my hand (or foot, as the case may be) at running.  I know what you’re thinking; you’re imagining that I’m some Skinny Minnie who has decided to merely expand her fitness horizons. NOT the case! I’ve been everything from a size 8 (quite respectable for a girl of 5’10”) to a size that is divisible by 8.  I’m currently in what I would refer to as a state of transformation: transforming my mind, body and spirit in order to live a healthier, happier life.  Am I starting out ready to run my first road race? Not in any way, shape or form.  I am at the very beginning stages and if I’m brutally honest with you, I’ll even share the fact that I can’t run so much as a half mile today without having to downshift to a brisk walk.  In order to show you that I’m an ‘every woman’, perhaps some background is needed here.

 In various points in my life, I’ve been a Weight Watcher, a member of Nutrisystem, a close and not-so-personal friend to Jenny Craig, an Atkins protein fiend and I’ve was even prescribed Meridia to aid in my battle of the bulge.  While they all worked, on some level, the results are obviously not a long term solution to the bigger problem.  What IS the ‘bigger problem’? I didn’t have a steady support plan in place to help me to maintain my goals once they were reached.  This is where I think running really comes in to play.

 Why choose running? Well, that’s a great question since I admit my knees are not the best and my cardiovascular endurance isn’t exactly stellar right now… running is something that doesn’t cost any money (important for a single mom), you can do it virtually anywhere, and the health benefits far outweigh the possibility of knee injury, in my mind at least.  Let’s face it: I’m not looking to have the best form, and anyone that has seen me running the indoor track at my gym lately would agree that I may not score high points for grace & form, but for now, shuffling along as I build up some endurance already has me feeling loads better. 

 Prior to starting my little foray into the world of running, I had a hard time getting to sleep, an even harder time getting up in the morning, and a general lack of energy.  Making some adjustments to my diet (I currently love the Fat Shredder diet through Beachbody’s P90x) so I can lose weight while exercising more, I’m already feeling a big difference in my mood, attitude and energy levels.  My thought is this: I’m currently only able to ‘run’ (I use the term loosely) a 15 min mile.  If I stick with this, my time and stamina can only improve.  Once I see improvement, chances are good that I’m not going to quit. 

 Don’t think you can do it alone? Grab a buddy.  My buddy happens to be my 7 yr old son who motivates me in ways perhaps my peers would not.  I’ll be darned if I’m going to let my kids see me quit!  Would I slow down and cop out on a friend running with me? Yes, sadly, the odds are much greater.  If my little squirt is determined to run his first road race with me, I know I can’t let him down.  He has stuck right by my side during our first few 1 mile runs and I hope to keep you posted on how we progress in the coming weeks. If those little legs can do it, so can I!