You can run a half marathon! Yes, I mean YOU!

Some of you may know that I started a blog a little over a year ago about my running adventures (www.newbierunnerconfessional.blogspot.com).  I started running in September 2010, and in December of that year, I started writing about it.  It was nice to get out my feelings and frustrations about running, and it's so great to be able to look back at older entries and see how far I've come.  If you are on a similar journey, I highly recommend writing things down along the way.  You can write for this blog if you want, we're always welcoming new contributors.  I think I'm going to retire that blog and move my posts over here.  I don't write as much as I used to because after the first few months of running, things move a lot slower.  There's a lot less to write about.  So, I will probably post here from now when something new is going on with me.  I'm not such a "newbie" runner anymore.

So much has changed since I started that blog.  I really remember hating running back then.  I remember it being a means to an end (calorie burn/exercise), but there was nothing I really enjoyed about it.  (I wish I had known about Couch to 5K!)  I was trying to describe this to a friend the other day who started running, and I told her she would be doing half marathons before she knew it.  She laughed it off, and said said running was a means to an end (calorie burn also), but she would never do it "for fun".  It sounded SO famililar.  I told her she should read my blog from a year and a half ago.  When I first started, I also hated running (most of the time) and could NEVER imagine running a half marathon.  Isn't a half marathon just about impossible?  Isn't that for amazing, elite athletes that look like Greek gods and goddesses? 

In a word.....no. 

Half marathons are full of normal people.  Young people, old people.  Big people, little people. People like you.  People like me.  I ran my first half marathon seven months after I started running.  Before I ran the half, I would have thought this to be an amazing feat.  Now that I've run one, I know that if you run regularly (30 minutes, 3 days a week), and if add one mile to just one of your runs once a week, in a couple of months you can be ready for a half marathon (13.1 miles).  Yes, seriously!  Quit rolling your eyes at me!

There is an awesome sense of accomplishment in completing a half marathon.  After crossing that finish line, you feel pretty incredible (and maybe just a little rough at the same time).  It's amazing.  While normal people do run half marathons all the time, it is still something that could not be accomplished without some hard work and dedication.  You earn it.  I know it's not for everyone, but if you have ever had some little voice in the back of your mind wanting to do it (a bucket list item maybe?), then you absolutely can do it!  Don't let doubt or a lack of confidence tell you that you can't.  I'm the queen of self-doubt, I battle her on a daily basis, so I know a little bit about that.

Here's your plan:  If you are not running yet, start the Couch to 5K program.  Get yourself running continuously for 30 minutes straight, three days a week.  Then you are ready to start stepping it up with a training plan like Hal Higdon or use the SmartCoach app from Runner's World.  Take it slow and consistent with your training.  Your goal is to finish, not to be first place.  Walking for parts of a run is not shameful--giving up on yourself is.

Just start working at it, and in no time at all, you'll be able to stick that cool 13.1 magnet on your car with pride.  Come on, just try it!  What do you have to lose?

My First Outdoor Run

I was going to the gym Saturday and decided to do my Couch to 5K outside. It was sunny (a little chilly) but I had all my new duds and my new shoes, so I was ready to go!

All I had a goofy ski mask for a stocking cap but I made it work. I had a vest and gloves so I kept pretty warm. I started out with the normal 5 minute warm up walk. The sun felt so good on my face. It felt like early spring. I was a little stiff when I started my run/walk, run/walk, but it got better with each interval. I took in all my surroundings and listened to some great music, which made the time go fast.

When on the treadmill I am forever looking at the time - so just listening for the prompt to "begin running" or "begin walking" made the time seem to go by much faster. I refused to look at the program on my iPhone. The music and scenery helped. My 30 minutes of run/walking, including the 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down was just at 2.3 miles. It was was actually a little faster than I do on the treadmill, but I also increased the running time this week, so that probably had something to do with it.

I was on a roll, so I walked another mile - just because. It was a great experience and I plan to put in some outdoor time this week because the forecast looks great. I liked being at the park. It felt like there was a degree of "control", which I liked. 3 times around the park was a little over 3 miles.

My shin hurt when I first started and actually, by the time I finished the pain was gone. I felt GREAT!!! I just had to take the (very unflattering) photo of myself so you could see how elated I was! Goal accomplished.

That's all for now - nothing too clever, funny or exciting. Just the facts.

xxoo

Mama Got a New Pair of Shoes (and a few incidentals)

I love to go shopping! I even like to shop at the grocery store! I know, I'm weird. So when it was suggested I get a new pair of running shoes for my Couch to 5K thingy, I was all over it! You don't have to tell this girl twice to shop for shoes!

I waited 2 weeks because I wanted to make sure that I was committed and that I bought the right shoe at a running store. I haven't had much time to get out to the west end of town, but yesterday while I was working in Rockford, I noticed that there was a specialty running shoe store about 5 blocks from the location I was working at. How convenient!!!

So after my meeting, I went and began the process of finding just the right shoe. The sales person was very knowledgeable. I told him I was a new runner and that I was doing the couch to 5K thing. I told him about my car accident and the issues I have with my back, knee and shin on the right side. He asked me to walk across the room and he told me that when I walked my feet turned in a bit. Then he brought me 4 pairs of shoes. 1 Nike, 1 New Balance, 1 Sauceny, and 1 Brooks. I tried them on and they all felt pretty much the same. I tried the Brooks on last and they fit like a glove. (I had never heard of Brooks) I tried the New Balance and the Brooks on together (the New Balance was a closeout model and a little cheaper) and felt pretty confident that the Brooks felt best, so I bought the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12.

I was so excited I just had to do some more shopping! I found a Marshall's and bought ear buds, new socks and 4 pieces of running attire. I was elated!!!

I remembered someone saying to buy your shoes 1/2 size bigger than dress shoes. I hadn't checked the shoe size before my purchase and realized before I started my run this morning that I came home with a size 8. I just assumed the knowledgeable fellow at the shoe store had me try on 8 1/2 because I told him I normally wore a size 8. They felt fine when I ran - but I just keep thinking I should have gotten an 8 1/2. I checked the Brooks website and sure enough - they recommend buying 1/2 to 1 size larger. The shoe store in Rockford didn't open until 11:00 and I was due back at the office at 1:00. I'm feeling pretty stupid bout now.

I called the nice young fellow and asked him about the size. He said he remembered me and felt like when he checked my toe that it felt like it was right. He said he was pretty good at sizing, but I could detect a faint "oops" in his voice. I admit - the shoe feels fine - but there is not a whole lot of "wiggle room".

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is going to bug the crap out of me!!! Darn! I wish I would have taken the time to check.

PS - Don't tell my husband I bought the new duds. He was fine with the shoes - but I don't want to push it!!!

PSS - What else do I need to buy?????

My Couch to 5K Journey by KCarver

Hi. I'm Kim Carver. I'm not necessarily fat - but I ain't skinny neither. Most of my life I was petite, small framed, and average. I was never athletic; I never played any sports. My brothers were the only ones who played sports. And not "girly" sports" like soccer, as my dad would say. Just good ole fashioned baseball, football and basketball. God forbid, any of us girls would participate in a sport!

First of all, there were no "girl sports" in my day. Second, no one would be there to watch or cheer us on. In my day, girls only took gymnastics or dance, neither of which my family could afford. My parents barely went to my brothers games - it was the era when you rode your bike to the baseball diamond and back home again. Games and practices both. Parents weren't INVOLVED. If you wanted to do something, then you had to initiate it. Out of 4 girls and 2 boys in my family - only the boys played sports. Two of my sisters were cheerleaders. They learned all their cartwheels and such out on the front lawn with neighbors. Not me.

It's not that I didn't WANT to be athletic. I really did. I just wasn't coordinated. At all. I did, however, have an interest in being fit. Vanity, of course. Back in the day, I had the Jane Fonda Workout Book and CD tape, to boot. I joined Silhouette (now Fit Club) and even had a leotard and leg warmers. I breezed in. I breezed out. I did not do any aerobics. I tried; however, I was always going one way while the rest of the class went the other (embarrassing!) I was intimidated. I would do the machines-whatever they were at the time, equivalent to about 15-20 minutes tops! Never broke a sweat. Felt good about "getting in shape". Stayed at about 115lbs.

Had two more children - stayed relatively fit - worked out some - never committed to routine or life style change. NEVER changed my diet. The more I worked out - the more I figured I could eat. So, naturally, I gained weight. But here's the deal. I was like the opposite of an anorexic girl. They look in the mirror and see a distorted image of themselves and say "OMG, I am so FAT!" I looked in the mirror and said "OMG, I look GREAT!" In reality, I was getting bigger and more out of shape than ever!!! Denial, denial, denial.

There is one sport that has always piqued my interest - although my dad would never call it a "sport". Running. I wanted to be a runner. I wanted to wear the shoes and get a "runners high". It is a sport that "they say" anyone can do. This year I decided I was really going to do it. I was challenging myself. Not only to exercise - but to eat right. And run.

I have watched Shane and Tammy over the last few years, along with some other friends, transform themselves through running. They seem happy. They are motivated. They have set goals and you can tell that they feel good when they achieve those goals. They are disciplined - which is a huge factor in any goal setting. I have to say I am impressed. More than that - they make me want to be a runner. They make me believe that I CAN be a runner. They inspire me and give me the incentive to "go for it!"

I have set several goals for myself in the next 90 days, one of which is running a 5K. Or at least being physically able to run a 5K. I downloaded the FREE Couch to 5K app and have been faithful to do it, even the day my shin hurt like crazy. I am doing some strength training and exercises that my physical therapist gave me to strengthen my back. I really WANT this and am willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

So, I said all that to say this. I am doing the Couch to 5K and will be "blogging". I am not a great writer - but I am committed. I know that once I "put it out there" I am even more apt to accomplish my goals. I now have accountability. Currently, I am on week 2, day 2, so I will post again and give a synopsis of my first 2 weeks. Today, I just wanted to tell you a little about myself and why I want to be a runner. From here on out I will post regularly to let you know how I'm doing. Why don't you join me? It will be FUN!!!!

Warrior in training...

"Whyyyyy am I doing this??"  This I asked myself while pushing through the last five minute interval of my Couch-to-5K training yesterday.  Quickly enough though, I checked myself "Oh come on, you can do this!!"  I think these internal conversations happen to everyone at some point.  But why am I doing this? Why am I running?  Ultimately, it's about setting a goal and hitting it head on!

Up until now, my goals have been centered around weight loss and eating healthy.  Exercise, working out, running... ugh! A clue about my motivation to workout; I paid a full year's gym membership last year and likely stepped foot in the place ten times (don't tell Dave Ramsey).  My sister asked me to join Abe's Army with her last year, but I had no interest in running.  Friends run, co-workers run, I see posts on Facebook about running, success story after the next, and nothing hit me.

What changed?  Some co-workers started talking about the Warrior Dash and running it together.  If you haven't heard of it, the organizers of the Warrior Dash call it "a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell."  More specifically, it is a 5K with 12 obstacles throughout including a cargo net climb, a stampede through a scrap yard, repelling down a ravine, crawling through mud under barbed wire and more.  Call me nuts (you wouldn't be the first) but THIS caught my attention.  I mean, how awesome is this?  I am signed up for the June 16, 2012 Warrior Dash in Channahon, Illinois. Fitness goal, check!!!

Couch-to-5K has a great reputation for new runners and I am having great success with it.  Is running easy? My answer is, not yet.  Easier than I had imagined.  I still have much to learn.  Thankfully, I am surrounded by family and friends, some of whom are experienced and knowledgeable runners, to support me in reaching this new goal of mine.

What ever you are doing, what ever goal you have set for yourself... keep it up! You can do this! Surround yourself with awesome people who will support you and push you.  Don't talk yourself out of it, talk yourself up!

I Think I Can...

Running—yuck! That was my initial reaction in junior high when a friend suggested we join the track team.  But, we joined anyway and I found no enjoyment in it.  I was slow and unable to run further than 100 yards without wanting to die.  My track career ended with the season and so did thoughts of ever running again….until I turned 30.

The milestone birthday brought with it a lot of turmoil in my life.  I started walking alone in the evening just to find solitude and clear my head.  One evening after a few weeks of walking, I realized I was bored with the pace, so I started jogging and surprised myself when I was still jogging after about 5 blocks—a personal record for sure!   

This unleashed a desire to conquer my running phobia.  Each night I pushed myself a little further until after about a month, I found myself running the entire 3-mile route that included lots of hills (I lived in Petersburg).  I had a significant sense of accomplishment.   I began to dream big as I held aspirations of running a marathon one day!  But, the dream never came to fruition and eventually my marriage ended in divorce and I lost all interest in running.  That was 1998.

In late 2006 I took up running again as a means to clear my head and find solitude.  During the second round of running, I battled bursitis in my hip and a bad knee…so I quit after about six months of frustration.  Finally, in early 2009, a girlfriend suggested we join Abe’s Army and run Abe’s Amble (6.2 miles)!  I thought she was crazy.  But, the old desire surfaced and we joined.

It was great having a team to run with while I trained.  But, during that time I battled tendonitis in my right leg and the bum knee reared its ugly head again.  I decided I was going to push through it.  So, I saw a sports trainer and he gave me exercises to overcome the tendonitis and suggested I start bicycling for cross-training.  I shelled out $500 for a bike and started my uphill climb to overcome.  After a few weeks of short runs and lots of cycling, I returned to the running group and finished my training for Abe’s Amble.  In 2009, I finished my first race ever---and I was addicted.

The next year proved a difficult running year (2010) and I opted out of all running after I blew out my knee in July.  I had to start feeding my addiction again in 2011 and found my way to running Abe’s Amble again.  I also ran another 10k with a great time and that further fed my need for speed…so to speak.  I ran my first 5k in October and trained to run a 10-miler in November (which I did not end up running due to family obligations).  Now…I am on fire to complete my first half marathon in the spring. 

There are days that running is fun…and days that running completely blows!  But, each of us as runners has a purpose in the madness.  Some do it for health reasons.  Some run to lose weight.  Some run just for the fun of it.  I run to stay focused and disciplined.

Distractions have always thrown my dreams off course.  Running keeps me focused.  I have to be disciplined to get my body to run 13.1 miles.  The awesome thing is discipline is beginning to transfer to other areas of my life…and I am reaping the benefits of fulfilling some of my other life-long dreams as a result!

Oh yeah--I've lost weight and I'm more healthy too.  Great side benefits of discpline.

Run Forest Run! How To Go From Couch Potato Zero to Local Running Hero!

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." -John Bingham

'I wish I could run like you'

'I want to run a 5k'

'I want to run a marathon'

These are all comments I've heard recently from people who've been following my blog or even just friends who decided they want to become a runner, or lose a few pounds.

After being accosted in a church hallway by a skinny miles reader about how to become a runner, I figured I better get something posted.

When I first started running, I had no experience. I didn't take the two minutes it would have taken for a google search on the subject, which would have been incredibly helpful to me. I just figured as long as I was wearing sneakers and willing to try, I was good to go. I must have looked like a real goofball huffing and puffing down the sidewalk in jeans, a cotton T-shirt and worn out basketball sneakers in the 80 degree heat. Talk about naive! I know it sounds stupid, but the first time I ran in a pair of shorts, a sleeveless shirt and new shoes I couldn't believe how much easier running seemed! DUH!!!

Luckily, it worked out for me in the long run, but it certainly was not the smart way to go about it. Hopefully I can help new runners or people who may be coming back from a long break acclimate smoothly with minimal discomfort, minimal chance for injury, and maximum fun!

Here are some tips to help you get started!

1. Have A Goal. It's amazing to me how many people just jump in headfirst with no clear goal in mind. If you just want to run to run, that's fine, but at least be clear on why you're doing it. So many people give up after a week or two because they don't have any greater purpose for their training. If you need a goal, sign up for a 5k. There are dozens of races to do, and most support a good cause of some sort. If your goal is a marathon, you should definitely break that goal into smaller pieces. If you've never run three miles and you start out by saying 'I want to do a marathon', you might be biting off more than you can chew. Break your large goals into smaller pieces.
2. Buy Good Running Shoes! Your feet, legs, knees, etc. are going to take a beating, especially in the early stages of your running program. It takes time to acclimate to running and it pays to start with a good foundation on your feet. Don't skimp! Good shoes are pricey, but well worth the bucks. Getting injured sucks, and your shoes are your first line of defense against that. I prefer Asics 2160's, but running shoes are a very personal thing. Experiment. Read the reviews from Runner's World--research! I also recommend you go to your local running store for you first pair. The staff will usually be very knowledgeable and can look at your stride and gait and pick the correct shoes for you. Be sure and ask questions, find out which type of support you need if any, and remember this information. It's good to know. 
3. Get Good Gear! If you're going to be running outdoors (and I recommend that you do!) you'll need some basic running gear. The bare minimum I recommend is a few pairs of running socks (yes, there's a difference, yes they're expensive, yes, they're worth it!), a pair of compression shorts for your under layer, a tech running shirt and a watch. You can pick up a pair of compression shorts at Walmart for $10. The tech shirts you can often find at Kohls for a similar amount. Tech shirts, and running socks wick sweat away from your body and help you stay comfy while you run. Priceless! Obviously if you're starting in cold weather, there is a lot more stuff you'll need. Hats, Gloves, Layers, Layers, Layers. Runners world makes a great web tool to help you HERE.
4. Use a Couch to 5K program. This is the meat and potatoes of my recommendations. If you are a newbie runner or haven't put down more than a mile in months, this is the way to go. This program will ease you into running slowly and surely. This is the best way to avoid injury, build up your endurance, and maximize enjoyment! Most plans have you run/workout three days a week over a period of several weeks, working you from a brisk walk up to a healthy three miler. One of our contributing authors, Scott Nichols is chronicling his Couch to 5k experience, so you should be able to read what it's like from a regular non-runner's perspective. Start here to read Scott's post on his progress. There are lots of Couch to 5k programs out there, most are similar. The one at Cool Running is my personal favorite. Check it out! If anyone of you has done the Couch to 5k and would be willing to share your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you. I would like to provide success stories for newbies to read so please, send them my way! 
5. SLOW DOWN!  Time and time again, I hear someone say they hate running.  It's too painful.  It's too hard.  This is probably the number one reason why people quit running.  What this tells me is that person is trying to run way too fast.  If you go slow enough, and don't break your running stride, you can run so much farther than you think you can.  If you ever feel like quitting, don't.  Just slow down.  Don't worry how far you are running at first.  Get yourself running for a long stretch of time non-stop (at least 30 minutes).  Funny thing happens in the meantime though--you'll get faster without even trying.
6. Read an Inspiring Book or Two. Sometimes we need a little more motivation. A couple years back I read a book that literally changed my life, and convinced me to give running a try. I was never able to run more than a few minutes without having shin pain in my younger days. This book convinced me to try a different running form. To my amazement, for the first time in my life I was able to run till I ran out of breath, not till I couldn't take the pain anymore. The book is Christopher McDougals "Born to Run", and it is very informative, as well as very entertaining and inspiring.  I also recommend "ChiRunning" to beginners. It's really a method of running, designed to help you run injury free. It may not be for everyone, but there is a lot of really good information in there for new runners.  If you are looking for something a little more motivational, John Bingham's "The Courage to Start:  A Guide to Running for your Life" might be just what you are looking for.

These tips are a great starting point for the beginning runner. For those of you who may feel that you are not ready for running due to obesity, there is still hope for you! Here is a program designed to help you acclimate your body to being on your feet till you're ready to tackle a bigger challenge:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/Programs/conservative_program.htm

I hope if you're reading this you are considering the possibility of becoming a runner. I never thought I would be able to run a half mile, let alone a half marathon! But you might be surprised at what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. So get going! What are you waiting for? You can do it! You too can proudly wear that label, 'RUNNER'.

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." -John Bingham

Flabulous Flubber

So after yesterday's lack of mental preparedness I felt like I got jipped out of my workout somehow.  Even though I completed the workout, I was frustrated for some reason.  As I got up this morning, however, I felt good.  I didn't feel lethargic or whatever, just like I was ready to take on the day.  I know it has to be because of the workout/exercise.  I just feel better, I can't explain it.  Then I went in and weighed myself.  The scale said "one person at a time please."

I know the "Couch to 5k" plan says to run it 3 times a week, but that would mean waiting until tomorrow or Saturday to run again.  So I decided that I would at least do a brisk walk for 20 minutes today.  So I got all geared up, stretched and went out . . . and did the week 1 workout anyway.  I just got inspired to run it.  So I did.  I pushed myself but I didn't push myself too hard.  I just ran it.  To be honest I only did 16:30 today because my legs were in pain, but it was a good workout.



I still plan on doing the actual "workout 3 " of week 1 on Saturday, but I think I need to be doing some sort of Cardio thing everyday at least...Seriously I am sick of the fatness people,  you should be too.  If you are a Flabulous Fatty, get off the SS Fat Guy get moving.

Rotund Runner

Don't panic.  I will not be updating this blog ad nauseum with my daily minute by minute progress.  I will only be posting when I discover something I think anyone may want to learn from my own mistakes or accomplishments as I fumble and bumble through this journey toward health nirvana.

Second day of week 1 "couch to 5k" I discover that I am still fat, and I am still not in shape.  That may sound like a silly thing but I went out there today ready to conquer and found out that it was more difficult today that the first day.  My legs are sore from the previous run and I could feel it as I ran my first 100 feet or so...and it didn't work itself out.  My feet hurt the entire time today.  Can you blame them?  225 pounds jamming down on them for 20 minutes 2 days ago and then again today?  They were rebelling big time.  Today the 20 minutes seemed like an hour.  But . . .

I did it.  And I am glad.  I guess I am writing this so whoever tries will be realistic when they attempt this.  I learned from a good friend of mine that the surest way to failure in anything is to create unrealistic expectations.  That applies to this running thing.  When I started the other day, I expected to struggle through it and be heaving and wheezing at the end...it wasn't quite that bad, and I was more mentally fit to take it on.  Today I went thinking I could handle it with no problem and the mental part kicked my butt almost as much as the physical.

Part Two.

This is a personal rant.  Don't solicit me with your diet products or your personal trainer or gym membership garbage.  I don't want it.  I'm not interested.  I am doing this thing alone for a reason.  If there are others out there that like to go watch each other pump and sweat and make groaning noises in your under-armour leotards more power to you, but I personally do not enjoy other sweaty men in locker rooms with saggy junk walking around pretending they look good.  Community pump sessions are not for me, so please stop soliciting...nothing personal.

Enjoy.

Fatness 2.0

I'm Scott.  ScotteeeRock to a lot of people.  That used to mean a lot more when I was a fit good-looking 80's-ish rocker front-man running around on stage acting like a crazy person...a good stage show can always make up for lack of real talent--just ask Brett Michaels.  Besides acting like a fool on stage, I have always enjoyed just about any athletic activity you can name.  I am probably best at basketball, but I have always competed well in just about any sport including football, volleyball, dodgeball, tennis, golf, even running.  In fact, if I could pic my top two favorite things to do (that don't occur in the bedroom) it would be being on stage and participating in sports.

So why am I not doing those things anymore?  Because I am fat.  FAT.  Flubbery.  Sorry if I offend other Fatty's out there, but I have never been one to be very diplomatic or politically correct.  When I joined my first band I was 5' 11" and weighed 125 pounds.  At my heaviest I was 225...granted, it has been 20 years, but I have gained 100 pounds over that time.  I wore 28 waist Levi's.  Unreal.  People that know me today would never believe I was once that skinny.  People used to say I looked like Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer . . . now they say I look like Sam Kinison.  Wow.

So, finally, I have had it.  My friend Shane has been a motivation true enough, but recent trips to the doctor showing high blood pressure, trouble breathing, constant lethargic-ness, depression, hopelessness, and even envy, have finally pushed me to the edge and I am done with being fat.  DONE.  I know you have heard it before from people this time of year, but this time its different.

I have tried and succeeded losing wait before.  I can drop 20 or 30 pounds pretty easily by dieting, but when I reach whatever goal I set, I stop and slowly gain back the pounds until I am right back where I was.  My super ULTIMATE ideal weight would be about 165 I think.  My real goal is 175 to 180 depending on my muscle mass as I weight train.  But at this point weight loss is not my number one goal really.  It is my health.

I want to get in shape, period.  I want to be able to go toe to toe with my 16 year old on the court without getting winded after 10 minutes.  i want to be able to breathe at night without my stomach pushing my diaphragm up and choking me.  I want my blood pressure down without medication.  I want to avoid diabetes (which I am borderline after my last physical).  I want to hike and climb mountains like I used to.  I want to be able to swim farther than 20 feet and I want to be able to lift my own body weight into a boat without struggling.  And I would like to be able to do a rock show without sweating and huffing and puffing like the fat pig slob that I am right now.  I would like to have sex without being winded after 2 minutes.

So...like I have seen my buddy Shane do...I am going to run.  I am going to run until I am in shape.  And then I am going to keep running.  I started a program called "couch to 5k" yesterday http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and guess what?  it is doable.  Even in my fatness I managed to do the first workout with a fair amount of ease.  I must warn you that it was not easy . . . nothing worthwhile ever is . . . but I was able to do it without killing myself.  And I will tell you, last night before bed I felt great.  I told my friend Shane how amazing I felt for the rest of the day, just exercising that much.  He basically said, welcome to the club, that it is natural.

So off I go on this couch to 5k journey starting at a flubbery 223.8 pounds.  Let's see what happens.