Me + running =

One really bad idea.

I am such a big wimp!

I've decided to do the Couch to 5K thing (at Cool Runnings.) The folks over at One Weigh Or Another are also starting up.

So, last night shortly after dinner (mistake #1) I laced up my kicks and headed out.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the CT5K concept, it's simple (if not a bit ridiculous in practice): start off by walking, then run 60-second intervals with 90 seconds in between to "recover."

("Recover." That's an interesting choice of words.)

At any rate, you do the routine three times per week, and then move on to longer periods of running.

Now, don't get me wrong. I have NO intention of running a 5K. At ANY time in the future. I do, however, want to enter our local two mile walk this summer. I did last year, and it took me somewhere around 33 minutes to complete the course. I won third place in my age group (!), but I hope to do better this year.

Basically, I'm trying to push myself physically (and mentally!) and get some new life into my exercise routine.

I found a podcast where the guy plays upbeat music and tells you when to run and when to walk. I thought I was all set.

Let me tell you - that 60 seconds of running turned into about the longest 60 seconds of my life! I walked down to a park (about five minutes) and then did my intervals around the track. The last five or so minutes (the cool down period) I walked back home.

It's chilly here, and I think that was mistake #2. As I was bringing in large quantities of air (OK, gasping for air) my lungs were burning. BURNING. I don't know if warmer air would do the same or not. It made the whole experience that much tougher.

Then, I remembered - I have semi-bad knees. I have no business out here, running this asphault track.

And yet, there I was. And I made it through. I survived.

And when I got home, I wanted to collapse. I guess I went out too soon after dinner, and my blood was wanting to be in my digestive system instead of my brain. I felt like I was going to pass out.

On the way home, I was so nauseated, I was actually plotting out which homes on the way were unoccupied, so I could hurl into their yards if I needed to.

After a winter of my Gazelle, getting out onto the pavement was a bit of a shock to my system.

But, I remain undeterred. I shall shun the couch, and return to the track. I didn't get that "runners high," but I guess since I didn't actually run all that much, maybe that's why.

Now, if I could just convince Jason that I need to invest in a new pair of running shoes…