February 2, 2010
Well, today was my first day of training. I was emotionally exhausted and completely drained. Ken and I got in late last night and I went into work early to try and get caught up so at least I wouldn’t feel stressed on top of it. I have to admit I was pretty nervous but excited at the same time. I got a few things to run in…a nylon zip up jacket that has a cute little hole for my ipod earphones and spandex (oh how unforgiving of the junk in my trunk but I hear its the best thing to run in) so at least I have that going for me. My first workout was scheduled to be a 20-30 minute run/walk. I was going to try my damndest to jog the whole thing. I had it booked as an appointment on my Outlook calendar so then it became just a matter of actually doing it. All day I would look at the appointment and get butterflies in my stomach.
As it turns out, I had to stay late at work to continue getting caught up on things. By the time I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was run. Take a hot shower, watch a movie, read a book, fall asleep in two seconds flat? Maybe. Run? Not so much. Having already had my first training run derailed for a few days, I was determined to get out there. I got home and got dressed in my new duds and laced up my new kicks. Hmm..now what to keep my ears warm? A bandana? Why yes, I think I will tie that around my head. True, I was a little Jackie Joyner-Kersee meets Tupac. I came out of the room a few minutes after nine all ready to go. Ken seemed a bit surprised.
“Where are you going?”
“Running.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
“Now?!”
“Yes Babe, I have to start some time.”
It was then that we decided I needed a running buddy. Granted I was only running laps around our apartment complex but it was dark and cold and who knows what could be lurking out there. There is only one dog I know who would be ferocious enough to take on the boogeymen. Bear. I leashed him up and off we went. Now, don’t get too excited. Let me remind you I only ran around our apartment complex. Plus, about halfway through, I got scared and decided just to run around the large carport island just outside our apartment. As first runs go, it wasn’t half bad. I will admit, I didn’t have any major ephiphanies or turning points or anything. In fact, it was rather boring. I listened to my tunes and just kept going.
I am convinced that not all major changes in our life happen because of a turning point or breaking point or any other point. Sometimes there is no point at all. Sometimes its a Tuesday afternoon after you’ve eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Perhaps even the most significant changes in our life happen not because of a catastrophic event but simply because…you have to start some time.
