These Shoes Were Made for Running

I am really trying hard not to write about the stuff that I rehash over and over in my head and to others on a regular basis (i.e. work, living in the boonies, etc). Unfortunately for you, this post is about just such a subject- running. If you know my anxiety with running, please stop reading this post straight away, I really don't want you to have to suffer through this again. If not, here's the deal.

I started running in 2003 after eating my way through college, gaining weight for the first time in my life and struggle to get back into a normal eating routine for years after. In 2003, I started dating Le Mari. I have no idea if this has anything to do with me finally forcing myself to commit to a healthier lifestyle or meeting him, but he would like to think the latter! I went from walk/running a mile to being able to run thirteen miles and actually enjoying it! YES! You can enjoy running! I was fully committed. I ran five to six days a week before work and would wake up early to run on weekends. I was in the best shape of my life and loved every minute of it!

In the fall of 2005, I was chosen to be a part of a special team at work. Before, I was working 11AM-7PM giving me ample time to ease into my day, run, eat breakfast, etc. When this went into effect, I had to get into work at 8AM and wasn't getting home until 7PM. My running slowed significantly. After that, I was promoted and put on a 6AM-2PM shift. Trying to convert from an AM runner to a PM runner is not at easy as you think. By the time I got home from work, I was (and am) exhausted. I just want to go home and take a nice long nap, which I was (and still am) doing every day. My running went from sporadic to nonexistent. I was going off and on, taking weeks off at a time then running a day or two, which was doing nothing for me. I tried and retried to get back into it but just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Last week, I decided that it was time to get off my lazy back end and commit for real this time. I discovered a running store in the same complex as my grocery store so Le Mari and I went yesterday to check it out. What better way to start a new routine than to buy a new pair of shoes!

Fleet Feet is a chain but run by a family. The wife, husband and 16-year-old daughter were there at 10AM getting ready for the day. It reminded me so much of growing up with my parents owning their own business, going to work with them, helping out when I was forced. It was great.

I got my feet analyzed. I ran on a treadmill and was recorded by a video camera so the lady that was helping me could decide what shoes I needed to try. Apparently I overpronate, but that is a whole other story. She brought me several pairs of shoes and had me walk in all of them, and then we tried insoles. $135 later, I was ready to run!

I'm happy to say that I ran a sad two miles yesterday and two miles today. I really need to work my way back up. I feel great. I have tomorrow off but Tuesday will be the real test when I will have to come home and run after work. I need lots of support (AKA someone to force me) but I think I can do it. I know I can!

By the way, Le Mari decided that I looked so cute in my running gear that he wanted to take a picture. After I saw it, I decided it would be my before of a before and after. Not flattering at all! Let me tell you one thing, Ladies, if you are any bigger than 5’10”, 110lbs, don’t EVER get your picture taken in spandex. It’s not worth the pain and frustration.