Thinking of Running - #4

Originally my plan was to quit smoking now, start running in the spring and get back on my elliptical (which is currently in storage) sometime in between. My logic was that I'd have a few months to regain some lung function and have the elliptical to help get my stamina up. But now I'm thinking of starting sooner. Like as-soon-as-I-can-order-a-pair-of-running-shoes-sooner.

I think it would be good to have something to do instead of smoking and something that I'd get better at the more I didn't smoke. A big part of the reason I didn't want to start right away was the fact that I was afraid I'd embarrass myself. As a smoker, if I tried to exercise, I'd wind up red faced, sweating profusely, and trying to catch my breath for about twice as long as I'd actually worked out. It was gross and embarrassing. It went on for far too long. I was a child the last time I could really do anything mildly strenuous. It's time that changed. I don't want to bring that into my 30's.

So, my game plan is to get to the park before work, when it's less crowded. If I wake up at five, I should have enough time to walk to the park, run for five minutes (my first goal), walk home, walk Brady (who is unfortunately too small to run with me) and get ready for work. If I like running and decide to stick with it and progress, I'll switch to a night time routine as I get more confident. In the mean time, I'll have to switch to decaf after breakfast and be in bed by 10.

But will I stick with it? Who knows! The point is that I try. I will stick it out until I reach my first goal. Is my first goal too much? Too little? I have no idea! I'll see. Maybe I'll only be able to run for two minutes and then walk or trot or hobble the next three. Maybe I'll be able to push myself to the full five minutes in the first week. Unlikely, but who knows? The point is that I try. If I hate it, I'll find something else. The only thing I'll lose is the cost of my sneakers.

Motivating factors:
My current daily routine: 218 calories burned = one hour of walking (3.5mph)
With running: 223 calories burned = 26 minutes of running (5mph)
Time saved 34 minutes. Plus, I'll be able to wear heels (#30 - dress more fashionably on a day to day basis) to work again (rather than walking shoes), I'll be toning more and getting my lung function back. Maybe I'll even like it so much, I'll join a group which will help me be more social (#29).

Wish me luck!