I hate running! I love running! I hate running! I love running!

I made waffles for my kids one day. My toddler daughter refused to eat it. She threw a huge melt-down, collapsed into a seizure-esque tantrum. After spending THIRTY minutes in her room, she was finally calm. I convinced her to try it, and she said proudly, "Mmm! I love waffles!" Where's my bang head here sign? That's about how I feel about running. I always thought runners were insane. I never wanted to run. Like ever.

Then I saw a zombie race advertisement, and totally fell head over heels in love with the idea of being chased by zombies. (Who's sanity are we questioning now?) My boyfriend had started the C25K program and I asked him if he'd join me for the race. The deal to myself was that I would do the program, run the race and be done with running. Because I hated running. I could barely run a minute. Let the zombies eat me. I was going to die right there on the treadmill anyway.

I was six weeks into the C25K program when GSkillet (my boyfriend) did our first 5K. My time sucketh. I think it was 45 minutes. I said, "I'm sorry. I hate running. This sucks!" over and over to G who kept having to stop to walk with me. He was so encouraging and patient with me. I might have walked more than I ran. I was so out of breath. I couldn't speak. I was trying so hard, but couldn't keep up a good pace. We were almost to the end, and some of the volunteers yelled, "It's a nice day for a walk!!!" Did you NOT see me huffing and puffing and running this race??? Walking wasn't what I was here for people!!!!! It's a RACE. But I was walking anyway. It's been a constant joke between us ever since. But I finished!! I couldn't run across  the finish line, but I finished the entire thing dangit! And the first words out of my mouth were, "That was awesome! Let's do it again!" I was addicted. I love races. I love THEMED races. I run so I can run races. I love to have a reason to dress up silly and rock the bright colors, tutus, sparkle race skirts and headbands. And Chelly is my sole sister, every step of the way! I'm so thankful she's in my life to wear nutty race clothes with me. For some reason, G doesn't want to rock a tutu. :P He DID agree to wear candy cane socks for the Christmas in July Run so I'm SURE he'll warm up to the tutu idea. ;) The next Ballet 5K is a year away, so I have plenty of time to wear him down. ;) It a great look for Bob on the Tutu Project.

Suffice to say, I was a little TOO enthusiastic about the running gig. (Seven races in 2.5 months!) I pushed myself too fast, too soon and ended up with plantar fasciitis last November, the most painful injury ever. I hobbled when I walked for months. I was more depressed that I couldn't than that running had hurt my body. How wrong is THAT?! I did yoga, cross-training, Zumba, stretching, went to the chiropractor and a running coach for consultation. It took six months to clear up, and it still twinges every once in a while, but 95% of the time, I'm pain free, so I'm back to pounding the pavement. My goal is to run a marathon someday. I may just do it once, but by golly I'm gonna do it!! Chelly, GSkillet and I have big racing plans! I think a 10K might be doable by the end of the year, and a half marathon is in sight for next year. I have a booty to run off, and hope to be at my goal weight or pretty freakin' close by the time we go to the beach next summer.