My Journey Along the Narrow Way

Or I guess for me it would be: Run, Debey, Run. I have always wanted to be a runner. I’m not sure why it holds such a lure for me, but I really would love to be one of those people who run.

It really makes no sense. Anyone who has seen my short, stubby legs can tell that I wasn’t ever really built for speed. I’ve always been really jealous of people with long, lean legs to run on.
Anyway…I have to make due with what I was given, and I was given short legs.

Lately, I’ve gotten into the treadmill. I guess it was just hanging in there long enough to get past the “oh my gosh, I’m gonna die, when is this going to be over” feeling to start enjoying it some. Now don’t get me wrong, every minute I’m walking and sweating I’m not in bliss or anything, but I don’t HATE it now. I don’t feel like I’m going to die everytime I do it.

So one day I decided, why not? I’m going to try to run for one minute and see what happens. And guess what? I didn’t fall over dead. My legs didn’t fall off. I actually didn’t hate it kind of liked it.

After that I decided I would do an informal type of ramp up to running. I know myself, so I decided I didn’t want a formal, set-in-stone kind of running plan. I would just keep on going to the gym every week and run. So this week it is running at least 4 times for a minute each time during my 45 brisk walk on the treadmill. That’s it.

Next week, I will ramp up to at least five times for a minute or more. Last night, I did my four times but actually ran closer to a minute and 15 seconds each time.

That’s progress, right? I’m striving for baby steps with this as well as with my eating habits on Weight Watchers. Each baby step moves me a little closer to the goal.

I know a lot of people would need something a little more regimented. But I know myself and if I did that I would get burned out really fast and not want to do it.

Oh, and I’m walking/jogging a 5K next month! It will be my first ever. Which is exciting, especially for someone who hasn’t done anything like this since I was in about sixth grade.Ā  I’m still looking for anyone who would like to join me.Ā  Why don’t you give me a call?

Comments on: "Run, Forest, Run…" (4)

  1. It is funny that you mention the short leg thing. I am 5’4″ and today when I was running it seemed like all the Jolly Green Giants were wooshing right by me. Sometimes I feel like one of those miniature dogs you see trying to keep up with their owners when I run. It is good to know that I am not the only short person on the planet. Awesome job on the 5k!!! šŸ™‚

  2. debeyepps said:

    And the people with the LONNNNGGGGG legs always pick the treadmill right next to me. My speed is so much slower but I’m running just as fast as they are. It’s crazy!

  3. Good for you! I’m also short-legged and it makes me crazy when I see the ease with which those long-legged runners run. They’re gazelles, i’m like a porcupine or something šŸ˜‰

  4. old rural runner said:

    Good work … take your time and you will get to the 5K goal. It iss nice to know I am not the only short-legged person trying to be a runner.

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