Run, Jane, Run

I had heard there was a difference between running on a treadmill and running in real life. I just didn't realize the extent of that difference.
I went on a run/walk this morning with a woman who is an avid runner. Carol, who has a great blog, does (in my opinion) crazy amounts of running. I mean, this woman runs up the mountain! She was kind enough to help me out with some guidance and motivation to help me get to the point where I can actually run. You may remember me mentioning the Wasatch Woman Love Your Body 5K/10K that is in August. I gotta tell you, August seems to be coming fast, and I haven't noticed any improvement in my running abilities. I'd really like to be able to do the 5K, just for the satisfaction of completing it. I guess we'll see.

Wasatch Woman magazine "Love Your Body" 5K/10K

Some of you may know I'm doing an internship with Wasatch Woman magazine this summer. One of their events is this "Love Your Body" 5K/10K in August.

When I started working out in March, I asked the personal trainer who did my assessment if I was crazy to think I'd be able to train myself to run the 3.1 miles by August. She said I absolutely could, like it would be no problem.

It's been a problem.

Two months later and I'm nowhere near being able to run even a quarter of a mile, let alone three. I'm wondering if this is a genetic disorder I have; my inability to run.

Back in high school (when I was thin; ah, memories...) I remember having to run the mile in gym class. The first time I "ran" it, it took me 15 minutes, which you may know is more like a brisk walk than a run. Even after a semester of working out every day, I still only shaved that down to 10 minutes. Now, if I could do that again, I'd be thrilled, but I'm in much worse shape now.

So, to any of you runners, can anyone run? I'm being serious. My lungs feel like they're going to explode and I breathe so hard I feel like I'm going to throw up. Are some people just meant to be walkers?

Also, if any of you are interested in checking out the Wasatch Woman magazine "Love Your Body" 5K/10K, you really should. It sounds great!

Walking; Hey, I can do that!

I was waiting in line at the grocery store today when the cover of a Prevention Guide caught my eye. "Walking Fit: Walk Off 5, 10, 20 Pounds" Intrigued, I purchased it. The issue outlined a 6-week walking program that can supposedly burn more fat than running, even possibly dropping a dress size in said six weeks. I'm hooked.

But how can this be possible? I mean, walking? Anyone can walk, right? To say the least, I am skeptical, but optimistic. If I can somehow lose twenty pounds by walking, well, I could certainly handle that.

So, I started it today. It's a ridiculously simple plan to follow. And with the Wasatch Woman Magazine women-only 5k/10k run coming up in August, it seems like good timing. Here's hoping.