Time to spare ...

Lucky for me, official training with Team Challenge doesn't start until August 24th. Since I moved to Atlanta in May, I've been trying to get out there and take short walks/runs. I had it in my head for awhile that I wanted to do this 1/2 marathon, and I didn't want to be completely out of shape when official training actually started.

With that said, I have a LOT of work to do when it comes to training. Last weekend, I went to Big Peach Running Co to get a new pair of running shoes. I figured if I was going to do this thing, I better go big or go home. So, I went and got fitted for a new pair of pretty shoes (yes, I wanted them to be pretty, but no, I didn't pick the prettiest pink running shoes because they were not the most comfortable ... shucks). When I was talking to the guy at Big Peach, I mentioned that I was running a 1/2 marathon and he casually asked how much I had been running recently. "Well ... you see, I've never really run before ... I still kind of get winded when I walk to the mailbox or up the stairs to my apartment." No lie, I'm sure this guy thought I was the biggest idiot. And especially when I told him that I wanted pretty shoes ... although I like to think that I redeemed myself on that front.

I've been trying to go to the gym at least 3 times a week recently to walk/run on the treadmill. This week I felt pretty yucky, so I only went out twice (but hey! that's better than none, right?!). I did get up bright and early this morning and walked/ran about 2 miles around my neighborhood. I've mostly just been going on the treadmill at the gym, pretty much because by the time I get home from work I'm exhausted and just want to sit on the couch, and then when I decide to walk it's getting late and I don't want to be outside by myself. But man ... I better start training outside because it's sure a lot different than running on a treadmill. I can pretty easily do 2 miles on the treadmill (usually running for 4-5 minutes and walking for 1), but outside I can barely manage running for 2 minutes at a time. I just get impatient with this stuff ... I want to do it all NOW .... but that's exactly why I joined Team Challenge!