My new relationship...

I have begun a new relationship. One filled with drama, that is certain. My new partner is running. A few weeks ago I was talked into this silly idea of signing up for a 5k in our local area. Now, if you know me, you know that I am not really a "runner" nor am I "fast" when I do venture out and run. My sister-in-law talked me into signing up for the 5k, "Come on! It is for education!" Well, being a teacher, how can I turn that down? So here I am, involved in a very give-take-love-hate relationship, one which I have had to truly commit myself to. I began the actual running (fine! jogging....whatever) a few weeks ago, with a slow jog through the local cemetery (it is actually pretty, and it was during the day) and I made it through ten minutes before having to walk a little. Wow, I thought. Ten whole minutes, and I am in pain already. I might be walking for education. I did pick up some jogging towards the end of that run, and so I felt okay about it. Since then, I have been running almost everyday, some days better than others. With my crazy schedule and children, and hubby, I am able to get my run in only in the evenings, which is where the drama comes in. My new partner wants to go out, but I want to stay in and cuddle with my hubby, and kiss my girls. But this new partner is relentless! And so, off I go late in the evening, running through our neighborhood, or at the park where Keton plays softball. And I have to say, the first ten minutes of our outing is just brutal. I am so ready to pack it up and head home! But after that awkward beginning, I have found that I hit my stride. And there is almost a calm peace that comes with my jogging. So freeing, and it feels good to know that each step is making me healthier (and removing the baby weight!). And if I miss a run, boy do I hear it from my partner the next day. It is almost as though this little voice inside pokes at you until you lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement again. Then it is silenced and the feeling of accomplishment fills you up. Maybe I am dramatizing this just a little, but it does feel so good to accomplish this one little goal of mine each day. I know that running the 5k, and finishing it, will make me feel like I have succeed at something, even if it is small. So I supposed I owe my sister-in-law a thank you for introducing me to my new friend. Hopefully I can work on building a lifetime relationship with my new buddy. As long as my new buddy keeps my bottom looking good....