Run Forest Run

Image: Paramount Pictures.

I always remember this quote from Back to the Future 3:

Saloon Old Timer #3:If everybody's got one of these auto-whatsits, does anybody walk or run anymore? 
Doc: Of course we run. But for recreation. For fun. 
Saloon Old Timer #3: Run for fun? What the hell kind of fun is that? 

This was exactly my thoughts, running is so not fun. I've never been a runner. It's just something that has never clicked with me. I've never (and I mean ever) just gone for a run or jog. 

Sure I've exercised, I've walked, done circuit training, aerobics, pilates, yoga, boxing, etc, but I've never run. The last time I remember running for the sole purpose of running (ie not running for a bus, or to catch a child) was at my year 5 athletics carnival, it was the 800m and by the time I saw the finish line, they had already started the next race. The shame and humiliation of that day made me swear off running ever since, that and the fact I could just not see any fun in it.

The past couple of months I've been looking for an activity to get me fit. I want to lose weight, get fit and have an activity that's just for me. I also wanted to give myself a challenge. 

Over and over in the blogging world I've come across people doing the Couch to 5km program. I would think 'Good on them, but that's not for me I don't run.' I even had a chat with Sharni from Sharnanigans when she was training for her 5km and she suggested I try it. I, of course, said: "I don't do running."

Any way this stupid Couch to 5km thing kept coming back to me. I started to think, "Hmm maybe I could do it." Then, "Wouldn't it be amazing if I could run 5km, imagine that, me the ultimate non-runner running 5km."

I think that last thought alone pushed me over line. So, yesterday with the program downloaded onto my iPhone, I hit a local park and did the first session. I completed it and I actually ran. This is a god-damned miracle (and no, I didn't throw up yet, Beth. Though I wouldn't rule it out).

While I still don't like running, I love the thought of being able to do it anywhere, anytime and for free. With the first session done, I'm now pumped and determined to finish this thing. I keep saying to Skip, "Wouldn't it be amazing, if I could run 5km. Me?!" 

Indeed, it would be. So watch this space.