I am a beginning runner

ewww...
I never thought I would hear those terrifying words, but alas, they came out of Kristin's mouth last night as I was trying on new shoes strictly for running purposes. Thats right folks, I have started running, and so far I LOVE IT!

So, it was a rainy tuesday (or some other day of the week), and Kristin and I had plans to go for a run/blade/walk adventure after we both got off of work. Now to catch ya'll up to speed on what that entails, I have never been a runner, I think I tried once-or twice, injured myself, and gave up for faster modes of excersing: bike, roller blades. Since I have been living in New York to occupy my time (and to keep me from going crazy from missing Blake) I started riding my bike through this little trail that runs along the Bronx River, and the Bronx River parkway (aka freeway), its a great trail, and I think the total distance is anywhere from 10-15 miles round trip. I love it! Well, I started using the trail with Kristin (who is a runner, and even ran in a marathon or 2), since she is running, I would use my roller blades (which is slower than a bike, but faster than running) and we would go anywhere from 4-6 miles a night. Okay, now you know the back story....So, this Tuesday night I asked her if we could walk instead, since it had been raining all day long, and for those of you that use roller blades, water and blades dont mix well - you slip and fall...ouch! She agreed and asked if maybe we could run too a little bit....well shit, that started this whole running buisness.
We ran about half the way (only about 4 miles that day) and I loved it! I had so much fun, and I didnt realize that I could run that far! woo, I was hooked. We went out almost every night that week, and every night I was able to run for longer periods of time, and with more energy. I was so proud of myself. The only problem were my shoes, and every time we went out, my body would yell at me a little longer and a little louder: my ankles, shins, knees, thighs all would be in pain towards the end of the run. I needed new shoes: running shoes

On Sunday we decided to go for a super long run, between 5-6 miles, my ankles by this point were not happy, and hurt the entire time. But we beat our intended stopping point - we went somewhere between 6-7 miles! woo! I was so impressed with my body it was awesome! Although by the end I was exhausted, and wanted to die. After 2 days of resting we decided to go for a run Tuesday night this week - I almost couldnt do it, my ankles hurt so bad! But we did, we ran around 4 miles, and the next day my foot was in an ace bandage all day. I could barley walk! My first running injury, how precious!

So last night I bought my first pair of real running shoes called Saucony: Pro-Grid Triumph 6
(fancy right?) and spending waaaay too much money on these cushiony-pillowy wonderful, hug-your-ankles shoes, I am ready to go running again!
I am excited! I really like running, I like running with a friend, and feeling good everytime I wake up in the morning. I have more energy and my stamina is quickly picking up. My breathing is becoming better (which I am excited about once Yoga picks up again), and I am working my way to keeping up with Kristin.
Maybe one day I will be able to run the whole distance with her! woo!!
Oh, and the shoe guy also told her and I that we should create a runners group in Bronxville, I dont know if I am ready to do that...I have a hard enough time keeping up with her!

Time will tell I suppose....but I will keep ya'll updated on this new building passion of mine.

Cheers!