Empty's Theme Park

My age is catching up with me.

Pretty much since adulthood I’ve been overweight to some degree.  It used to be that whatever level of natural athleticism I possess allowed me to circumvent that fact and still compete in sports and be somewhat active when called upon.  

That scale is tipping, my friends.

My body just doesn’t react like it used to.  I have Type II diabetes.  My lower back has been killing me.  I have to wear orthotics and a brace on my right ankle in order to achieve anything more than a brisk walk without searing pain.  I have more than 2 beer and I feel like Stu from the Hangover the next day.

So I’ve been trying to make a change.

Along with some dietary changes (I haven’t had coffee in over a week, mothertrucker), and getting involved in some recreational sports, I’ve started into the C25K program.

I am not a runner.

In my youth, I was a bit of a sprinter.  I was never the fastest kid in class, but I always finished in contention with those that were.  Distance running always killed me, though.  It didn’t get any better as I got older.  With the demands of a job and school, my activity level dropped and I packed on the pounds.  Surprisingly enough, the heavier you are, the harder it is to run due to stress on your joints and such.  Who knew?

There was also a time in my life where I was forced to run with a large group of people. I knew this time was coming, so I had tried to prepare for it, but I did too much too quickly and ended up developing pretty severe shin splints.  So when it came time to run (and it was kind of like C25K, except it was a one day program), I was in for some excruciating pain.  It wasn’t that my cardio couldn’t handle it….it was my legs.  So time and again, I was the last to finish, usually hobbling in at the end.  It was both frustrating and embarrassing, and it made me hate running.

It’s been 12 years since then, and last week I started C25K.  I’ve been inspired by those I’ve seen take up running and the results they’ve achieved, both in weight loss and just being able to run.  I’m sick of being the guy who can’t.  As much as I hate running, I think I hate that more.  

Although I’m only in Week 2, the program has been really good.  I felt better after Day 1 this week than I did after Day 1 last week.  I didn’t have as much pain or soreness.  I recovered faster.  I want to not only complete the program but surpass it.  I don’t know that I’m interested in running any marathons, but already I’m chewing on the thought of trying to get into good enough shape that next year I might try a Spartan Race.  Time will tell if I succeed or not, but it helps to have something to work towards other than just to “lose weight”.  

I know some folks hate these kind of posts, but I’m trying to keep myself accountable.

I know I can do this.

I just have to do it.