If you can hold on, Hold on.

A few weeks ago I decided to take up running. The idiot that I am, I put on some old, cheap tennis shoes and just started running.

For days after that I waddled around like an old lady because I had pulled my hamstrings so badly I couldn't walk.

When I could finally move again I did a little research, invested in some good running shoes, STRETCHED and tried again.

I found a good loop in our neighborhood and ran for what felt forever. Turns out it was just about 1.5 miles. While that's nothing to be ashamed of I was wheezing pretty hard. Despite exercising pretty regularly I was not in runner's shape.

Per all the advice I read I gradually increased the length I ran, hitting 2, 2.5 and my high of 3.2 miles. I was pretty proud of myself considering I choose to run in the morning before work, which means being up and out the door by 5 am. Not easy.

Friday I was off from work and decided to really push myself. I had mapped out a 4 mile route and I was going for it. It was cold and sunny out and I had no time restraints. Perfect!

Did I mention the route I mapped starts and ends uphill? Oy.

But... I DID IT!

It was tough but surprisingly not as bad as I thought. My Ipod was rocking and I felt good! The best songs came on as I trudged up the tough hills - if you're wondering it was JT's 'Sexy Back' and The Killers 'All These Things That I Have Done.' I wish I could run at that time of day everyday!

I also figured out how to carry my house key. Genius.

Had to proudly snap this disgusting post-run photo of myself:

It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it!!