Concerning Running

So I'm going to elaborate on my new-found hobby because it excites me. Now most of you know, I am not built like a runner. The gene pool is limited people; the Aiellos are not a tall, lanky sort. I think of myself less like the galloping steed and more like the plodding donkey. I mean no offense to myself...I'm a proud plodder. At a slow and steady pace I have tackled some hefty hikes. Heave a load onto my back and I'm ready to go! There are even times when I repeat to myself "slow and steady like the mule" as a sort of mantra to get me past the tough slopes. Still, I have always envied those toned-legged specimens that zip past at a light and graceful pace. So, in a stubborn attempt to defy the gods I have taken a more serious approach to running as of March-April. At first, things didn't look good. Some days it was torture, and I seemed deadlocked on 3 miles... unable to advance in distance. The fact that every road around here involves endless ups and downs only made things worse. Curse these squat legs of mine! Then one day, it just clicked. I paid attention to my pacing, controlled my breathing, and suddenly 30 min became 40, 40 became 60. I find myself comfortably covering 6 1/2 miles without feeling like I was dragged through hell and back. I could go further, but now my major deterrent is finding the time. A half hour is so much easier to fit into my schedule than 1 hour+. Sometimes I get home from work, go for a run and suddenly it's 8 o'clock and I've yet to eat dinner! As much as I am enjoying this new physical activity, I refuse to rouse myself at 5 in the morning just to fit in a workout. But in light of my achievements, I thought a race or two might be an appropriate celebration. I don't mean racing to place, just to finish and support whatever cause may be benefitting. So, I signed up for a 10K at Lincoln Park Zoo during the time I'll be visiting home in June. I ran the 5K race for the cure in Lubbock and had a grand time. And now that I'm a trot or two above a donkey, the 10K should be a breeze.