So about that "running" thing

Okay hold it, before you make a hasty judgement...
I am officially up to two miles and have been on schedule and keeping up with it for the last two weeks!

So to recap how it's gone down.
I started in the neighborhood next to us.  To get there I take a quick jaunt down my street, run a few feet down a busy road to the next street (no sidewalks here folks...just the road with a hill abutting it) and a stealthy cut through an empty lot and I am in a nice quiet subdivision. 
Yup, great.  

Except for this is one of the hilliest places I've ever run.  I mean total hills and bends and after the first day I didn't think I was going to be able to do it again.  Ever.
Let's just say I am sure not as young as I was when I used to do this. Four years is a long time to be out of shape and this has been so much more painful than I anticipated. Between the hills here, my lack of formal exercise and my slight advance in age....well this has kicked my patooty!

That first day I got an estimated mile under my belt. Out of breath with legs literally shaking I staggered into the house thinking I'm just not up to this challenge! Yet at the same time I felt great!

So I tried again a few days later.
With the same results.

Legs squishy, shaky and so very sore already from the previous run, I am sweaty and panting by the time I am done. And I am rethinking this "get into better shape" thing. 
And then I figured it out - how hard is it to jump in the car and drive to one of the many parks with a track on it near our house.  I mean it's just me...no dogs, no stroller and no child in need of goldfish, 8 toys and a sippy cup to keep him just slightly somewhat occupied.  Just me.  
So less than a mile later via car I have found my jogging oasis!

Flash forward to my next jog...
I get on the track and go.  It is still painful but I can do two miles without actually dying.  And this being able to actually do it, well this is a good thing in case you were wondering. 

Oh yes...by the time I am finished I am still aching, sweating and out of breath...but I did it!  And it feels really good. 
So I've been on the track four times now and although still very sore I am really enjoying this.  And oh yes, I am soooo relieved when I am done with my run...but I feel great that I took a half hour of time for just me - to do something that makes me a better me.  I have a little time to myself, and honestly that time makes me stronger not only physically but mentally and emotionally.

And I thought I would have so many thoughts to organize.  But really...I just run.  I think of nothing but getting around the next bend and how wonderful it feels to be out here running.  (Okay...jogging...but I keep a steady pace)
And sure, when I am finished I head to the car beyond ready for that bottle of water I haven't been able to get out of my mind for the last lap.  And yes, I drink it like I haven't had water in days...water is dripping down my chin and into my shirt without a care what passerbys think.  Nice....

But seriously now, do I care?
Nope...I just went two darn miles. 

And by next month it'll be three.
J