An Attempt At Running Again

Lately I've been growing frustrated with my seemingly growing (albeit slowly) tummy, so I've been flirting with the idea of running again. Although I used to run on a semi-regular basis back in my first year of grad school, I have most definitely not run in a long time. Granted, when I lived in Europe (and soon after returning), I was keeping active by riding my bike for exercise every other day or so, and I did do some light weight training, but somehow this feels a lot different to me than running.

So, yesterday I talked myself into going out for a run in the (unfortunately) Summery weather we're having right now. As it turns out though, I must be in horrible shape (internally), as I only was able to run for about 10 minutes before wearing out. In fact, I was so shot afterwards that I was afraid I might throw up or need to go to sleep! I'm a bit ashamed by this, but I'm sure if I kept at it I could get into a routine where I could run for 30 minutes at a time like I used to.

Still, yesterday's little jog gave me a big reminder of why I hate running. While I've never been diagnosed as asthmatic, my sister has, and I've always had a hard time breathing when I do sports, so perhaps I have a lesser lung problem? Regardless, this is the main thing I hate about running: my lungs hurt during and afterwards, even when I'm in better shape. For some reason though, when I ride my bike, I have an easier time controlling my breathing. Now, I accept that the way I ride a bike is probably less intensive than running, but it's still cardio, so that's gotta count for something.

Bottom line: I DO want to start exercising again, but I think it might have to be on my bike at the bike path (plus perhaps a few weights and crunches from time to time) instead of getting back into running (which has never been fun for me). Big props though to those people out there who run a lot!