Ever seen episodes of Swan or Biggest Loser or something like that? When the participants are trying to get in shape and they’re given their own personal trainers and motivators and all that?

Well, last Tuesday, when Glenn and I went for a jog (at my own very slow pace), I felt like I was on reality TV. I really did feel like I was going to pass out and I found myself saying “I can’t”, “I don’t want to do this anymore”, “Can we please stop now?”, etc. It was just so typical from someone who’s out of shape. But Glenn actually did push me a lot more than I was mentally ready for. The first time I went on a jog, was on a treadmill two weeks ago. I only went for 1 mile, and it took me 15 minutes. When we went out Tuesday, we were out for 55 minutes. For the most part, we were in the woods by the railroad trail. So, there were plenty of uphills (which also meant plenty of downhills) and I was gasping and panting for air, with my sides cramping up.

I’ve been sore since then, but we still went out today. I thought it was going to be absolutely horrifying, but, instead, I actually did so much better! I still can’t walk straight down on stairs because my legs are stiff as wood, but I was able to run. Okay, geez, jog. We took a different trail this time, and there was a lot of overgrowth, so we slowed down a lot, but I at least was able to go for longer periods of time than for the first time. I’ll just have to keep doing this regularly and hopefully by July 4th, I won’t be so miserable during the race. Glenn still keeps pushing me, and I do try to push myself. But, at some point, I still give up and hold back. I’m working on that.

I can just see myself at the finish line, on a podium, camera crew all over me, and I’m sweaty, tired, and out of breath as I take the microphone and say, “…I want to thank my personal trainer, Glenn. I couldn’t have done it without you!” Oh yeah, it’ll be as cheesy as can be.

What’s actually going to happen is I’m going to head straight to the ice cream place on Main St. Oh, and I’ll treat Glenn to a low-fat soft serve too. Aww yeah.

Yay to beautiful days!

During our graduation from the leadership program two weeks ago, they told us that our next steps were to make goals to do something about what we learned from the 8-month program. They also gave us suggestions on how to keep these goals. Some of the suggestions were to:
a. write them down
b. tell someone
c. get friends/family involved

What I’m about to write down is a personal goal, but I hope to keep it, so I’ll write it down and tell you guys so that I’m committed to it. I’ve already gotten my new friend Cat, involved, which all in all, takes care of all those three suggestions.

My goal is to run and finish the Keene road race 4 on the 4th. It’s a 4-mile race doing a loop around the bike trails. I hope to start jogging on Wednesday.

Quick update. I wrote an entry while I was on the plane to Phoenix, but it’s a few pages long and I’m too tired to type. So here are quickies from my trip to Arizona.

0. I have the worst luck travelling. I’m either just in time or slightly late or lost again or *panting*. Worst luck ever. But I made it safely there and back again.

1. I’ve confirmed it. I hate airplanes. For airplane designers, think about little people, please! Those things on the seats that act as neck support only hinder us from sitting up. It makes us extend our heads forward and down, our backs curve, and over-all uncomfortable.

2. My sister and I rented a car (for the first time since the U-haul). It was a Dodge Stratus. Every time I stepped on the gas, it lurched. I got a little better with it over the weekend, but it was otherwise a consistent lurcher. Handling-wise, it was like driving those Sega race car games. It was a lot bigger than my Jetta too, so I think I must’ve gone over curbs and sidewalks at least 4x. I now have a better appreciation for my VW. I did a few tight corners today and it was fun and lurch-free.

3. When you’re in Arizona, you don’t need a blow dryer and your hair stays nice and straight and un-frizzy.

4. End of April is a good time to visit Arizona - even in the desert, it’s spring time.

5. There is apparently a town in Scottsdale called Carefree Village with street names like Hohum, Ladidah, etc. Imagine stating that as an address.

6. Being my sister’s personal shopper was a blast. Especially since I didn’t have to spend any of my money (except when we got to the mall).

7. I can jog without getting shin splints!

8. Camelback was a riot to hike.

9. Seeing my sister and Lori was a riot too.

10. I’ve got plenty more but it’s getting late…