Look what I just bought...

Those of you who know me well are probably scratching your heads in confusion at the moment. I can imagine your internal dialogue: "Wait, isn't that a double jogging stroller? This doesn't make any sense. I mean, I understand the 'double' part - Erin does have two kids - and even the 'stroller' part - they need to get around somehow - but 'jogging?!???' Erin hates to run. In fact I even remember her explaining that her own personal version of that oh-so-very-hot-and-undesirable-place would be one never-ending marathon. Not to mention that she is a Graff by birth and don't they have a family motto that goes something like, 'Graff's don't run?' So surely there is an imposter posting on her blog; that's the only reasonable explanation."
Alas, there is not an imposter. I really did buy a jogging stroller and I actually intend to try to run. (And I can't believe I just wrote that last sentence!) I've been feeling the need lately to get active and after a good deal of introspection I've realized that when it comes to exercise I'm not very self-motivated. I'm great at coming up with noble plans, but I'm even better at talking myself out of those plans. I noticed that the times in my life when I've been consistent about exercise it's because there is some sort of deadline or goal, and not arbitrary ones - those don't work. For example, I'm really good about walking when I'm pregnant because I know that I have to be strong for labor and delivery; there's just no way to get out of that deadline. I did great in high school because I was working towards softball season.
Granted, my preferred mode of exercise would involve playing sports: softball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, etc., but at this point in my life that just isn't feasible. So, I tried and tried to think of something I could realistically do that involved a physical deadline. The only option I could come up with was running a 5K. Trust me, I really, really tried to think of something, anything!, else, but there was nothing else I could do with 2 little kids and limited time and money.
I have a good friend, Amy, who is an avid runner. She makes comments like, "Oh, I only ran five miles this morning." Amy is a big part of my decision to start running because she claims that she used to hate to run too! She also only started running about 5 years ago, so I have a small spark of hope that maybe I won't hate to run forever. Someday, maybe I can be like Amy. My good friends, Jenni and Juliana, have also said they will train for a 5K with me.
When I purchased the stroller I committed myself to run at least one 5K. I plan to use a 9-12 week training plan from a site that claims "couch to 5K." I've got the couch part down, so I'm halfway there, right? I previously admitted a lack of self motivation. Part of the reason I'm posting this blog is to create external motivation; now everyone knows my "noble plans" so I can't give them up as easily as I might otherwise. With that external pressure, my personal commitment, and help from my wonderful friends, I hope to post pictures of me crossing the finish line of a 5K race sometime in December. And maybe, just maybe, I won't hate it.
PS I'm starting my "training" tomorrow. Aaaaaauuuuugggggghhhhh

9/22 UPDATE: I did it. I went out this morning with Juliana and made it about 12 minutes into the suggested 20 minute jog/walk routine, then I almost died. Okay, maybe not "died," but was very near to throwing up and it took 35 minutes to retrace the route that only took 15 minutes on our way out. Sorry Juliana! Yes, I know that's a sad commentary on my current physical condition, but I try to console myself with the fact that I was pushing almost 50 lbs in the stroller and I am not used to pushing the stroller yet. I am surprised at how much back and arm strength that requires! I think I'll stretch the suggested first week training into two weeks to give me time to get used to the stroller.