When I get to the studio at 7 AM I am still in my early morning daze. Unfortunately, everyone that shows up today is a runner, no walkers in sight. I do not know the route we will take and don’t want to slow anyone down so I agree to run at least as well as I can. I did jog regularly for short distances (3-4 miles) in the past, but have not for over a year now and even then was never a runner. All I can do is try I decide and off we go. Gratefully, near the top of the first hill I talk Marcy into alternating walking and running with me. It feels good--the exertion, the sweating, the steps, the camaraderie. I am glad I came; I just wonder if I will pass out in class which starts at 9 AM.
We have some time to rest before class and I’m thinking this is going rather well as I sit on the sofa under the air vent sipping a cool refreshing beverage, smug with the thought that I didn’t just walk--I jogged, probably half of the 3-mile or so route. Then Anita says, ”OK, let’s get started.” Am I out of my mind or what? The class goes well but not exceptionally so and the nagging in my back seems only to be increasing. I begin to entertain the thought that maybe I need a rest. I don’t want to quit the challenge, but if I took a day off, how and when would I make it up? I could do a 6:15 AM before work on a Tuesday and then do the 7 PM class the same day. UGH! That’s awfully early and a super long day too! The thought is not very appealing to me and I think it better to keep coming and just take it easy as I need to.
