High on Aspiration, Low on Ability

The story goes like this...

Brother-in-law: "Let's do a 5K."
Me: "Ok."

Well, the conversation was actually a little longer than that, but that's the gist of what happened.  It may seem like a short story...but let's focus on my line - "Ok."  ...WHY would I say that?! 

The obvious answer would be because I am runner.  Oh, wait - no.  No, I am not.  I hate running.  I firmly believe that running is something you do when there are things exploding behind you...or a man with a knife is chasing you...or a dam has burst open, and the water is rushing towards you.

Before you think I'm all "anti-exercise," let me assure you that my beliefs are based on a calculated analysis of my experiences.  I would try to glam it up a bit more, but the basic, ugly truth is this - I'm a total klutz when I run.  I have attempted to be a "runner" multiple times for multiple reasons.  There was the time I wanted to be healthy (just that once).  There was the time I wanted to lose post-baby weight.  And, ok, FINE - there was the time I was drawn to running like a moth to a flame, solely  based on the lure of having an excuse to be alone for more than 2 blessed minutes.  In the end, however, it always turns out the same kind of way...me limping, a trip to the orthopedic, maybe a cortisone shot or two...you get the idea. 

In an effort to begin "training," however, I ran 1.7 miles this morning.  (FYI - NOT the same as doing it on the elliptical.)  I got up 5:30am.  (I don't believe in beginning my day before 6:00am...ever).  I went outside in the cold.  (I despise the cold).  It was dark.  (I can't see in the dark...not because I'm not a cat, but because I have astigmatism).  I ran.  (I actually didn't run - I fat-kid jogged, stopped to walk 3 times, and then crawled the last 5 feet to my front door.)  I finished my so-called training by doing some stretches in the living room floor and assuring my husband that I didn't need an ambulance.

So back to the question at hand....why would I agree to run a 5K? And not "just" a 5K...a 5K obstacle course! I can draw only one conclusion: I am obviously completely high off of all the "New Year, New You" crap that inundates you at every turn, throughout the month of January. "It's a new year! You can achieve ridiculous goals that you didn't even know you had!" Ugh.

Despite all of that, I have unfortunately become obsessed with doing this ridiculous thing.  Maybe for shock value?  I don't know... I HAVE enjoyed the looks on people's faces when I've told them I am "training for a race in the Spring."  That alone is kind of worth it. 

♥M