This is my last all-about-me post for my Birthday week. And it’s not about photography. Or is it?

I started running. Again.

It’s been a long time since I ran any distance unless you count chasing the boys around the yard. Or down the hall. Or up the stairs. Or down the stairs. Or around and around and around. Perhaps the constant chasing has just helped in rebuilding my endurance. Whatever the case, I started working on the Couch to 5K program. Yes, I’m kind of insane.

I used to be really in shape. Remember those days? High school and early college were a time when I could run three to five miles without huffing and puffing and generally falling over. I had ankle issues due to a softball injury but I could still make my way around the track. And then late college (read: beer) happened. And then marriage and babies (read: lots of weight) happened.

For awhile, I felt too embarrassed to even try running again. In the weeks leading up to the decision to start the c25k program, I really dealt with the self-conscious issue of meeting other, or rather, real runners while I was out for a run. The morning that I finally made myself strap on my sneakers and head to the track, I said to FireDad, “But what if there are real runners there?” He pushed me out the door. He’s very supportive.

I had to restart my first attempt at the program a week later because the pollen level in Ohio is somewhat ridiculous. I was down for the count for about five days. As soon as I could breathe again, I restarted with week one, day one. I am proud to announce that I have completed my first week. I know this doesn’t mean much and that if I attempted to run a 5k right now that I’d probably throw up shortly before I passed out. I’m also sure that people who are also utilizing the track are thinking to themselves, “Why is that woman running and then walking, over and over?” Interval training looks funny unless you know that someone is interval training. Even then it does look funny, doesn’t it? (A big tip for anyone wanting to attempt this program: download the podcasts. Good running music with audio cues. There’s also an app for that.)

As for how I’m feeling? Flipping fantastic. My ankle is coming along with me so far though I may need to reinvest in a quality brace in the near future. My mood has improved greatly, especially right after a run. I am more tired at night when I’ve run earlier in the day but that’s also mostly acceptable as I fall asleep with more ease. And, as an added bonus, do you remember how in high school gym class your gym teacher tried to tell you that if you exercised, your cramps would feel better? She was right. I still don’t like her but she was right.

I’m never going to run a marathon. I wasn’t a super long-distance runner even in my most fit of days. I am, however, going to run a 5k this year. I’m going to keep running because it makes me feel good about myself. And for thirty minutes, I’m alone. I do hope that this added exercise helps me get into more shape. I’ve hit my ten pound goal and, BMI wise, could use to lose another ten, though I’d be overjoyed with just five. I’d like 29 to be my healthiest year ever.

And, yes, I still take pictures when I’m running. Bless the Hipstamatic app.

If you’d like to follow my progress, feel free to follow my #c25k tweets on twitter (@FireMom) or follow me on DailyMile. Also, if you have already completed the program or are actively working on it, let me know. I’d love to talk about your progress and learn things!