A running start

I've started running again. Okay, it's more like incredibly slow jogging, but still, it's something. Believe it or not, I used to be a competitive long-distance runner way, way, way, back in the day. When I was in college it was typical for me to go for an eight-mile run and-- get this--not feel as though I was going to die afterward. Not so much these days, but I'm working on it.

I've been trying to get outside with Sammy more often now that the weather isn't so abysmally hot and humid around these parts. So for the past couple of weeks I've been loading Sammy into the stroller and going for a nice long walk/jog/walk that averages around a total of three miles, of which I jog about a mile and a half. I'm taking it very slow and carefully. After all, my body isn't as young as it used to be and this is the heaviest that I've ever been in my life (thanks Sammy!). Also I'm still getting used to running behind a stroller, which has thrown my natural stride way off, so there's that, too.

While I may not be the fastest mom on the block, it feels good to be physically active again. I've definitely got more aches and pains than I ever did before, but it's so worth it. There's just something about being alone with my thoughts for an hour or so that makes me feel calm and clear-headed once I'm finished. Monte Davis put it best: "Running long and hard is an ideal antidepressant, since it's hard to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time."