Today I started a Couch to 5k program.
I haven’t ran in so long.
SO LONG.
Like once upon a time long.
Since before I was pregnant.
(Did I really just admit that?!)
It was high time that I got back out there.
We ran.
And walked.
And ran. FOREVER.
(Or at least it seemed.)
My hip flexors still haven’t forgiven me.
I’m terrified that I won’t be able to move in the morning. haha
Can we say out of shape? 
It was so hot out.
Especially after running.
The splash park looked so inviting.
Go ahead. Judge away.
I had to cool down before I died.
All of the water commotion woke Layla up.
I think she was just plain baffled.
And rightly so.
Not to fear, she fell back asleep as soon as we got home.
My running really tuckered her out!
Miss Bed Head.
haha!
And some more Layla… to get my mind off of running.
That grin is more than I can take!
Ok, back to running.
I couldn’t believe how hard it was today!
I’ve never really been good at running…especially long distance, which makes me want to do it even more. I suppose there is a challenge in it. And, also, it is something that I can do with Layla. I am not going to drop her off at a gym daycare while I workout. That just isn’t something that I want to do. So, taking her for a walk or jog in the stroller will work out just fine. Besides, it’s nice to go outside and get a little fresh air. 
Have you ever done a Couch to 5k?
Apparently I am supposed to be able to run 3 miles without stopping in about 2 months.
Which I think might require a miracle.
And a defibrillator.
Let’s talk shoes, shall we?
Have you guys ever read Born to Run?
I read it and was inspired to barefoot run.
So I bought some Vibram Fivefingers.
I know.
They are ugly.
They kind of look like the child of water socks and gorilla feet.
But it feels like you are literally walking barefoot…
minus any chance of stepping on a sharp rock or stubbing your toe.
And, if you haven’t tried them, let me tell you that you will run completely differently.
You will never strike your heel again.
You will be sore in muscle groups that you didn’t even know could get sore.
But the whole point is to allow your muscles to absorb the shock of your foot hitting the ground instead of your bones and joints. And, remarkably, it works.
To be honest, I love running in them but hate the toe part.
It hurts my pinky toes.
It is completely unnatural to spread your toes that far a part.
So today, I decided to forego my Vibrams and run in regular running shoes.
And my knee is paying for it.
My IT band gets really inflamed when I run and my knee kills me.
It is amazing that I can literally feel the difference when I run in barefoot shoes.
I’ve decided to sell my Vibrams on eBay and get a barefoot shoe that doesn’t have the toes.
I’m thinking of Merrell Pure Gloves.
Has anyone tried these?
From the reviews that I’ve read, they are supposed to be super comfortable.
Would you ever try barefoot running? Or do you believe that a cushion-y running shoe is still a better choice?
I’m interested in hearing your opinion.
Does anyone else want to start a Couch to 5k?
We could all support and encourage each other on the days where we would rather stay home and eat a donut.
Which is everyday for me.
(For the record, I rarely actually eat donuts. If there were no consequences, I could eat one every day and never get tired of them though. haha)
Ok, your turn. Go.
