The first two miles

Jan 1, 2012.

I haven't ran in a while. I box, I do cardio, I lift, I exercise...just haven't actually ran for any distance.

Today I started what will become my standard two-mile trek (for now) to measure how long it takes me to run a mile.

It appeared a lot easier in my mind. I started out strong and about 5 minutes in my lungs reminded me that they haven't been exercised like that in quite a while. The expansion and the thirst for air created a burning sensation that was a bit frightening at first. I am familiar with it and told myself to push through. I did and continued to run.

Now that I look at it, the words 'push through' are intriguing to me. I'll take a look at that.

To push through I started to use the music...the rhythm. Running to the beat helped me for some moments. Other moments were filled with memories of serving in the Army. Grant it I was a bit (cough cough) younger then and I remember the voices of my drill sergeants in the background giving me no other choice but to carry on.

Many times I thought of my son. He's almost two now and I am completely in love with him. His smile carried me some of the way. The way he says "Daddy" carried me more. Thinking of my beautiful wife holding him while they both watch with pride and love carried me even further.

There were two moments when I slowed down to a fast-paced walk to catch my breath and to give into my want to stop. Those moments were short and taken by choice...hard choices, but taken none-the-less.

It was tiring. It was harder than I thought and it was rejuvenating (after about 15 minutes of cooling down).

Finished the first two miles in 20:14:88

What really filled me up was when I came home and my son said "Daddy run" :)

Blessings,
Gregory