I Hate Running.

So, I have a confession to make.

I hate running.

Surprising, isn’t it?

I abandoned the Couch-to-5K program shortly after I completed 20 full minutes of running.  I was so proud of myself but that 20 minutes was, a Thom Filicia (from Queer Eye) would say: “IT WAS HARRAHBLE!” 

I’ve come to conclusion that I am just not a runner.  As much as I’d like to be one, I don’t find it as enjoyable as I want.  I can jog for a few minutes at a time, but not for 20 minutes straight.  In fact, I managed to jog for 11 minutes (1 mile) a few days ago.  But 20 minutes?  No thank you. 

When it comes to accomplishing things, I am zealous.  I have been dubbed an overachiever and even a “goody two shoes” because of my drive and motivation to get things done.  When I started Couch-to-5K, I was determined to make it to the end of the six week program.  I should have finished by now, but after my 20 minute run, I stopped.  Instead, I have developed what I call my “5-Miler”, where I alternate between walking/jogging for 5 miles every other day.  I only did 3 miles today, but the point is that I don’t want to give up jogging altogether.  I just don’t want to do it for 20 minutes at a time.  The fact that I can even jog for a mile outside without wanting to collapse is a huge accomplishment for me.  At the gym, I could do it on a treadmill, no problem.  But outside, with the elements – that’s trickier.

However, I have always enjoyed walking.  I love, love, love walking.  I love taking strolls through shopping centers, walk-and-talks with friends, or just walking on the Lake Path.  My life feels like it’s been in overdrive the past few years, and walking is my chance to just slow down.  I get to look around me, appreciate the beautiful city I’m currently in, without huffing and puffing like I do when I jog.  I get to see the lush greenery that surrounds the lake path; I get to see the buildings towering against a blue sky.  And, if I head south, I get to see the city slowly come into view.  I see the Willis (Sears) Tower, Hancock Tower, Trump Tower … and it’s amazing.  I wanted to be in Chicago so badly and now that I am here, I don’t want to take any of it for granted.

Maybe one day, I will get the bug to finish Couch-to-5K.  But for now, I will stick with walking and the occasional jogging, as I take in the sights around me.