These thick ass legs are good for something

It’s been said that fear of failure is a force that puts the brakes on me. In fact, it’s been said by my friend D–, who also serves as my chief fitness advisor. It’s good to have friends. They are encouraging.

D– told me that I should try to work in one or two interval workouts per week. He said that research is showing they are really good for athletic development. So, I don’t really like my Monday night workout options anymore, so I decided to try doing something that I’ve wanted to do ever since I started working downtown. I’d jog to the Art Museum and run the Rocky Steps a few times. Then I’d do a couple sprints. That’s what I told D– I’d do. He was supportive.

The funny thing is that the part of this workout that scared me was the jog to and from the Art Museum. I thought it was a mile-and-a-half (turns out it was only a mile, but I didn’t know that as I was doing it). Jogging is my greatest athletic weakness. Sustained running of any kind has never agreed with me.

But I did the workout. I ran to the Art Museum. I ran the steps five times continuously, then I took a break and ran them twice hard with a sprint at the top of each. Then I ran back to the gym. It was about 40 minute workout, all told, which was about what I was shooting for. I didn’t do the long sprints on the ground I wanted, but it was getting dark.

When I got on the phone with D– I told him I’d done it. His reply: “Glad to hear you strapped on a pair. I would’ve thought you’d puss out.” Then he asked me how far it was to the Art Museum. I said, “I think I ran to the gym in 10 minutes.” He asked how far it was. “A mile and a half,” I said.

His reply? “I don’t buy it. That’s too fast for you.” He made me check on Google’s Pedometer map.

He was right. Just a mile. Oh well. Let’s hear it for my 10 minute mile!

So maybe I didn’t run 3 miles tonight like I thought. I only did two (not counting the steps), but it’s still pretty good. I felt a “presence” in my legs like I haven’t felt for a while, so that’s good. I’ve shocked my system a little bit, which helps you move forward and make breakthroughs in fitness. For this, I am very proud.

Let’s hear it for overcoming the fear of pathetic little jogs! Next Monday, I expect I will have a more intense interval workout in between the two baby jogs. You just wait!