A few months ago my sister asked me why I hate running. I was thinking about that this morning as I ran. I woke up with a splitting headache and a sore throat, but the weather was supposed to be decent today and Ryan was home, so I had to take advantage of my moment to get out and get going. I bundled up and headed out to brave the 35 degree weather. I actually had a great run--my headache went away and I didn't stop at all, except when I was trying to avoid being hit by a car. The end of my route is uphill and I was running against the wind (barefoot and through three feet of snow and in blinding hail, too...). This is when I recognized why I haven't been a big fan of running, or of any cardio for that matter. I have asthma. My lung capacity isn't great. When I go to the doctor and they make me take the little breathing tests that they have it isn't pretty. So I think that is why I don't love it. I can't breathe when I do it. When I got home I was literally gasping. I think the cold air made it worse. But I just took a few puffs of my inhaler and rested for a bit and I was fine. I know I am certainly not the first asthmatic to train for a marathon--I think the more I train, the better things will get.
And I am loving it more. I find myself wanting to run. I want to be a runner. Today was just three miles, but three miles outside is different than three on the treadmill. More interesting. More variety. Hills, trees, grass, dogs. It's better. Plus, my foot didn't hurt at all, which makes me wonder. Maybe the treadmill has something to do with it?
(BTW--I hope you all know I was kidding about the running barefoot in the snow comment. I only run barefoot in the house.)
And--I really am gung-ho about this whole vegetarian thing. I just didn't think about how big of a change it was until I started trying to do it without having planned ahead. I found myself wondering, "What do vegetarians even eat?" So today I went to the library and stocked up on some cookbooks. I revised my week of meals for this coming week and I am excited to try all these new recipes! I'll tell you all upfront, though--I HATE tofu. I have tried many, many times to like it. I have cooked it many different ways. They say it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking it with. Ryan and I both think that is crap. It tastes horrible. So don't expect to be seeing many recipes calling for a block of firm tofu. Not happening here!!
This is the book I am using this week! I will keep you updated. I know you are all waiting on the edge of your seats...
3 comments:
I hate running too. I wish I liked it, because I would love to be able to call myself a runner--that sounds so cool and accomplished, doesn't it? But I just really hate it. Always have, since I was a kid and we had to run for PE.
I'm interested to hear about what kinds of veggie recipes you make. I think it would be healthy for us to eat less meat too, but like you I just can't figure out what we would eat! Not fans of tofu here either(although it isn't bad deep-fried, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose).
Kim always uses tofu in smoothies. You really can't tell its in there. I couldn't anyway. It just added a kinda creamy texture when blended in with the fruit. Breakfast anyone?
I have used it in smoothies, Katie, and you are right, you can't tell at all. It's when it's used as a meat replacement that I have issues.
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