Calling All Runners!

I've been running 3 times a week for about 6 weeks now. This is the most consistent running I've done, EVER. I ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in Sept. 2006. But I wasn't able to train for it like I am now. I came in dead last (complete with a police escort) with a time of 36 minutes and about 30 seconds. Though it would be nice not to come in last, again...my real goal is to improve my time. Hopefully shaving off minutes, not just seconds.

This morning I set a personal record for running distance. I ran 6.1 miles around our old ward boundaries. I still can't believe it. I never dreamed I'd be running anything more than three miles in my lifetime especially with my exercise-induced asthma, my fractured back history and after having 4 kids. What's totally weird, is that I feel stronger now than I did after having Karcyn. Why would that be? I was a couple years younger and my body had gone through less. Bizarre.

Now...for those of you who have been running consistently for 6 months or longer....Tell me honestly....Do you REALLY love it? Or do you run out of obligation for physical or mental health reasons? I have not found the love affair with running yet. I just don't like it. It takes every ounce of discipline I have in my body to get dressed and to walk out my door. That's half the battle for me. Will that ever change? Will I ever just jump out of bed and sing and dance around my room while I get dressed, happily looking forward to such bodily torture?

Working around a nursing baby and Jared's work schedule, I have to say I'm pretty impressed I've not missed a run yet. It hasn't been easy. I don't want to stop, though, because if I'm going to continue this personal feat, I need to keep on this schedule. Really it's become a battle within myself. I want to see how far I can go. Gotta see what my body can do. It's a pride thing. My poor body hasn't exercised in--oh, about 3 decades, so I know it's going to take me awhile to get speed in my runs. Right now, it's about running without stopping.

Okay, here's another problem...potty issues. I don't feel like I can run any farther than 5 or 6 miles because nature starts calling, sometimes outta nowhere and I find myself in a very uncomfortable situation. That happened this morning in fact. Fortunately it wasn't until the last mile or so. But I had driven to the rental house we were previously in to run one of Jared's old routes. I still wasn't close to home. Lucky for me and my colon, I manage the rental home and my tenant and friend, Karissa answered the door at 7:30am. (Bless you, Karissa!) It doesn't always work out that well, though, so I gotta think about this....Any suggestions?

One good thing has come out of this. All of the running I'm doing has made me grateful for my body (with not-so-perfect organs) that is holding up under the pressure and allowing me to do this. Not to mention, I now have an even deeper respect for marathon runners. I think it's total madness, but what an amazing accomplishment. Right now, my marathon is whatever my next distance is.