My trainer has really been pushing me to run lately. I am opposed to this because, as I told him, no one is actively chasing me, and I do not like the way my butt shakes at speeds faster than a brisk walk. He responded, “Do you know what will help with that? RUNNING.”
He suggested focusing on–and I am not kidding here–the beauty of the nature around me, rather than the act of running itself. Seriously? Has this man ever tried to run? It’s hard.
I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. Here are a few shots from my run this morning.
It’s 6 a.m. The light is actually quite pretty. The lawn has never looked better. (Thanks, Bry.)
I can smell these lilacs from a block away.
This view is also quite pretty, but really it just reminded me that sun wasn’t actually up yet.
I found a snowball tree along the path–there’s one of these behind my grandpa’s house. I remember being totally awestruck by it as a child.
So, okay, maybe he has a point. This has been rather–and I can’t believe I’m going to say this–enjoyable.
Maybe it was that I focused on my surroundings, rather than the obvious and somewhat blinding pain of my screaming lungs. Probably, though, it more manageable because I stopped every five minutes to take a photo. Yeah, that definitely helped.
Know what else made it enjoyable? My running parter.
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Laura on May 7, 2008 at 1:52 pm
That’s really funny–I was just feeling amazed yesterday at how much Scout *wants* to run. She begs to run! But she also needs an excuse: the ring. It’s the chase that she loves. This set me to thinking that if someone were able to throw really enticing things long distances in front of me–iced mochas, perhaps, or slices of that cheesecake you just made–perhaps running would not seem so bad after all.
Posted by Katie on May 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Pretty impressive. I’ve never been a runner…shocking, I know. At least it would give you an excuse to buy new sneakers more often.
Posted by Karyl on May 7, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Tell your trainer what Doug’s Dad used to stress – running is very bad for you – it ruins your knee and ankle joints. Runners, by the time they are 40, need knee replacements – and, doctors do not like to do this procedure on patients until they are in their late 50’s or 60’s – which means that a lot of people live with a lot a pain for a long time. Walking is great – and much more enjoyable. BTW – your pictures, as usual are great, and beautiful – so is Livy Loo!
Posted by Double L on May 8, 2008 at 9:01 am
I am so proud of you, Rebecca. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Lori on May 12, 2008 at 12:41 pm
You know what else works, running on a treadmill with last night’s Desperate Housewives playing in front of you.