16 minutes

That's how long I ran today. I started my training regimen for the 10k run of the marathon, and today's session had me doing:

• 5 x (1 minute of running + 1 minute of walking)
• 15 minutes of running
• 5 x (1 minute of running + 1 minute of walking)

So yeah, I ran for 16 consecutive minutes. But I did it without stopping and, more importantly, without vomiting.

That may not seem like much to people who run on a regular basis, but when you're just getting started, when you've never really been an "athletic" kind of girl? (at least, not until recently) It's pretty awesome. I am WOMAN, people! Roooooooooooooaaaarrrr!!!!

I bought some fancy new running shoes on Friday (apparently my circa 1999 Nike Air's just aren't the thing anymore), and this afternoon my sister-in-law and I went out on my first run. She's very, very fit, and she's been encouraging me in my fitness goals. When I told her I had signed up for the run, she was ecstatic, confident, and very enthusiastic. Running with her today, I sort of felt like I was running with my own personal trainer. Sweet!

Kate-the-Enabler is also being very supportive. The kids and I had lunch at The Enabler household today (Phil was out flying kites), and she was just super excited for me to get out there on my first run! I tell ya, there's NOTHING like having an enabler as a friend. They're very rare, but if you have the chance, I highly recommend you pick one up.

OK, as pumped as I am to have gotten through today's run, I've got more running to do tomorrow (tomorrow's program is 5 x (3 minutes of running + 1 minute or walking), as well as our weekly Muay Thai class. I think I'm going to sit back with some knitting and just relax until I pass out. I figure it'll take about 18 minutes.

Happy Knitting Everyone!