I really hate running. I’ve never ever enjoyed it. I hated having to run laps in gym class. I can’t breathe, and I cramp. The whole act of running is just no good.

Well, that was my thinking until about a week ago. You see, I don’t look exactly like I did pre-pregnancy. I thought I was gonna be able to keep that thin, toned body forever.

Boy, was I wrong.

Like anyone else, I see all these people on TV talking about the latest and greatest in fitness plans. I think its all a load of poop. (Why don’t I tell you how I really feel?) The bottom line is, whatever your fitness regimen, it can’t be like a crash diet or your just gonna get fatter. Clearly that is no good. And who can commit to exercising hard core 5 days a week for the rest of their lives? Not many people, if any.

Another thing that occurred to me was this: On all of these programs, the people always lose weight and look toned. I’ll give them that much. But have you noticed that in none of these miracle workouts do the women’s hips shrink. Their thighs may be toned, and they might have tight booties. But never do they manage to shed the hip love handles, the ones lower than the real hips that are right above the thighs….

As I was getting depressed at the thought of having to put away money in savings for future liposuction, the light came on. I’ve never seen a runner with big ole fat hip handles. And so I decided I must somehow manage to get over my complete disdain for running.

We began our new lives as runners on Saturday. It hurt like nothing else. I was heaving and cramped up in knots. I only did about half of the workout. But on Monday, we kicked butt. We actually managed to do the whole run. This is supposed to last ten weeks, then we’ll be legit runners and we won’t have a problem running when we feel like it. Old people around here jog all the time, so apparently its a timeless exercise for those who can do it. I’ll have to post pictures of my awesome fitness after the ten weeks. If I don’t die.

It’s been good.

xo, Meredith