The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

I never did learn how to run after an incompetent nurse paralyzed my leg with a misplaced hypodermic shot when I was 5 years old. I walk fine. My leg is fine, but somewhere in my recovery, I never relearned how to run. The best that I can do is a funny sort of fast shuffle thing that feels unnatural and tires me out almost immediately. During the six months that I was bedridden or using crutches, I taught myself to read (with my parents help) and I read everything in the house. If I hadn't had to stick around in a boring bedroom with my books, I might have become a jock and a more socially acceptable person, but I never would have come to love books the way that I do. As it is, I don't really like sports (baseball in October, perhaps, and maybe a good basketball game on a big screen in a bar, once or twice a year, but that's it.) I prefer the quiet comfort of a good read to actual human contact.

When I list my regrets in life, though, and I have many, I list not being able to run right after not being able to sing.

That's why I am jealous of Erica and her running plan. She found this web page that helps you get back into running. We've been walking around Rockland lake after work and she takes off running for a minute or two and I have to struggle to walk fast enough to catch her, but as soon as I do, she takes off again and I have to watch her bounding away from me.

This plan, so far, seems to be working for Erica. She is determined person. It's rare that one of the self-help web pages actually works for someone. I have no doubts, however that Erica will be running the whole 5K around the lake, while I plod along feeling lonely and sorry for myself.

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan