Feeling a bit more optomistic today. I mean, afterall, it is what it is.

So on to better things. I had a bad case of bronchitis back in October that threw me for a loop that is still affecting me. First thing was that I couldn't breath. At all. So I got that taken care of. But the prednisone made me baloon up and gained about 10 pounds. The antibiotics made me sicker than anything. And the inhaler caused my bp to soar.

Well I didnt let that rerail me. It sure slowed me down and took me on a detour, but I still progressed. Ever so slowly. Then I was having problems with my heart rate being too high. Or when it wasn't I was wheezing and huffing and puffing. One of the other. Never a workout without one or the other. Grr.

Here it is February. I have really been wanting to do a couch to 5k program. But seriously (I can't believe I am putting this out here because I am so humiliated) I couldn't even run 1 minute. I thought I would die. Seriously!

I watch the Biggest Loser and see these people so much bigger than me. These people haven't been working out regularly for the past year like I have. These people are literally running. No flippen way.

I actually think I have some sort of suggestive disorder because if I read about someone having it or hear about it somewhere I suddenly get it. Well I have flat feet and read that I need quality shoes. I ran out andhad a gait analysis done and spend over $100 on getting a good quality shoe. I couldn't wait to get out and run!!!!

Wow. Those shoes felt great, and I started running. I worked up to 1.5 minutes but then suddenly I began experiencing calf pain. I worked better at stretching. I ran out and bought compression leg sleeves. Then my back started hurting. Then the HR, then the huffing and puffing.

2 good pair of running shoes later, 2 compression leg sleeves, better stretching, different meds for exercise induced asthma, I don't know how much money I have invested so far, but.......

Today I actually ran over 3 minutes straight. I only stopped because my daughter called. I jogged 3 minutes, rested 2-4, jogged another 3, etc.....

I know this is not really a big deal to my friends who are already running 5ks, marathons, etc... But for an ex-smoker who has suffered bronchitis and pneumonia more times than I can count since an infant - I am thrilled!

Im not going to push this right now. Next week I have to get back into ST. But I will still work on working my way up. Before long I am hoping to be crossing that finish line.