It's that wonderful time of year when the humidity lessens, the leaves fall and the evenings just seem made for being outside.

This time of year always makes me rethink my intense dislike of exercising. Especially running.

The cooler air seemingly evaporates the nice haze of laziness that surrounds my endorphin glands during hotter months and makes me want to RUN! Inexplicably, I will start jogging when out with T on his bike and Emmy in her stroller. 

Last week when this happened, I think T was so alarmed, he thought someone was chasing us.

"What's wrong - why are you running?" he anxiously asked me as he came up beside me on his bike.

"I just felt like it," I replied.

"That's just weird, Mom," he replied and sped up to make sure no one knew he was with/related to this jiggly woman spastically running down Hawthorne.

This wonderful feeling of wanting to run usually lasts about 90 seconds after I speed up. 

This is when my brain starts sending RED ALERTS to the rest of my body.

"Bad Idea. Bad Idea. Bad Idea," reverbates throughout my body as I suddenly realize I can hardly breathe and I start calculating exactly how far away I am from the Sheffield Road Firehouse with licensed EMTS that could revive me should I not be able to get enough air circulating around inside me again.

So I slow down and get back to walking.

There's nothing wrong with walking for exercise, but I need to lose weight and I could burn so many more calories if I picked up my pace.

I hesitate to run with any of my friends because:

A) I am absolutely SURE they've never run with anyone as out of shape as myself

B) They might push me to keep running when I want to quit.

C) I might die from pain and lack of oxygen when they make me keep going.

D) Then I wouldn't want to be friends with them anymore.

I am very inspired to run when I hear my friend Alane Brewer Floyd talk about her runs. She too is a busy mom, works, is about the same age as me and reminds me a lot of myself, trying to keep all her balls in the air - juggled and in place. She isn't someone who has run all her life or is all militant about it. She's just a regular person, like me, trying to be more physically fit. She never thought she would enjoy running  - until she tried it and stuck to it. She recently was telling me about running 18 miles in some event she did. I loved how surprised she was that she was able to walk and function the next day.

I asked her for some advice to get me started and thought I'd share it with you in hopes there will be others of you out there, running with me, suffering with me:

How long have you been running?

I have been running since April 2010, so about 18 months. I stated running because I needed to be a more functionally fit as kids were learning to ride bikes etc., and I needed more calorie burn during my short workout times.

Where do you run? (Gym, neighborhood, treadmill at home?)

I usually try to run outside in my neighborhood or around Westridge (safe, flat, lots of variation). It is much more visually interesting and if I run 2 miles out, I can't totally quit until I get back to the start (another 2 miles), unlike when I'm on a treadmill. But I will run on a treadmill at the gym, if there is a streak of bad weather.

What kind of shoes do you wear?

Currently wearing Muzino stability running shoes, but have tried several brands and support to find one I like. There are some running stores like Raleigh Running Outfitters, Omega Sports, and 9th Street Feet in Durham that will analyze your gait and recommend appropriate running shoes. What is most important is that they are running shoes and 1/2 to a whole size larger than your regular shoes to allow your feet to swell as you run, without causing blisters.  

When will the first three minutes of intense pain and thinking this is a bad idea subside? Does it take weeks or months or years for this to stop at the beginning of every run?

LOL!  Even now, some days are way harder than others. But I find if I walk or warm up well first, that this feeling is less. But it still takes me about 2-3 minutes to get into a rhythym with my ipod and get comfortable. Now my brain and body know just to keep going. 

Why do you run - why not just walk? Are you sure running is better?

I initially started to run so I could be more functionally fit and burn a few more calories in a short workout. And that I can do it anywhere, even when I travel - all I need are shoes. I now run for the physical satisfaction and mental stress relief it offers. I am not sure it is always better than walking, especially if you have previous joint damage or pain. However, for me I often alternate – five minute run, one minute walk – and find this works well. There are intervals for calorie burn and then physical breaks for my body. 

Break down your run for us - what is the worst part for you, the best part?

Worst part - actually finding the time and having the dedication to go when I would rather sleep-in or sit in front of the television.

The best part by far is the physical and mental accomplishment, Even when I finish a short run –  knowing I pushed myself, knowing that I am doing something that I never thought I could do. And if I can do this, then I can do anything else I find hard. And I have seen a significant weight loss and shifting of body shape from my increased running.  

How far/long do you run now? When you first started? On an average day, (three to four days a week) I try to run three to four miles. I try to run a little further on Saturdays –  five to six miles. I am preparing for my first half marathon, 13.1 miles, in mid-November so I am increasing my distance trying to get ready. My fartherst ever is 18 miles in a day.

When I started, I had time goals instead of distance. I would run 1 min and walk 2 min for a 30 min workout. Week #2 run 1 min, walk 1 min. Week#3 run 2 min, walk 1 min.  etc.. gradually building until you are running for the entire workout. But in 30 minutes, I averaged around 2 miles.

Do you have a recommendation on how to get started if you're not running at all now?

There are lots of programs out there to help one start running, the "Couch to 5K"program is one. Tracy Proctor from The Rocky Mount Endurance Club helped me work out the logical plan I started to outline above. But it takes time, and should be very gradual. My initial program was 12 weeks in length and added a minute of running every week until I was able to do about 15 - 20 minutes without needing a walk break. 

I know running isn't for everyone. I used to think it wasn't for me. But for whatever reason, I am now hooked. Running is hard, physical, social, rewarding, affirming, invigorating and peaceful all at the same time. I have met the most amazing and encouraging people in the Rocky Mount running community that have encouraged my journey no matter how small my accomplishment. There are lots of local area races to keep you motivated and challenged and it is a year-round activity that I can do with my kids, whether they run or bike beside me. 

I am going to try it I think. I am going to stick close to the firehouse, with the EMTS........