I suck at running.

So I just completed a 4-week Boot Camp with the fabulous ladies at Alavie Fitness. Let me just say they kicked my booty! They don't call it "Boot Camp" for nothing.

Four weeks ago, I signed myself up for a 6:30am class. When I arrived for my first day of class, it was dark. And cold. And dark. I thought to myself, "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" My butt got kicked. Seriously. Totally. Ubiquitously. I sweat, a lot. At the end of the workout my head was steaming, literally. But it was worth it. I felt energized. It's counter-intuitive...but go with it.

Basically, I'm just glad I survived all four weeks. We did a ton of drills, little hurdles, circuits, weights, and...RUNNING. I suck at running. I have and I'm pretty sure I always will. Ok, so I think I suck a little less now, but still. Running will never be something I do for fun. I'm so glad I didn't pass out while running! Because I totally felt like I was going to. Serious props to all you runners out there. I bow down to your talent in running. I blame it on my short legs. Long torso + short legs = not built for running. Alright, enough excuses. We did a fit test at the beginning and I had to run the mile, like in high school. After four weeks, I improved my time by 1:10! I was just wishing for like 10 seconds, so I was stoked with 1 minute and 10 seconds!

What's kind of sad is that today was my last day and the workout felt harder than all the other days! But I'm thinking that it was probably due to the fact that I've been having a gnarly allergy flair up due to the change in weather and early blooming season. Seriously, these sinus headaches and post-nasal drip action are super annoying.

However, I do feel like my endurance has improved. I can do REAL push ups now! I thought that I couldn't (well I think that's because I was just lazy), but when you are surrounded by other women - some at the same level as me, some older in age, some at an amazing fitness level - I feel like I'm pushed by the little voice in my head that keeps saying, "Don't let that old lady show you up!" Oh, did I mention that the little voice is super competitive? Again, I bow down to all the ladies in my class who kicked my butt consistently over the last four weeks, running in much better form than I. But I can do real push ups, improved the plank, and I realized that I can run.

Probably the most humbling experience during the past four weeks has been the realization that I CAN run. I don't love it. I'm not good at it. But I have the ability to do so. I'm thankful that I can run, I'm in good health, surrounded by family and friends, blessed to have a wonderful fiance, and the perspective to acknowledge those gifts. I'm forever grateful.

So to anyone who's wondering...YES, I definitely recommend doing a boot camp. YES, it's hard, but you'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish. YES, I am sore (still currently am). YES, I really woke up at 5am 3 days a week for a 6:30am workout. YES, I would do it again.

I probably will as the wedding approaches t-minus 3 months. That means April.