Exercise Schmexercise

My health insurance has classes for things: stress reduction; diabetes; sleep apnea; pregnancy - which includes lamaze and breast feeding; migraines. They even offer tai chi and yoga classes!

I recently got a letter from them that basically said "You're fat. We have a class for that."

I've never really been physically inclined, except for swimming. But now I'm vain and I don't want to bleach my hair, so I don't ever get my hair wet. In a pool, that is; the chlorine, you know. I mean, I wash my hair daily. It's not like I never get my hair wet.

I registered for my company's walking program. It's really awesome because you get to choose a virtual trail, and at certain points you get to access a photo of an incredible vista. I'm doing this great trail that runs across the US-Canada border, ending in the Pacific Northwest. I can't wait to see all the photos. I have to log another 20 minutes to get to my first photo. My goal is to walk 30 minutes every day.

But something in me wants to run. There are runners on several of my commutes. I read blogs by runners. I gaze longingly at running clothes and strollers - which is especially strange since I don't have any children, so running with them in a stroller is just not going to happen.

What are the steps to becoming a runner? I can't just start running; I know myself, and if it's too hard or hurts too much, I'll quit. Right now, the only shape I'm in is pear, and that's not a good place to start running. Walking, and building up from there. It's challenging because of my schedule, but I think the more I do it, the more I'll want to do it, and then the more I can challenge myself as I get fitter and fitter. Please help me stay motivated.

On a side note, I meditated this evening for the first time in ... whatever. It was awesome! My back hurt the entire time, but I might sit on the couch next time for some support. It really felt good, like slipping into my favorite blue hoodie I've had for 17 years. I love that thing.