Elephant versus Gazelle

A few years ago, right before I became pregnant, I discovered that I like to run.  Well, let me clarify.  I like the RESULTS that come from running so therefore, I like running.  Get it?   Almost four years later, I am rediscovering my inner athlete.  Ok, I admit I am a mediocre athlete, at best.  And definitely less than a mediocre runner.  The very thought of running along side someone makes me cringe. When one watches me run, I suspect they think, "giant lumbering elephant-like runner girl" rather than "graceful gazelle-like runner girl".  I have to have music so loud that I don't hear my panting.  I know my stride is all wrong since pain shoots through my ankles with each step.  And don't get me started about all the parts of me that wiggle and jiggle as I jog.  Ugh. 

Naturally, this graceful gazelle wanna-be needed to add a few running accessories to her Christmas list.  Every girl knows that accessories can make any outfit or event better, right?

A headband to keep my ears warm during the winter months?  Check.

A wallet/carrying case for my arm so I can take the cell phone, ID and my music while keeping my hands free to wipe the tears running down my face as I face wind and rain?  Check.

A new hoodie that is a longer length to hide the aforementioned parts that wiggle and jiggle?  And has a cool hood?  Check.

And, as an added bonus, I bought myself a new ipod nano since my old ipod mini bit the dust, despite Eric's valiant efforts to Macgyver it back to life.

I gathered up all my new little toys and went for a run today.  Before all was said and done, this lumbering giant of a girl finished 5 miles in an hour.  Not gracefully.  Not quickly.  Not all of it was running. But she finished it.  And she can't wait to go again tomorrow.

If she can get out of bed in the morning.