38 minutes

I would like to announce that I am the premier recipient of the "I ran 38 minutes without stopping" award.

This award was just created by me, in honor of me, and as a motivation for me. Very selfish, by design.

I've never run 38 minutes straight in my life!

I can out walk anyone you've ever met. In fact, I should probably raise money (I'd like to say for a cause, but could I do so to pay off personal debt?) by walking across the country. I absolutely love walking for sure pleasure, exercise and deep thinking.

However, running is strangely invigorating (and sweaty) as well.

I haven't lost a pound through my efforts. However, I can assure you that I am solid muscle, with two inches of a protective muscle layer lining that is a little flabby. You may call it "big boned," but it's just a protective layer and I'm actually medium boned. I have no genes to blame, only companies that make really good cookies.

Anyway, here's hoping I can get up to 40 minutes of sheer running.

Oh, and keep track of your exercise and buy yourself a medal at the appropriate intervals at http://presidentschallenge.org .

Mile 1.68

slow, but steady progress.

Mile 1.65

I tried to go 5.0 MPH for the first time today. At some points I went down to 4.8, and at others up to 5.1. Surprisingly, this is just the "medium" level on the President's Challenge.

Over time, I guess I'll be able to go faster, but for now I'll stick around the 4.8-5.1 miles per hour point. Plus, the person downstairs would probably appreciate that. I'm assuming I will actually have to go over and use the gym treadmill soon because this could get pretty annoying for the neighbors.

Mile 1.55

Mile 1.5

It took 20 minutes, but I did run the entire time.

Mile 1.2

Progress.

Mile 1.1

Yep, I ran 1.1 miles today.

Progress. Very small, but progress.

Mile 1.0

I would like to officially announce that I have added another exercise to my workout repertoire. This would be something called "running" and I think I've tried it about three times in my life - besides basketball games.

On Monday I ran .25 miles on my treadmill. On Tuesday I got up to .40, Thursday all the way to .51 and today .75 on the treadmill and about 1/4 of a mile outside. 1.0 miles!

Tomorrow I will stick with the 1.0 mile so as not to progress too too fast. That has been my mistake with weights in the past. I will still walk and lift weights. It's part of "lifestyle changes" as well as doing the Presidential Challenge (http://www.presidentschallenge.org) for work.

No difference in my weight yet, but helps the attitude and gives time to have good ideas.

Here's to Mile 1.0 and I'm hoping to get up to 10 miles by the summer.

Inspiration for this? I saw only one night of the biggest loser show this year and it was the night when the participants went home for a week and they had to run a half marathon. They all did it and I figured if they could...so could I.

Mile 10.0 here I come!

Mile .25

Today was the start of me running. I was inspired by the Biggest Loser show that had the losers go home for a week. As part of that week they had to run a 1/2 marathon. Seeing people that weighed even more than I do running that distance inspired me!

So, here's to a very small start. I'll mark my progress as I go.