I went with group B instead of C tonight. Apparently we are on pace to run a half in 1:50 to 2:03. I would be happy with that!

I got my free running shirt from the Running Room, which is pink, but I haven’t tried it on yet, so I don’t know how it fits. Maybe I’ll wear it during the run tomorrow night.

I showed up at the meeting tonight wearing black lulu pants and my UCLA hoodie, with my ipod tucked under to keep it in place, and my headphones hanging out the top. First thing the instructor says?

Don’t wear all black.

Second thing the instructor says?

iPods should be left at home.

*shifty eyes*

I felt like those girls that go to the gym wearing makeup and skateboarding shoes—they’re trying to pretend they work out, but they spend the entire time doing laps AROUND the machines and never actually lifting a weight. I really want to be here and learn, I promise!

Thank GOD it’s the first week so it’s okay to look like an idiot. I am also the only one who is running in Nike Shox. Or non-reflective gear. Or without a headlamp. Or without a water belt.

Jeez these runners sound pretentious. And I signed up to be one of them. UGH. I need all that gear?! Apparently the answer is yes, because I just bought $200 Asics on Saturday.

Did I mention this training is 3x per week? Tues, Wed, AND Sundays. Intense! But good—it’ll keep me in line.

Also, I’ve been signed up for the Toronto Half Marathon on May 6th. I guess I have a goal! I more started this to push myself, but it was more abstract than working towards a race.

Tonight’s course was a 4km tempo run. Still not sure what all the different types of runs mean, but this was a hell of a lot faster than the one on Sunday. The first couple kms were fine, and then the group started pulling ahead, so I had to keep running faster (or so it felt anyway), and by the last km I couldn’t talk (which apparently means you’re running too hard? I dunno). To make matters worse I had a cramp at about 3 km but didn’t want to stop—something about running in a huge group makes you not want to look like an idiot. Funny how that works.

Anyway, I think I’d rather be up with a group that pushes me than down with group C, of which I’m the fastest—I think I’m actually on a pace somewhere between the two groups, but if I have to choose I’ll choose the tougher one. I can do it! I think.

I’m just excited I’m going to be able to say I can run 20 km by the end of this. When I started running 2 years ago, I couldn’t run to the end of my street without walking.

Suck it, asthma!