I was TERRIFIED of letting go of the bar. The machine I was using doesn’t have one of those wrist straps that make the machine stop if you fall off or get a shoelace caught. I totally didn’t run straight… hell, I can barely walk straight when wearing flat shoes. It didn’t really matter though. I just tried not to overcorrect, just like in driving. It seemed to work out alright.

The intervals definitely worked. I changed up the speed every time, too, depending on how out of breath I still was or how much I wanted to exert myself. It was just a big trial and error session.

Thanks for reading and good luck starting your job Monday!!! We’ll have to find time to get together to swap knitting/crochet lessons once you figure out your schedule

Also, I actually don’t know how to ride a bike, but I really, really want to learn how so I could ease my dependence on the bus and metro a little more. Plus, it’d be great exercise. I’m also weird in that I like to work out at night, take a shower, and go right to bed.

And your fear of letting go of the bar made me laugh out loud…I feel the same way. In my random spurts of motivation when I’ve tried running, I’ll always let go of the bar for a moment, and then chicken out and grab it again. Because what happens if you don’t run straight? I don’t run straight in real life, so why should that change on a treadmill.

That whole interval thing seems like a great idea though. Makes it seem less intimidating than just trying to run for awhile. Maybe I’ll try it!

Congrats on your accomplishment!

Glad to hear you’ve gotten over your fears, though! I’d say I still prefer biking (do you bike?) but sometimes a good run can really make you feel good. I find that when I wake up early and go for a run I always have waaay more energy during the day–even if means having to go with a little less sleep!

@alexpriest

Good job on the running! It becomes an obsession quick!