Venturing outside

Today I ran outside for the first time in the city. I've been working out on my gym's treadmill lately, but I've never ventured outside. And I probably never would have if it weren't for my cousin JJ. He came over today and convinced me to run in the 30C weather, instead of the nice air conditioned gym. Not an easy task.

Before we took off, we sat down at the computer and mapped out a route. JJ's got the new Nike/ipod thingy where the ipod reads a chip in your shoes and acts as a clock, speedometre and pedometre (it's quite cool - if you reach the goal you set in the ipod, you can download Lance Armstrong saying congratulatory remarks). I was very nervous about running too far and not having enough energy to make it back! JJ plays B.Ball twice a week, so I knew he is in good shape. I didn't want to look like too much of a wimp.

We decided to run to my Boy's place, 1.64km away, according to google maps (that's 3.28km roundtrip!) YIKES! But I'll tell, ya - I surprised myself! Not only did we reach the Boy's street (taking a bunch of unscheduled turns, too), but I was even able to run a few more blocks further without a break! We stopped then to cool down, walk and get some water. But then we ran all the way back - total: 5.1km!!

Since I only run 2miles on the treadmill (3.2 km), I did much better than expected. I think it's because when running with JJ, I've got someone to talk, which takes my mind off the run. Even though I've got Jeopardy on my treadmill (love the individual TVs), it's not the same.

I feel so ridiculously proud. :)