Getting back in shape

This is my first blog, I figured I had better get myself going some how. I am not sure what a slow/fast mile is yet so I will log everything as slow for awhile. However, my wife states I need to take it a little slower. 2 miles in 16 minutes just about killed me, I guess she's right (as usual)(Darn). I just learned that I will be going up north for couple of months for physical training for my job and I don't want to look like a fool with all the younger guys running circles around me.

We'll see if I can walk after this!

I figured I had better put in a couple more before the stiffness actually sets in! I did these two miles in 17 but that time includes 20 push-ups and 30 sit-ups (The minimum to qualify for my work training and the most I dared do before running!!!) Towards the end of the run I thought my head was going to blow up so I eased off towards the end. I just read the other comments and I think you guys are right, next I am going to try and slow it down and go farther. I keep trying to think I am still a young high school soccer player that can run for hours at fast rates without feeling the effects. NOT TRUE ANYMORE! It did feel good to run again though. I get so caught up in life that I hardly notice the bulge building around the mid-line. I hope this blog keeps me motivated.

Looks like the wind is starting to kick up here in Toquerville, I guess my next run will have to be on the treadmill (boring). There aren't many things better than running through a small town with fields and trees in bloom . . .wonderful.

It was also neat to see two people that I know who are on the list of fast marathon runners, one from a previous ward and another from my current ward. . .Small world!

PPPPAAAIIINNN!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

I did my 12 hour shift today and while riding home I started to get excited about running.  First things first, when I got home I ate dinner while the kids sat around me asking about my day, then we read a few books starting with "Bob's busy day" (Bob the Builder),  Then we progressed to "Are You My Mother," and finally we topped it off with a new version of "The Ugly Duckling."  My wife and I then put the kids to bed and she read a book while I strapped on the shoes, got the ipod on and headed out.  I took it slow, the air was cool and felt perfect for a run.  The skies were very clear and it was nice picking out constellations as I was running.  My muscles started to tighten up the last mile but overall the run felt very good and I probably could have kept running if my home hadn't come into view. Then I got back on the motorcycle to see how far I had run and realized quickly that the air was much colder when you are not running and you are only wearing a t-shirt and shorts!  3.6 miles was great, and the time was 35 minutes.

Anyone have any ideas for running further?  Should I be running slower or should I be slowly building up to a longer run? 

12 hour shift again today.  Then I had Young Mens to go to.  I felt pretty good about the 1.5 at a 7 minute pace!  At least I didn't give in to my excuses.  I have another 12 hour shift tomorrow and then 8 days off.  I am going to set the short range goal of not giving in tomorrow no matter how tired I am.