melting snow and running?

I've been enjoying the warmer temperatures this last week. It's amazing how exciting 30 degrees can be when it's February and you've been cooped up inside for the last 2 months. I have actually found myself outside twice in the last week going for runs.

Well, I should clarify that when I say run I mean a very long walk to get my body warmed up, then I run for a few minutes, walk for another long jaunt and then run a few minutes, and the cycle continues. You get the idea....I am not a true runner, yet.

I've always wanted to be a runner but I find the excruciating pain in my sides and constant gasping for air pretty annoying. And as I'm "running" I always feel a sense of doom that this may be my last time outdoors, that death is just around the bend in the path and then I start picturing myself passing out or having a heart attack. And at that point I remember that I forgot to bring identification with me...how will the paramedics know who the limp, unconscious girl in the fetal position is on the side of trail.

Running for me is completely depressing and filled with tension and torture. But I do feel good about 20 minutes after I run, and it always feels good to get your heart pumping :) So I'm training myself, working my way into becoming a runner so that will someday be able to run for 20 minutes straight. Until that day, I'm keeping my identification with me at all times.