When Training Means Taking it Easy

Part of me thinks my body isn't meant to run. It loves to walk. It tolerates hiking up steep hills. It has even survived a few backpacking trips. I can get myself through Zumba, spinning class (barely) and a long elliptical workout.

But running?

I'm up to day 5 on my Couch to 5K running plan. After running intervals and walking on Sunday, my knees are still screaming. My so-called high-arched feet are protesting. Those cheapy New Balance crosstrainers I bought on clearance at Kohl's a few months ago are doing me no favors.

Yesterday I worked a little on strength training, using my XBox Kinect Your Shape game. Push ups. Yoga stretches. Looking ahead, I know my arms are not ready to pull me over any type of obstacle wall in this mud run race. I'm tempted to sign up for my local rock climbing gym's Cardio Climb for women. But part of me is terrified of that as well. Maybe once I can do 15 real push ups in a row I'll feel confident enough to sign up.

Is training in the cards for me today? I'm thinking a nice power walk in the California sunshine might be my ticket to paradise today.