Week 9: Wonder Woman thinks that running sucks too.

This week was a much better week for me (3 lbs). I got back into the swing of going to the gym.

I have finished the second week of Couch to 5k and moved on to the third week. So, I have officially made it two and a half weeks longer in the program than the times I tried in the past.  I have started scouring Pinterest and Etsy for outfits to wear when I run my first half marathon. Thus far I am torn between a Wonder Woman tutu outfit and a t-shirt that says "running sucks". I feel like these two choices in running attire fairly portray my complex feelings about running.

After smoking for 15 years every time I manage to run for more than thirty seconds, I feel like Wonder Woman. When I manage to run outside or on a treadmill without falling flat on my face, I feel like Wonder Woman. Every time I complete a new leg of the Couch to 5k program without embarrassing myself by vomiting all over the treadmill, I feel like Wonder Woman. When I decide to go running instead of watching a movie, or taking a nap, or eating ice cream, or going out with my sister, or pretty much anything, I feel like Wonder Woman. With all these Wonder Woman like feelings I think that I deserve a Wonder Woman tutu. When I finally manage to run 3.2 miles or 13.1 miles I will feel like Wonder Woman and I will damn sure deserve a tutu.

Have I mentioned that I love both Wonder Woman and tutus. You know what I don't love? Running.

Sorry in advance to all the hardcore runners that think running is better than sex, chocolate and sunshine all rolled into one. I have to disagree. In fact, truth be told. I think that running sucks.

Every time I am so hot that I am pretty sure that my brain is about to fry like an egg, I think that running sucks. When my shins ache, my calves burn and sweat is rolling into my eyes I know that running sucks. When all the muscles in the lower half of my body are tight and achy I am certain that running sucks. When I check the time and find out that I have only been running for two minutes, even though it feels like at least fifteen, I am positive that running sucks. When I can't breath and my lungs feel like they are going to explode, I think about how running sucks. When I realize that I am balling my fists, tightening my shoulders and clenching my jaw and if I can't figure out how to maintain a decent form than I will never be able to run a 5K, let alone a half marathon, I am without a doubt, certain that running sucks.

When I finish running and step off the treadmill or slow down to a walk for a minute - I feel like Wonder Woman again. In those moments I love running. I think that it is great. I am glad that I did it. I feel like a bad ass runner.

It is possible that I am both a sadist and a masochist when it comes to running. I love to hate running. I love to make myself sore. I have come to enjoy the smell of Bengay.

 Even though more than half of the time I loathe running. I have chosen to become a runner. I am working hard to convince my body and my mind that running is something that is good for us and even possibly enjoyable.

When I run that half marathon in a wonder woman tutu and a red and blue t-shirt that says running sucks. I will be sure to post pictures.

Enough about me, let's talk about some folks who are kicking ass. My family! Collectively we have lost more than 100 lbs. The top four are in almost a dead heat. We have two girls and two boys in the top four. The girls are not letting the boys run away with this thing.

Dinner this week was at Susie and Marks house.

Susie made a healthy lasagna from Cooking Well. Here is the recipe.

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 ounce fresh Parmesan cheese, grated and divided (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar lower-sodium pasta sauce
• 9 cooked lasagna noodles
• Cooking spray

Our vegan option was a vegetable curry. Here is the recipe.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic), divided
• 1 1/3 cups (1/4-inch-thick) slices carrot
• 1 habanero pepper
• 3 cups cubed peeled calabaza or hubbard squash (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped plum tomato
• 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 3 cups)