Back on the Wagon

I went running outdoors yesterday afternoon, for the first time since getting back on the fitness wagon.  Here are some things I learned from my experience:

• Car exhaust and the fumes from the back door of Panago Pizza are not welcome smells while breathing heavily in an attempt to stay alive.
• Running in cold weather makes me taste blood.
• Brand new running shoes should be worked in prior to running 6km in the first shot.
• Dogs that need to be contained because they want to eat human flesh should not be taken for walks where people frequent.  
• I need to practice my Billy Blanks side kick, and preserve it for the neck of the next dog that jumps at me.  (Come get me, PETA.  I dare you.)
• Though fitted Lululemon pants look cute and fashionable, looser, less becoming attire might be better.  (See next point.)
• Certain members of the male gender are pigs.  
• Next time I run in public, I think I will don a sign that reads, "I am married.  I have birthed 2 children.  I haven't shaved my legs in... a while.  Right now, I am listening to 90s Praise music.  I'm sure you are a nice gentleman, but please continue driving."  (See previous point.)
• Turns out that my issues with worrying about what people think of me actually work in my favour when running in public - I will purposely NOT stop just because I don't want some stranger to think I'm a wimp or a phony.  In fact, I will often speed up as a I pass someone, just so that they will think I'm hardcore.  
• My 3 year-old son really does have a large head, which came in handy when I couldn't find a light toque of my own, and had to borrow his camouflage toque.  
• I look terrible in a boys' camouflage toque.
• My prior concerns of not being able to run the 8k race I already signed up for were completely nullified yesterday.  In 2 months, I am going to be able to kick the crap out of that race.  
• Running on my treadmill has actually produced some decent results that translate into running on a piece of ground.  I was worried that would not be the case.  
• I love running, despite the smells, the looks, and the feeling that I might expire at any moment.  I never feel more alive than when I am that close to death.

So there you have it.