After 6 months off, time for a new regimen

I am the first one to admit that I hate working out. I hate going to the gym and having to breathe in the weird sterile-but-sweaty musk that a 100 people working out can give off.

I hate running. Although I did it for three years in high school through cross country and soccer, I was honestly just in it for the awesomely toned calves I had at the end of each season.

And there's nothing I despise more than ab exercises. I like being able to laugh and not feel a sharp pain run through my abdomen.

It's been at least six months since I had an active workout regimen. And I feel … flabby. Well. maybe not flabby, but incredibly out of shape. As much as I hate any real, strenuous activity, I miss being able to run three miles, I miss not feeling out breath when going up and down the stairs, and I really, really miss having toned calves.

That being said,  starting today (well, yesterday) I'm going to develop a game plan. Something that'll make me want to devote myself to trekking over to the gym and spending an hour in a class or using the scary-looking exercise machines.

Something that'll make me pass the pasta dish and take up a home-made salad.

Which will be hard because I love anything that involves pasta, especially since it's the only thing that I can make really well.

Since the best thing you can have is goals for this type of endeavor, my goal is simple: to run the entire OUC Half Marathon on Dec. 4. I'll figure what time I want to beat at a later date, but for now, my main goal will be to have developed the endurance and strength to run the whole thing.

I'm completely aware that this whole thing might end up failing miserably, as I'm not known for always finishing things. My hope is, though, that by having to write a column each week about my progress as well as discuss various issues concerning healthy living and getting in shape, I'll feel more pressure er, motivation to stick to my word.

And you all are welcome to join me. You don't have to blindly agree to run a half marathon, but set a goal for yourself and three months from now, reflect on your own progress.