earthbelow

I ran down the street!

I know this sounds completely trivial, but for those of you who have never been overweight, it's a big deal when you realize that you've taken off enough weight to run.

Okay, it was down our street (and it's not a long street), but there was a time when I really could not have run that far without wheezing my big behind off and pleading for mercy. Now? I can do it and okay, I'm panting a bit when I get to the door, but dude - I did it!

I've come to realize I really do like exercise in the same way I like cleaning. I hate when other people tell me how to do it, but I feel the need for it on my own terms.

I also hate doing it with other people, because it feels like a measure of control is taken away when I'm with other people. Not to mention, I like my alone time.

But I've found that when I get my iPod cranked up and I'm alone, I can exercise all day long.

It explains why I cannot stand gyms. My mom tried to drag me to one, and I dreaded going every single day. It's enough that I'm overweight and I feel ashamed of my body on a daily basis.

But having to display my big, sweating, tub-of-lard body in a place where these ultra-toned ~~gym sluts~~ women are walking around in basically elastic bras and panties and these ~~steroid guzzlers~~ men are lifting huge weights to dance remixes of J.Lo? Does not work for me.

I should not have to feel ashamed for doing the one thing I probably most need to be doing in a place designed for doing it. And I have gotten some cocked eyebrows and some looks from people at the gym before, believe you me.

But lucky for me, I don't need a gym. I have New York City. And New York City is actually an ideal city for walking, because it's basically designed with pedestrians in mind. Which is very awesome.