Love/Hate

Running has become a part of my life now, but I'm finally out of the beginning stages. You know, the part where you adore your new love. You make stupid faces at it, talk baby-talk to it, make kissy noises with it, and don't really care who knows about it. Well now I'm moving into the part where I'm a little perturbed when it farts, or forgets to shower, or eats with its mouth open. I'm into the part where sometimes...it's just a lot of work.
I took two days off last week after a five day string of significant mileage. My body was tired, my brain was exhausted, so I rested. On Friday, I got on the treadmill for a short run before a core workout, but after 10 minutes, I was in so much physical pain, that I had to stop. On Saturday, I was scheduled to go on an 8 mile run with my team, but after two miles (I had to walk one of them) it felt like my shins were going to explode. I walked for a minute more, had a drink and a little snack, and ran back to the start. I was in bed by 9:00 PM. I haven't been in bed that early since I was a kid.
I slept a very long time and woke up to a nice breakfast and a relaxing day with my wife (Grandma took the kids for the day). I feel better now and more ready to tackle another week of training.
Training is still so new to me. I am used to picking things up quick, but I have never been athletic before. It's difficult waiting for my body to catch up with my mind on this. I guess, I'm a little unnerved at just how difficult this journey is becoming.