Becoming A Runner

I have always admired people who sincerely enjoy running and working out.  I would always wish I could have that sort of motivation.  Now over the years, I have tried many different workout plans from Jillian Michaels to Insanity in an attempt to find one I could stick with.  Burnout would quickly ensue and I would make excuses why a certain workout wouldn't work for me.  I would always say, "The only way I'm running is if a lion is chasing me."  Secretly, I want to love running and be one of those people who runs several miles to clear my head or find my center.  That has just never been my thing before.

Well I may be onto something now.  After months of trying to make up my own running plan and failing to make myself into a runner, I decided I needed to change my approach.  I realized that no amount of new workout clothes or professionally fitted running shoes would make me into a runner.  I would need a solid workout plan and some real desire to stick with it.  I had heard about the Couch to 5k program from several people and I had tried some of the routine, but I had never thoroughly read about it and I missed the part where it said stick to the plan and don't try to push yourself faster just because you think you are ready.  I finally decided to commit to the running plan and am starting Week 5 of 9.  I am starting to see that running is actually not so bad and, to tell the truth, I am actually starting to enjoy it.  My goal is to be able to run the entire length of the Race for the Cure Susan G. Komen 5K in May.  I have decided that when I accomplish this goal I have set for myself, I am going to treat myself to these awesome running shoes I found.

The only thing I need to figure out now are some other workouts I can add to my running routine that will tone the rest of my body...namely my back and arms.  If you know of any good ones, give me a shout!!