I keep typing and erasing, I guess because I'm not sure what I want to say.

I have always wanted to be a runner. Last year I did C25K for awhile, and I even went to a running store and got fitted for good shoes. (I'm on my third pair now). I quit when winter came (too much ice and too dark here in the northwest), and didn't really start back up till just recently. WHY did I wait? WHY!!?? I think I kind of forgot how good it can feel.

I feel like I'm doing better with running this year, because I have given up on listening to music. I kept trying to always match my pace to the tunes and it never felt quite right; always too fast or too slow. So now I listen to NPR as I jog, and I'm able to just keep going and going and going. It was stll in the 80's when I went out and it sure felt too hot to run, but it turned out to be GREAT.

Now I'm hot and sweaty and headed for a cool shower, but I can feel the blood moving through my veins and I feel happy and calm. I feel like an athlete in my capri running pants and my ponytail. I almost wish I could go back out! Now my goal is going to be to really be able to run a 5K!

Good for you!! Running gives me the same feeling; I feel so accomplished. I don't actually go out and run though, I just follow this particular interval video I found on YouTube.

I just came here to post about how great I feel about running, and saw your post! GOOD FOR YOU for getting back into it!!! It really is addictive!

Yes, call me an addict! I started out runnig maybe once a week, then twice now I can't function unless I get my 4 runs in. I just started training for a half marathon and I'm loving the structure of the training program and the feeling of accomplishment everytime I complete a run. Just getting out that energy feels awesome! If I miss a run I literally start to get stir crazy. The only time I struggle is days like today, it's day 2 of TOM and I feel so crampy and bloated and it's hot and humid outside and I just want to curl up and die. But I know that I'll feel so much better is I just get ma a$$ out there and go!

I know what you mean, ncuneo. And the funny thing is....my body likes to run, but my brain tries to talk me out of it. My brain will say, "Boy, it's hot. Maybe you shouldn't go." Then it will say, "You've been jogging for awhile...it's time to rest." If I evaluate my body at that time, I realize that my legs feel good, my lungs feel good, I'm a little sweaty but I can definitely keep going.

So why is this? Why is my brain continually trying to convince me to stop, to rest, to walk, to STAY HOME and watch TV, when my body wants to go outside and run (and keep running). What is that conflict about? Now that I realize my brain is pretty much full of baloney, I'm learning to ignore it. But WHY does this happen, LOL?

Are we sharing a brain? Because mine does the same thing. I'd like to know why this happens, too. Sometimes it is really hard to ignore. I find it's the worst right before I leave the house for a run (brain is saying that I'm too tired, too sore, etc.) and during intervals just before it's time to start running again. I KNOW my body would be perfectly fine with running, and I LOVE to run, but my brain is so against it!

Maybe it's a subconscious self-preservation thing? Perhaps are brains are so used to NOT taking risks, that when we try to do something different, some tiny, irrational corner of our mind flips on and says, "Noooo! You're going to kill yourself! Stop!" I dunno...

omg, i can not run high impact. But i have learned to run on my rebounder. And thank God for the wii. I love the graphics and cutsie appearance, but my workout was anything but cute today.

I wear a HR monitor to make sure my workout is effective. I did a 20 minute run. I performed at mostly 72-76% MHR with 1-2 minute intervals at 86-90% of my maximum heart rate.

I am covered in sweat, and feel refreshed and alive, from feeling stressed out and blah this morning! The wii says I did 3.5 miles.

i believe that feeling is what is known as the "runner's high".

I wish I could run. Its something that I have always wanted to do but the truth is I get very tired easily doing it. I get out of breath so fast. Its weird cuz I can do an aerobics class for 1 hr without stopping and yet once I start to run, I stop after 3 minutes. What can I do?

I'm glad to know that I'm not alone! I've noticed this more and more lately while I'm running. My muscles aren't sore, my breathing is okay, and my heart rate is up, but not too high but for some reason I have a tough time keeping going. I've been attributing it to the heat because I do get insanely sweaty, but I don't know.

Slim CB - have you tried couch to 5k? If not, there are a few threads on here about it. I definitely recommend checking it out. It's always hard in the beginning though- you just have to take it slowly. When I first started jogging, about a half mile in I felt like I was going to die even though I had been able to do the elliptical for 45-1hr at a pretty high incline without the same sense of exertion. It got better over a couple of months, but those first few weeks were killer!

Run slower for one. Think jog, not run

And then if you still can only run for 3 minutes then run for 1 minutes and walk for 3 and run for 1 and walk for 3 etc.

Gradually increase the running time.

Have you tried Couch to 5k? It trains your body to run, so you s-l-o-w-l-y move up via walk/run intervals to increase your endurance. For me, it really works. I found that for it to be most effective, I only progress to the next week once the current week is feeling extremely easy. So I'm about a week behind where I should be, but it's not as hard for me to finish each workout.

Thanks guys! Do you wear a watch to keep the timing? I have been browsing the website as you have suggested.

I have recently become obsessed with running as well! I am doing Couch to 5 K and it truly is addicting. I absolutely love the feeling of becoming an athlete and calling myself a runner. I've never been able to run before so it feels awesome.

Brown, make sure that if you try again, you get fitted for a good pair of running shoes. It really can make a huge difference.

I wasn't able to run last night. I went out and it was over 90 degrees. I started jogging and only lasted about 1/4 mile before I got a terrible stitch in my side and had to stop and walk home. I really think I might have been dehydrated. Tonight I had plans until after dark, but I'll go out again tomorrow night.

I listen to podcasts that keep the timing for me. There's fun music with a good beat, then usually a beep or other cue that tells you to start running or switch to walking.