Intro: How I went from hating to run to, well, running

I really used to hate running. My best friend/old roommate, C, loves running and did it all through college. I think I went with her once and wanted to throw myself in traffic to put myself out of my misery. I ended up walking more than running. She ran circles around me -- literally.

I'm not even very good at exercising. Before college I danced for 13 years -- ballet, tap, jazz, some hip hop. But nothing serious -- I stopped dancing when I graduated high school. I went to the campus gym a few times in my five years of undergrad + grad school, but never got into a set schedule. Friends tried to get me to tag along with them to a yoga class or cardioboxing and I went a few times, but nothing stuck. I could list countless excuses, but in retrospect, they are all lame. Really lame.

In March 07 I started dating this guy, M, who is incredibly athletic. I think he has played every sport for at least one season and rows for our school's Club Crew team. He's totally in shape, all muscle. Extremely self-disciplined and motivated, in my opinion. He gets up at 4:30AM five days a week to practice with his team. He missed his first practice in 4 years the other day because his alarm clock lost power. And not only does he row at an ungodly hour everyday, he's also the men's VP on the Crew team; a mechanical engineering student in his fifth year only because he took on two co-ops (Honeywell and GE); plays trumpet and is a rank captain in the marching band; a team leader on his senior design BAJA team; an avid hiker/outdoorsman (he most recently mountaineered on a glacier in Alaska for a month); and an amazing boyfriend. Oh, and he's hot.

Why am I describing my boyfriend? Couple reasons: First, his athleticism really intimidated me in the beginning. I mean, I am slim and petite and definitely not out of shape -- but I wouldn't say I'm in shape either. When we started dating I was excited to go hiking with him but was concerned about keeping up with him. I didn't want to look like a wimpy girly loser on an easy trail. Second, his motivation and drive to be in top physical condition kind of inspires me. It's cheesy, but true. He really makes me want to get out there and get in shape so that I can hang with him on the tough hikes. For the most part, I think I'm pretty good at that. We've been on some moderate hikes and I've kept up. He calls me a "trooper". And I am.

So this summer, while I was stuck in college town working a 9-5 job, and he was gone to Alaska and working elsewhere, I felt like I needed to do something to 1) fill up the many hours I had after work before bed, and 2) get off my lazy butt and get active.

I chose to start running. Why? I can't really recall, to be honest. Despite my years of "hating" to run, I gave it a try.

I wanted to die after my short little run down G Road. It ended up being more of a walk/run, emphasis on walk. But after getting home, I got in my car and drove the route to see how long it was. Almost a mile... I was pretty impressed with myself. After that I tried to get on a good schedule, running/walking every other day. Each time I pushed myself a little bit farther. And each time I drove the route to clock the distance.

I ran without music or a watch. I tried to convince myself that no music allows me to focus on running and enjoy the beautiful area where I live... not so much. I am asking for an iPod for Christmas. The watch is something I have wanted since day 1. I just don't have one. I'm asking for that too.

Over the summer I ran off and on... I think I probably had about 3 weeks where I really stuck to my schedule. But it's hard to stick to something when you come home from work tired and lazy (I have a desk job). Running was hard for me too. If my chest didn't feel like it would explode, my legs and butt felt like they were on fire.

I did find that I was able to push myself more than expected. "Just to that tree, now just to that sign, just over the hill, you're almost there..." I could actually convince myself that I could make it even when I felt like dying.

Overall, I was pretty pleased with myself. I bragged to M about how amazing I was and got tips from C who couldn't believe I was actually running.

I'd love to say I kept this running up all summer and into the fall, but I did not. Everyone came back to campus and I got promoted at work. And I got lazy again. I forgot how good I felt after running 3 miles.

Then, in September, one of my good friends, J, mentioned she wanted to get back in shape (she ran cross country in high school). She was planning to run a marathon in November 2008. She suggested we kind of train together. Sure, I thought, no problem.

Problem. I haven't run since August. My motivation is non-existent. I love lounging on my couch after work and watching hours of free HBO. I think about running at work, and then never make it outside once I'm home.

J never really invited me to run with her and when I suggested it, she was busy with school or her dog, D. September turned into October and nothing happened.

So... when does training start?