To Run, Or Not To Run

That is the question.

As you may or may not know, I have thoroughly been enjoying running a lot more than I used to.  About two years ago and continuing back, I had loathed running.  It was torture.

Especially treadmills. 

Oh. My. Gosh —Treadmills were the enemy.

I had always loved playing sports and being active, which running, of course, goes hand in hand with.  Yet I had never liked going out on a run just for kicks. 

As time went on I started to tolerate running.  Not enjoy, but just be able to go on a run without wanting to throw myself off of the second floor track. 

Tolerance became Interest

Interest made me want Improvement

Improvement built Endurance

Endurance sparked Enjoyment

Enjoyment leads to A Running High

I started to really like running this past year and it only grows on me as time passes.  

In fact, this past month at the gym I have just been running the whole time instead of doing cardio and lifting like my previous gym schedule.  

I started out running on the Treadmill *dun dun duuuuunnnn* a lot.  Which, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would grow fond of it, but I surely have. I even have two specific treadmills that I use (I need two regular ones at my gym just in one of them is occupied) and they have been good to me. 

For awhile I did the elliptical for 30 minutes/3 miles.  Followed by running on the treadmill for 60 minutes/6.2+ miles.   Yep, good stuff!  It was really hard at first. I had never ran for an hour before. After doing that for a week I changed it to just the treadmill for an hour for the following few weeks.  

I never thought I could run for an hour!  No way.  But I am so glad I can:D

But I think I am going to change my workout regimen to running for an hour or so and then go lift too. Should be a good time!

If you are reading this and you haven't exercised in more than a few weeks....get goin'. It's good for you.

I would just like to point out to those of you who think, "Oh man, there is no way I could do that!" or "Running is for athletes." or my personal favorite, "I wish I could do that." Well guess what pessimists, the majority of you are incorrect.  

I think we take our bodies for granted and have low expectations for ourselves.  I personally think our bodies have the potential to do amazing things and it is our minds which hold us back.  I wish I could do something is the thought that you can't complete that task. Maybe you've tried once or twice, but if you keep working at it, you'll improve as time goes by. That's the way it is. 

My shoes

I got them for my birthday this year from Dad and Ryan

But the main point of this blog post is to say that I think I may want 

to do a half marathon this year.  (I have ran 5ks before and have been running 6 miles on the treadmill four-five days a week for the past month or so)

Thoughts...?

Any tips on training?

Have you ever done a Half?

Any pointers?

Any good races to sign up for?