I AM NOT A RUNNER. With that said, I am trying to be a runner. It's something that has never come naturally or easy to me. In fact, if you see me running you might think I'm going to need mouth to mouth resuscitation any minute. I struggle with my breathing, my stamina and endurance are pathetic, and I'm worn out easily. Not to mention, my face turns beet red and I sweat like a mad woman.
So why am I trying to become a runner, you ask? Because it drives me crazy that it's so difficult for me. It's something I've yet to defeat. I ask myself daily, how is that I can do most physical activity for long periods of time, yet I cannot run a mile? Why is it so hard for me? Last year I tried to run a 5K, which I entered and finished but I was not able to run the entire race. I had to stop and walk during the course. This did not satisfy my original goal. The funny thing is I "trained" for the 5k (training for a 5k sounds pathetic, I know). Several weeks into my training, I said to my husband, "I don't think I'm progressing. This isn't getting any easier."
Well needless to say, here I am...training again. I'm using the Couch to 5K program I found online. I used it last year, but this year I'm totally dedicated. I'm going to finish the SL5K if it kills me (and running the entire way). It has made me feel a little better to read of others running struggles on their blogs but this is a personal thing. This is a mental challenge I need to overcome before I can lay it to rest.