The whole "running" thing

My whole life, I've hated running.  I have short stumpy legs that are not ideal for any sort of speed or endurance.  I can do quick spurts like sprints, but that's it -- and those sprints are still not very fast.  I grew up playing soccer, which is a sport that is all about the quick spurts (at least when you play defensive full-back).  I've never been able to really keep my legs continuously moving for longer than about a mile and a half before my energy and breath putter out.

BUT - running gets your entire body in shape.  Perhaps better than any other high-cardio activity (and jump-rope, probably!).  So I have tried to improve my running and simultaneously tried to enjoy it.  Since I've started meeting with a personal trainer on a regular basis, I've been really pushed to try new things and he has made me realize that I have abilities that I was never aware of or too scared to acknowledge.  So I made myself get on that treadmill instead of the elliptical machine and pound out some miles.  It really has been a challenge for me!  At first, I became very winded very quickly and REALLY bored.  At least on the elliptical I could read my book!  But slowly I have improved and am now able to go longer distances and pick up the pace.  If I set the TV to a channel I can watch and be entertained without sound and have my iPod blaring in my ears with music that pumps me up, my boredom holds off for a longer period of time.

Recently, I've taken to running outside.  I was a little iffy on this one, as the terrain is not level, nor is there a big rubber belt underneath my feet to force me to move them and propel me forward.  Surprisingly though, it's super enjoyable!  The constant change of scenery is stimulating (no more boredom!) and I still have my iPod blaring in my ears to keep me motivated.  AND! - when running outside, I can use the Nike+ addition to my iPod.  This is actually a pretty cool thing.  I like to hear my progress as I'm running ("You've gone 1 mile and have 3 miles to go") and I've recently signed up for some challenges on their website to keep me motivated.  You can see my progress if you scroll down to the bottom of my blog.  My username is "MLEZ RUN".  I've also set a personal goal for myself, apart from the challenges (although I'm not sure I'll succeed in completing one of my 2 challenges, nor meeting my goal, as Panama is stuck right in the middle of this timeline).

One thing I have noticed lately after running outside, is that my knees hurt.  Maybe it is because I am running up and down hills and there is different pressure on them.  Not sure.  But it's annoying.  I'm thinking I'll have to take a day off and just hit the gym machines so the knees can settle.

Long story short, I am determined to be a runner!  And maybe I'll eventually be brave enough to sign up for a 5K.  Keep me to my word, please.  I'm likely to back out.