Be Active - Running Late, Continued

Admittedly, I have not always felt this way
about going out for a run. The latter was probably a more accurate
description of my feelings about partaking in such an activity.
Growing up, I just thought running was one of those things that I
wasn't "made" to do. I have natural inclination for many things, but
running was just not one of them. But It never came
easily as it seemed for so many other people, and the endorphins
weren't enough to keep me from quickly giving up. Still, I wanted so
badly to be part of this runners' club. So, after many sporadic stints of trying to make running my skill, I
finally if accidentally, became a runner. I had just moved to New York
and refused to tack a gym membership on top of my already inflated
expenses. So, I had no choice. I wanted to stay in reasonable shape,
so I ran outside, committedly. Now, it sure wasn't pretty at first and didn't
feel very nice in the beginning either. I remember thinking...I'm active, in
good shape, I'm the master of the elliptical for god's sake! Why do I
feel like I've suddenly become asthmatic?! I've come to accept that
this  is just the initiation period necessary for most to become part
of the club; separating the people who walk their dogs in
Pucci sweatsuits from the people who love their dirty running shoes
(and sport their pucci headbands when it's not raining). It's really
not that hard If you can walk and breathe, chances are, you can run,
too! With a bit of fortitude, and expanded lung capacity, I was
shocked by how easily and quickly I jumped over the hurdle. All of the
sudden I wasn't overwhelmed by all of the mind games I was playing
with myself that were telling my body ...you can't do this, ...you
should take a break, ...this sucks!
Now, running serves me more than just a way to stay in shape with a
healthy heart and overdeveloped calfs. It has become my cure-all, my
caffeine in the morning, my decompression in the evening, my best
brainstorming sessions, problem-solving and even entertainment at times So, my purpose here is twofold: Maybe someone who is turned off to treadmills will be turned on to this and adopt a healthier lifestyle and if you are already one of those horses on the track, maybe you'll be turned on to doing the same thing a little differently, a little better. The bottom line is to get out there and find a way to love what you do so you stay regular at it. Continually challenge yourself on your own time, at your own pace, in the most accepting environment of all. Now you're in on the secret. Enjoy the adventures that lie ahead and when you pass another jogger on the sidewalk, you'll share a knowing grin. The acknowledgment that you are a part of a very exclusive club.