The first 2 weeks - as slow as slow gets

I don't know what it is about running, but as much as I dislike it, I thought it'd be easy to get to do it. Mainly because that's how life is, the things we dislike seem to show up at every corner while the things we like are filled with obstacles. As it turns out, I have had a ton of obstacles in running. Everything from injury to sequential illnesses to work to more injuries. Ugh!!

I think it's because of how good it is for me. Truth is, running is good for you period. Even with the petty running (it really is petty because it's barely next to nothing) that I am doing, my body is seeing change, I am slimming down even if slowly, month by month I am seeing noticeable change. To me that's good enough.

If you're trying to get started in running, try this:

Day 1: Go 1 to 2 miles, maybe 3 or 4, whatever pushes you. If you have to stop and walk a few times as long as you finish the course. Now feel the empowerment that comes from doing something you didn't think you could do. Let the endorphins take over. Between the sense of accomplishment and the actual endorphins your body will create, it'll be better than any external stimulant you can take - AND healthier.

Day 2: Rest

Day 3: Go 1 mile. Push yourself a little, don't stop at the first sign of fatigue. Toughen up your mind to the point of going beyond what you think you can do. Prove it to yourself that you can do more than you think. Don't kill yourself, don't feel bad about eventually walking, but do show yourself that you can push past your perceived limits.

Day 4: Rest

Day 5: Go 1.5 to 2 miles. Push yourself a little, don't stop at the first sign of fatigue. Walk when you need to rest and walk, do it.

Day 6: Rest

Day 7: Rest

Day 8: Go 2 miles. Surprise yourself and push as much as you can, kill yourself a little bit, but make sure you leave enough for the next run. Something important to remember is that it doesn't matter how fast you go or how far you go. What matters is that you get better every time, even if only a sliver better, you will know it.

Day 9 Rest

Day 10: Go at least 2 miles. You know the rest of the drill by now. By this point, you should start to feel how cool it is to be able to go anywhere with nothing but your feet. It's not quite like flying, but you will get a sense of freedom out of it, for sure.

Day 11: Rest

Day 12: Go farther than 2 miles. Even if only by a 1/4.

Day 13: Rest.

Day 14: Sit in front of the mirror and see what has happened. I guarantee at least you will see changes in how you look and how you feel, especially in how you feel.