Start out slow and easy

I started running a year ago - again. The first time I started running was 16 years ago. I did it more to prove to someone I could do it than any deep seeded desire to become a great athlete. So when I started, I pushed hard and within 5 months I had finished my first 10K in 52 minutes. I finished in a great time for a beginner. I was beat, felt like I was going to puke, but I did it! Hooray for me! But pushing so hard and training without any guidance led me to injuries that sidelined my running for several months. By the time I was allowed by the physical therapist to start running again, I no longer had any fire to do so. And I didn't.

Fast forward to last January when my brother encouraged me to start running again in order to get my frequent migraines under control. It was worth a shot I figured. And he sent me a book by Jeff Galloway that emphasized starting out slowly and never overdoing any training session. The run/walk method allowed me to mentally feel guilt-free about not leaping into a crazy run-til-I-drop regimen. And this time around, I was able to finish my first 10K in 1 hour and 4 minutes after just 3 months of training. Sure, it took longer than it had 16 years ago, but this time I finished the run feeling good. I didn't collapse on the ground in a broken heap like I had all those years ago. I spent the rest of that day touring Jerusalem with my visiting brother. Now a year later, even after getting way-laid by the swine flu for a few months, I'm fitter than I really ever have been and sitting out even for a few weeks doesn't mean an automatic end to running. The run/walk method allows me to take any run at a pace my body can handle for that particular day. And the run/walk method keeps me running. Look it up. Give it a try. And get running.