Running

So, my good friend and gym buddy has me attempting to run (at the gym). I like to call my "run" a "wog." It's like a slow-ish walk kinda jog (aka wog). Ok, probably not as slow as I think ...but I feel slow and weak. This girl is NOT a runner and my joints would tell you the same. The skinnier me (5-6 yrs ago) ran, but it was only in the gym for no more than 15-20 minutes. It's much harder on the body to "run" when you're packing a good 30lbs from when you ran before. I'm hoping my attempt to making running a habit actually sticks. I believe that is what will shed the pounds I'm desperately hoping to lose. The lifting has certainly started to reshape parts of my body (thanks goodness!), but I still have some poundage I want to come off. At this point, I want to lose 30-35lbs. I think running is the key. I want to be able to race my son. I want the stamina back to play chase, tag, ...whatever. I don't want to be winded so easily. The elliptical helps, but definitely not to the same extent as running. Right now, I prefer the treadmill vs outside. I need to toughen up my ankles and knees, first. My goal is to enjoy running. I know I always feel good afterwards, so I hope I can better learn how to run and breathe while doing so. Anyway, last Friday, I ran 2/4 laps or half a mile at roughly 4mph. Today, I ran 3/4 laps or 3/4 mile. I ran two laps, walked one, and ran the last one. The first two laps were roughy 4.5-4.7mph, and the last one was 5mph. I know I can do this. I want to build up to a 5k and run in one someday. I'd also like to do Bloomsday again. 

I'm certainly not a runner yet, but I have hopes I'll progress over time. Fingers crossed. :)