I was inspired earlier this week to run a 5K, and I found out about C25K thanks to the helpful folks here at MFP. I bought new running shoes, and today was my very first day of training. What a handy app! I signed up for two 5Ks at Disney World in September and November, which gives me plenty of time to prepare. I plan to enter one in the summer, once I'm all the way through the training. I did my first session today, and even though I wasn't too fond of the running intervals, it was doable.

I've never, ever been a runner, and I've hated running all my life. My legs are short, and we had to do so much lap running in grade school. I never could keep up and soon didn't even want to try. Now that I'm almost 50, I'm coming into it with a whole new attitude. I'm going to conquer something I hate and get healthier while doing it. I've always loved walking and am a fast fitness walker, so really, running shouldn't be unattainable.

I'm doing Jillian Michaels Body Revolution along with C25K to make sure I still get in some strength training to tone up the flabby bits. My parents both had multiple heart attacks and died in their mid-50s, and my brother had a massive stroke in his mid-50s, so that's my big motivation. Part of it is personal accomplishment, but it's also a desire to break the family trend of unhealthiness. My grandparents lived into their 80s and were healthy until the end, so I need to tap into their healthy genes.