running

Today was the day I began my 1/2 marathon training.
I stepped up to the challenge and did my speed training today. I was actually quite apprehensive about the speed training as I had heard things from a couple people about how difficult it is and how exhausted they were after.
So as I stood there on the treadmill, poking at the buttons and inputting data requested (ie. weight, incline, time, speed) I didn't know what to expect.
I started with a warm up jog for about 15 minutes. Nothing too out of control. It was then that I realized that I have improved.
Before I joined the gym I was probably in the worst shape of my life. Not that I'm 40 lbs over weight or anything, but I recognize my lack of energy and lack of clothes that fit as a result of bad eating habits and not exercising.
So after I jogged and felt adequately warmed up...I realized something. I was warmed up! Not exhausted, not too tired to actually start RUNNING...but really, honestly warmed up!
Then was the run.
I began the sprint. Faster, faster, faster...and then I felt like I was flying!
Now I'm not a HUGE fan of running. I'd rather go swimming or biking or hiking.
This was the first time I'd enjoyed running.
And I felt really, really good!
In fact, as I've been learning about endurance in my life as it relates to tasks and trials and spiritual things going on in my life, I wanted to push myself and go an extra 20, 30 or 40 seconds at the sprinting speed. And I did it!
It was a good run and I know that not all of my runs will be exhilerating, but it's encouraging to experience improvement, enjoyment and to break past those "walls" by pushing myself to go just a bit further.
Let the training begin!