Becoming the Runner I Want to Be

Apparently, if you want to be a runner, you actually have to run. It is quite the tricky concept. I want to be a runner, yet I don't want put forth the effort, which has been a consistent theme in my life during the last two weeks.

Between the Fourth of July and a week-long trip back to Virginia from Michigan, I've found myself really struggling to keep up with my weight-loss program. I had planned on continuing my pre-trip workouts, which included running. I had also planned on purchasing healthy foods to take on my vacation. Instead, I limited myself to casual walks and indulged in fried foods, ice cream and wine. Life truly gets in the way of even the best-laid plans.

This time around, I have been very cautious not to use that awful four-letter word: diet. I am not on a diet. There are no false claims of losing an unrealistic amount of weight in a very short amount of time, and no foods are "bad." I try to eat what is good fuel for my body and enjoy some treats along the way. I am focused on lifestyle changes; however, those changes are still difficult. It's not always easy picking the high-fiber, high-protein, low-calorie options over the fatty, greasy, fried -- otherwise known as heavenly -- choices.

Whether you are visiting your old stomping ground or going on vacation, it's a crime not to indulge in the foods you can't find when you are in your normal routine. I had plenty of those Virginia-only food options, and I also brought back a couple pounds with me as a souvenir. I am currently back to my pre-Virginia weight, but I still have about 15 to lose before I move from the obese distinction to the overweight category, according to the BMI calculator.

Since my trip, I've slowly been getting back into a healthy eating routine and staying consistent with my exercise; however, I have still found plenty of reasons not to run: It's been so long since my last run. It's hard. It's hot. It's raining. My stomach hurts. My knee hurts. I can't run far. I can't run fast. I'm not good at running. These may also be referred to as excuses, but "reasons to not run" sounds a little less lazy.

I'll admit it. I'm scared of defeat when it comes to running. In all other aspects of my life, I am constantly saying that failure is not necessarily the same as losing, as long as you learn and grow from mistakes. Running is different. I am terrified that I won't succeed in my efforts; therefore, I continue to self-sabotage by creating opportunities to skip out on a run. I tell myself that "walking will help build endurance" and "biking will build strength." While those may be valid points, the real reason is that I'm too afraid of failing as a runner to take the strides to become one.

I look at other runners with envy. I have plenty of people who support me in my efforts, but my legs and mind refuse to cooperate with my desire to literally hit the ground running. If I actually want to complete that 5K within the next year, I really should consider putting on those pretty (expensive) running shoes and go out there and pound the pavement.

After decades of dieting only to gain it back, two That's Fit readers have decided to finally rethink their relationship with food and exercise over the next year to move towards a lifetime of fulfilling, healthy living. Come by every week as Ashley and Lee share their successes, and challenges, as they tip the scale.

Do you also need motivation to start running? Check out the biggest 5K races.