Running

I know that it comes very naturally to some people, for me, it's pretty difficult. I have several problems:
1. I can't shut off my brain. I can't just run. And run and run and run. Which is what I plan on doing in 7 months.
2. I can't get my legs to cooperate. They are used to me playing soccer, where I only really needed short bursts of speed and then you stand around a lot. And then I played goalie and you REALLY didn't need to run much for that.
3. I really want to go FAST right away and I can't seem to find a pace where I'm comfortable in my brain and my body.

Gosh, the cat is smelly tonight. Yuck.

Anyway, I know that I have these problems, and I don't know how to tackle them. I'll admit, the running IS getting easier day by day. I ran close to a 1/2 a mile outside without stopping and walking (other than to stretch out my legs), which is pretty good for me.

I think that my first thing that I am going to do is go on the elliptical machine at Cardinal Fitness tomorrow for an hour. I really have to get my legs used to the constant motion of running, even if elliptical is more low impact that actual running. Since Jake is going to be at work tomorrow night (per usual), I've got the time. I might even try to run a mile afterward. Then, we'll see how doing that once or twice a week will help.

The other two problems are mental and since I'm kind of crazy, those might take longer to work out. Listening to music helps, though. We'll see about #1 and #3.

I'm running in just a 5k on Saturday (3.1 miles for those of you not in the know). We'll see how that goes. Based on times now and the pace that I need to set for the 1/2 marathon, I'd like to try to get in under 36 minutes, which is probably just under 12 minutes a mile. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, I'm going to change my clothes and probably watch some TV. Woot.