I definitely need the pressure of a looming race date to get myself out on the road (or the treadmill). Rationally I know that the hardest part of the run is lacing up my sneakers ... but despite good intentions I didn't get out there much.

I'm the opposite when it comes to the treadmill, though: I love the predicable course, the ability to listen to podcasts and not having to dodge traffic. So I really had no excuses for my low mileage this year. :]

Maybe I need more podcasts or something. I find the treadmill sooooo boooring. I am much more likely to quit early because I just can't take it. Sad, huh? - anica

I'm doing the National Half as a relay--it should be fun! I did the Disney World Half in January--that was hard to stay motivated for because the peak training was right around the holidays. Good luck getting out there--I have a half in May too!

Beth, I am so impressed that you were able to run a race in January! Which half are you running in May? - anica

I'm training now to run my very first race ever -- the 5K Baltimore Women's Classic in June. I've never been a runner (or been athletic in anyway, actually), so for me this is a really big deal. I've been running on the treadmill (I can do this as long as I have a great music mix on my iPod) and am just starting to run outside. I'm up to 2 miles at a time now, which I'm sure sounds like nothing to you veteran runners, but is amazing for someone who couldn't run 2 blocks before.

Congrats to all of you serious runners. It's harder than it looks!

Linda, congratulations! Two miles is a big accomplishment! Best of luck to you with the 5k. Let us know how it goes. - anica

I have just a few weeks before the Frederick Half Relay. Only 6.something miles, but I am WAY out of practice. It's been occurring to me that I need to get out there, too.

Only?!? That's still quite a distance! Good luck! - anica

Same for me on the treadmill. I tried to get motivated and go to the gym to run, but it was sooo boring. I have 4M race on Saturday and looking at it as a normal run not a race, since I'm certainly not ready! First 1/2 marathon end of April, so the push better come soon. And finally a message to Linda getting ready for the BWC, check out the training program at Goucher College. For $20.00 you get training for 8 weeks for the BWC 5K (check out the BWC website) and Good Luck, I love to hear about new runners

Thanks, Anica, and thanks, essexrunner. I did check out the program at Goucher, and it seemed like a great idea but it just didn't fit it into my schedule. We go to the local Y regularly, so that's where I started to get serious on the treadmill. I've also followed some of the C25K advice as I've gone along this process.

I'm inspired by the runners I know and read about here, and can't wait to make it through my first 5K!

I started running last year. What inspired me was the 10-10-10 Marathon. I was going to do the 1/2 since I am a beginner. I did do one 5K and that was an experience. I then had a feel for what was to come. I researched on a training routine for the 1/2 marathon and was sticking with it. Half way into my training I noticed my knee hurting while running. I had been running outside because my treadmill quit working. I would take a couple days off from running and would stretch or light cardio or weights. I would run again and be fine the first day but the second day - nope. The pain came back. I read up on several options to help me out and none of them worked. Unfortunately I didn't get to run the 1/2 marathon and was bummed. I plan this year to start again and pray for better success. I train alone and that gets
tough!! I did end up with a lack of motivation towards the end even though I saw local runs that sounded fun to participate in. Any advice on keeping motivated? Thanks everyone and congrats to the beginners for starting and keep up the good work to the veterans!!!!

@Amy, when I first started running a few years ago (at age 54) I had some issues with my knees as I got my mileage up. When I finally got around to getting checked at a running store and changed from neutral shoes to stability shoes my knees improved greatly.

I accidentally have five weekends in a row of races starting this weekend. The Shamrock 5k in Baltimore tomorrow, the Shamrock Virginia Beach half marathon next weekend, a full marathon at the National Marathon the weekend after that, the Cherry Blossom 10-mile on April 3rd, and the brand new "Paths of Cylburn" 5k in Baltimore April 10th (I'm doing the last one primarily because I've never been to Cylburn Arboretum and the course sounds like it's probably a pretty one).