Working out is like...hard

This past weekend, I was watching a mindless show on MTV called I Used to be Fat. In each episode, a teenager who is (you guessed it) fat spends the summer learning how to eat properly and working out like mad in order to lose weight and ultimately develop habits to get and keep them healthy.

In the midst of one particular episode, a chunky blond girl with cute dimples had her predictable mid-show breakdown.  Through her tears, she said "Working out is so hard!" Honey, I couldn't agree more.

My runs have been really hard lately. I am not fast. I am not an athletic person. I'm clumsy. I fall over. I stumble.  Some days running is really hard and it hurts. There are times I want to stop. There are runs that I DO stop. And I hate those days.

Last Saturday, I learned that my running form is pretty poor.  It's not really surprising and I have learned a number of exercises and ques to help me improve. The thing that really annoys me about my poor running form is why wasn't I taught this in junior high or high school?  Maybe if the gym teachers of my childhood didn't spend as much time forcing me to run a mile and actually taught me how to run a mile first, I wouldn't be in this position now. Based on my attitude in my youth, it might not have made a difference, but it is definitely something that has crossed my mind in the course of training.

I have begun to wonder if those who are more naturally athletic have hard days too. Based on the fit people I know, it doesn't seem like it or do they have other hurdles to overcome?  When I was in high school, were all of those students athletes pushing as hard as I feel like I have to?  It also makes me wonder, what are the things at which I'm naturally better?  On a bad workout day, it doesn't feel like there's much.

Of course, I know it will be better and easier! For now, I'm just going to suffer through each workout that's tough and remind myself that easier runs and warmer days are just around the corner.