learning to love running

Ok, so there's a huge exaggeration over there in this blog post title - I mean, I'm never going to love running, in fact, I can't see a day when I might even like it, so you're probably wondering why I'm writing this post.
If you know me in real life, follow me on Instagram or have read this blog for the last few months, you'll know that I'm really, really not a fan of running, but I really, really want to enjoy it.
In January of this year, as part of my Total Warrior training (read more here) I set myself a target to be able to run 10k by July.  I went out for a run on average once a week, and regardless of the weather, my diary, my hangover or my lack of general enthusiasm I made sure I got out for a run every week, even getting out when I was away in London for a friend's wedding.  Gradually, I upped my pace and my distance and by April (3 months ahead of my goal) I ran 10k.  I was SO pleased with myself.
I kept up the weekly run for a month or so, and then gradually it stopped being a priority and I found excuses not to do it.  Even though I'd managed to get up to 10k, and it was getting easier I definitely still wasn't enjoying it.  I'd dread going out, I'd count down the kilometres, and I'd do everything I could to avoid hills. 
Total Warrior is over now, and while I could give up my running, and just stick to everything else I'm doing, I'm not going to.  Most people probably think I'm crazy, why carrying on doing something you so strongly dislike.  Well there's a few reasons, I'm convinced if I stick with it, one day, I might get home and say 'I actually think I quite enjoyed that', I also think it will really help with all the other workouts I do, it's great cardio, it's good for burning calories and apparently it makes you happier, and live longer!

So, what am I going to do about it? Well, I've bought myself some new kicks, if these bad boys don't encourage me to get out and pound the pavement then I don't know what will.

I've also set myself a little (easily attainable) challenge.  I'm going to run a minimum of 5k (in one run) every week.  I'm not going to focus on speed and I'm not going to worry about pushing myself to go further.  I'm just going to get out there, and I'm  hoping, the lack of pressure will make me ease into it, if I'm feeling good, I'll keep going when I get to 5k, if I'm not, I'll stagger home but probably still feel pleased with myself for getting out there.
And that's my plan, my aim to learn to love running.  If you've been in the same place, and have ANY tips of suggestions, I'd love to hear them.  And if you're looking for more regular updates, then come follow me over on Instagram, as there's always lots of sweaty pics on there of me, with my running updates...