getting into running

So here's what I've been up to so far:
(BTW, I'm only writing about my attempts at running, not about my long walks or my cross-training. Just don't want you all to think this is the only exercise I get!)

4/27 - after work, I took a loop over to Summit/Western Aves and back. Instead of walking the entire route (like usual), I decided to run a bit - after climbing the insane Cathedral hill, of course. I ran about a block (slowly, but still running - and I should mention that I use the terms "running" and "jogging" interchangeably here to refer to anything brisker than a stroll). When I realized that I didn't think I was readily going to die, I ran another block. And another. And another. Eventually I made it all the way back to Cathedral hill again, where I once again resumed walking. Amazing! Afterward, I googled it and learned that it was about 1.5 miles of non-stop running! Will wonders never cease.

4/30 - I decided to see if the aforementioned miracle was a one-time event, or if I might really have a chance at this whole running business. Since we were staying at the in-laws at the time, I got to run around the beautiful, exclusive, and hilly North Oaks. I'll admit that I took a few walking breaks, but I ran the majority of the time. (It really does help to have nice, fresh scenery.) Another miracle! It's almost enough to make me a believer.
Time: 42 min
Distance: 2.7 mi
Avg Speed: 3.9 mph
Cumulative distance: 5.65 mi

5/2 - Another loop around North Oaks. I walked even less this time, but forgot to keep track of the time. Oops. Regardless, while it was difficult and I was painfully out of breath at times, overall it was tolerable. (That's really high praise, coming from this avowed anti-runner!) Maybe there would be hope for me to continue?
Cumulative distance: 8.35 mi

5/6 - Apparently one does not magically embody the spirit, power, and endurance of Constantina Tomescu-Dita after just three "runs." This time I went out for a loop around the neighborhood, and I really did think I was going to die. Back to the 50/50 run/walk thing, which was disappointing. Perhaps part of the problem was that I was expecting to be able to somewhat easily run the route???
Cumulative distance: 10.86

5/16 - So it took me awhile to try again, but I'm not beating myself up for it. After a short pep talk, I was out the door for another attempt at becoming a runner (remember the James Earl Jones voiceover!). This time I knew I was headed out on a longer (3.7 mi) route, so I had absolutely no expectation to run the whole thing. Instead, I just took it one block at a time....and, miraculously, I ran almost the entire thing (I walked about 2 blocks in the middle, and also walked the last three blocks). So, in retrospect, I actually ran about 3 miles. Oh. My. God.
Time: 51 min
Distance: 3.71 mi
Avg Speed: 4.36 mph
Cumulative distance: 14.57 mi

5/19 - The first official Heart of Summer 5K training run. All we had to do was go one mile, which I assumed was totally reasonable. But then the temperature hit 95 frickin degrees on my way to Como Park. Let me tell you, running 1 mile in 95 degree heat is a heck of a lot harder than any distance at 70 degrees. Yuck! But, I did it. Slowly and grudgingly, I trudged my way through it. Let me just mention again that my running is not about to set any records for speed - I am a penguin, and that's okay.
Cumulative distance: 15.57 mi

5/21 - My scheduled training run was 1.5 miles today - and I was actually, almost, looking forward to doing it (or at least looking forward to proving I could do it). So, after work I drove over to Como Park again, where the lake is conveniently about 1.6 miles around. Perfect. Now, this is going to sound totally lame, and will probably just highlight how ridiculously out of shape I am, but I pushed myself a bit harder today, and was really, really excited to finish in only 19 minutes. (Yes, my average speed was 5.1 mph.) But hey, that's not too bad, especially seeing how I didn't even think I could run a full mile a few weeks ago. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe running comprises as much of a psychological barrier as a physical challenge for me...
Time: 19 min
Distance: 1.6 mi
Avg Speed: 5.1 mph
Cumulative distance: 17.17 mi

5/22 - I had a lot of things working against me today: First, I was tired and had absolutely no energy or motivation to do anything other than sit on the couch and read People. But I got out there anyway, since I figured I'd let all of you down if I didn't (and, by "all of you," I'm referring to my "legions of fans," which also translates into, oh, "my dad and my husband"). That's when the second thing started working against me: my mind. My stupid mind would just not shut up already ("you did this once already - shouldn't it be easier by now? how are you going to explain this to your legion of fans? are you tensing your shoulders too much? are you striking with your heels rather than your mid-soles? why is your breath ragged? take a breath! bounce less! push harder! relax! you should be enjoying this!!" etc, etc, etc). UGH! Thankfully, my mind started to shut up after about 1.5 miles, and then I was almost, kind of, maybe, somewhat able to get "into the zone." I won't lie - the best part of this run was definitely when it was over.
Time: 50 min
Distance: 3.71 mi
Avg Speed: 4.45 mph
Cumulative distance: 20.88 mi