Yeah... running can get addictive. I even ran the very top of Mount Pleasant and the loop around Summit Circle yesterday. [Feel the BURN!]

Some things for beginning runners to remember:
[list=1][*]Don't push it too hard at the beginning. As Arsbars has found, when you come to running from cycling, you expect to be at the same level as you were cycling. You are in terms of cardiovascular fitness, but you're not in muscular terms. Start with short, easy runs of about 15 minutes for a week; bump that up to 20 minutes for a couple of runs, and then try to push your runs up five minutes each.[*]Run fartlecks. This is when you run and walk... run for four minuyes, walk for two; repeat. You have no idea how effective fartlecks can be to improve your running.[*]Run with other people when possible. It's a lot easier to stay motoivated when you have people to talk to and compete with.[*]Run for time, not for distance. In a month or so, you'll be able to mark out specific distances and test your pace. For now, the issue is getting your body accustomed to running.[*]You will feel pain. Running uses a whole lot of different muscles than cycling. When you use them the first time, you tear them. The re-knitting and healing process can be very painful, expecially 24-48 hours after your first run. But it's necessary, and it's the process that mkes your muscles stronger. The good news is that, after the first two painful times, you don't feel the pain anymore.[*]STRETCH. You have to stretch before and after every run. If you don't, you will be injured. At very least, stretch your quads, hams and calves.[/list=1]

Running can be a blast. It's not cycling, but it has its own attractions. I ran with a group of colleagues last week and I found that my sprint has carried over nicely from cycling.