Endurance part one

Every time I read about an endurance runner or some ultra (marathon), I'm like "dang I really want to do that!" but I can never seem to get past the WANT part of it. I've never been a particularly sporty person, especially as a child. Anyone who knew me as a kid can attest to the fact that a) I only wore Birkenstocks or some other variety of non-shoe footwear, b) was the last one picked in P.E. and never even considered joining a team sport (except for swimming in 9th grade but my tryout for the team was hindered by a bout of the flu, to which I am grateful). So I'm sure this sort of thing comes across as some crazy idea that I'm so into endurance sports.
I swam as a kid, and I'd like to say that I may have taken it further had my parents been able to afford a coach, but my stubborn attitude probably would have prevented that, too. I was, and still am, one of those people who is enamoured by all things new, especially when it comes to competing against.. well, myself.
Fast forward to 2008. I was watching the Boston Marathon at a block away from the finish line, and when the elites came cruising by.... my heart nearly leapt out of my chest. It was right then and there that I KNEW with every fiber of my being that running was something I had to do. So I got in shape and started to run, and every time I felt winded or tired or frustrated at my slow pace, I just thought of those elites. I thought of the elite Kenyans and Ethiopians who are the most graceful runners I have ever seen. Robert Cheriyuot (sp?) won Boston that year. I watched him cross the finish line. I mean, it was one of the most exciting things I have ever witnessed. After 26 miles, he was still running a sub-6 minute pace! I had my Canon Digital Rebel with me that day by chance, and by the time I focused my lens on him, he was already hurdling on past where I was standing.
I knew a guy who was a former rock climber, trying to get back into the sport, and I thought "hmm that sounds fun." Another friend was going to do an IronMan, and I thought "hmmmm maybe?"
Endurance sports are the most appealing to me despite my utter lack of endurance! Maybe that's why, though, because I want to challenge myself. I want to challenge who I used to think I was. Two years ago I could barely run half a mile. Last November, stupidly, I ran a 5k with no training and a sprained foot and finished with an 11:30 pace. Which is slow but considering I hadn't run for 6 weeks and had a massive injury, is cool for me.
I just fucking love running. I'm addicted to it. I think "f*ck! this crap is so dang hard!!! what the hell am i doing?!" when I'm running, but when I'm done, I feel like I want to run until my feet fall off and there's no more road to run.
I went through injury after injury for about a year, maybe a little more. By the time I felt better, the terror of becoming injured again and not running prevented me from even trying to run. I just stopped. Completely distanced myself from it. But after a few 5k's under my belt and some nice runs with my sister and by myself.... the itch to run again is back.
I ran a 5k yesterday and I had a shitty time and I hurt like hell today, so I know I can't run right now. But I wish i didn't hurt so I could just pull my shoes on and frigging GO.

Enough for now.
kate.