Running Mania

Just a little about me and unorthodox and sudden interest in running. I live in London and I'll admit I'm by  no means in good shape, I smoke, I party and used to hate running, but, I'd like to have a more active lifestyle. It's been years since I've played any sports and I used to play hockey 3-4 times a week. My girlfriend is training for a half marathon and eventually peer pressured me into going for a jog, that jog ended up being 5k and after a couple more with her,  I decided to join her in a Thanksgiving  5k race last weekend (I can get pretty competitive).   And, on Saturday, with only 4 runs outside, I ran my first race and finished it in 26:31.  That was it, I officially have the bug. I just signed up for another 5k on Oct 30. 
Been reading some posts here after finding the site, I was actually looking for info on shoes, and this looks like a great forum with lots of great advice and motivation.  I do find it hard to just get out and run alone though. Rotating day, afternoon, night shifts and having a new puppy are all great excuses to just stay in the house and relax but I do want to get out more. I really enjoy the feeling I get after a run.
My goals as of now are to obviously run more,  help cut back and eventually quit smoking and hopefully  a 20min 5k.  Maybe even a half marathon next November with the girlfriend. 
Thanks, I know I'll be reading a lot on the forum.
Jon

welcome! glad you've caught the bug!

scrumhalfgirl wrote:welcome! glad you've caught the bug!

And from London to boot!

Have fun with running!

Welcome

Welcome to RM! Make sure you post your shoe questions in the Gearing Up section, you'll get lots of help.

Welcome to "the other addiction". There are many runners of many differing abilities here....and also some runners who've quit smoking too.

I'm glad you found us!

Welcome!
Congrats on your first race...well done!

What kind of puppy do you have? There a NRR thread where people posts pics of their pets!

Welcome.
England or Ontario?

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!
I'm already readin tonnes of other posts and am really liking this site. I'm sure I'll be looking for advice and be askin lots of questions. Hopefully I don't get too annoying.
Jo-Jo, my dog is a French bulldog named Rufus.
And, it's London Ontario.

Habs4ever wrote:Welcome.
England or Ontario?

You made my heart stop.
I assumed Ontario.
I mean, I forget about that "other" London.

*sigh*

Thankfully Mush is from Ontario....

Welcome! Congrats on a great start. If you want some motivation, there is a race in London Saturday at Fanshawe Conservation Area. Some maniacs are running. There's just something about watching runners cross the finish line, totally exhausted, that makes you say "I want to do that!"

Miss*Smiles wrote:

Habs4ever wrote:Welcome.
England or Ontario?

You made my heart stop.
I assumed Ontario.
I mean, I forget about that "other" London.

*sigh*

Thankfully Mush is from Ontario....

That's funny, because when someone just says London, I assume England.

Welcome to RM and congrats on an impressive debut to racing with no real formal training. Have fun and enjoy your ride!