I'm in the runners club too. I'm relatively new but now that I've gotten my first injury, I call myself a runner. I started in July of 2011. I've learned a lot and lost a pile of weight. I've done six 5K's, a 5 miler, a 10 mile trail race, and a half mara. I was fine until the half. I developed patellar tendonitis and I've been fighting my way back since then. My wife and I have a 5K on New Years eve coming up. I've really grown to enjoy running and i'm already picking races to do next year. The stress relief that was mentioned is true. Before I started my taper prior to the half, I was up to 11 miles for long runs. After running 11 miles, I wasn't worried about much except finding some post run fuel ! It helps to have a spouse that runs too. I never would have started if mine wasn't already running. I of course went through the new runner phase and spent way too much time talking about it. She always brought me back down to earth. I haven't tried running in the dark yet. My schedule is somewhat flexible so I can find time after work usually plus weekends. We have a gym membership too. I admit to hating the dreadmill. I was there this afternoon on the elliptical. The neat thing is that a few of the machines face a wall of windows overlooking a small pond. I've seen ducks there in the past but I saw a muskrat today.If any of your kids are old enough, you could try involving them. Our daughter is 9. While she hasn't started running regularly yet, she has done a number of 1/2 and 1 mile kids runs. She did all four in a series this Summer. Our 12 year old son has NO interest in running at all. If you have a very young kid you could try getting a jogging stroller. Telling your wife that you're taking the kid out for a run won't usually get a negative response.
