Hi Natalie :)

Is there a medical reason? The first step would be to check with a doctor, of course. If there’s no medical reason, I would suggest these steps:

1. What happens inside you when you think about running? (thoughts, emotions, sensations?)
2. What happens inside you while you’re running? (thoughts, emotions, sensations?)
3. How does that feel? (emotions)
4. Where in your childhood did you have that same feeling? It may have nothing to do with running, but will be the same feeling.
5. Change those original references.
6. Then, think about running (without doing it). And notice if you feel differently. Keep doing this until you can think about it, and feel optimistic, positive, and enthusiastic.
7. Then, get an app like the Couch-to-5K and an audio book you’re looking forward to.
8. Use the app, but be prepared to take it easy. If you need to go back to a walk before the 60 seconds are up, that’s okay. Decide, before you start, that you’re not going to force yourself, there’s no pressure, there are no expectations. You’re just going to enjoy the book, and try to follow along with the app as best you can.
9. Do this until you start to see an improvement — knowing it may take a while, but as long as you keep doing it, little by little, and, most importantly, keeping your focus on the enjoyment rather than on not being able to run for long… you will eventually get there. And it will feel Amazing!

Of course, if there’s a medical reason, follow the advice of your medical professional. But you can do steps 1 to 6 above, as well. :)

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or need clarification on anything.