Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.

Their are two types of pain in running in my opinion, one is physical and the other is mental. Any running regiment or training program will teach you to gradually build up your miles and to listen to your body. I do believe in this philosophy because it does build patience and teaches discipline in running in which you will need to grow and it will take you a long way into your running career. Sometimes running hurts. It can hurt physically if you don't listen to your body, rest when you are injured and keep your shoes on a good rotation. But if you do all these things right you'll move right along and experience the mental pain of running. The part where you'll be tested mentally constantly. You have to be able to block out everything in your mind and focus on the run at hand. The moment and make the best of it. I always say to myself "this is my run, i'm going to run hard". Little things like that you tell yourself to build your confidence. You have to discover what is inside of you when you run. You are going to hit walls no matter how skilled you are. But I find that consistency is the best formula. Keep at it, make it a routine and your life. Everything else will follow. Follow the pain and make it work for you not against you. Because it is inside of you and that is what drives you.

Besides being an avid runner. For the past year and half I have discovered and indulged myself in the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. At first I was very skeptical because usually when people think of frisbee usually they think of casually passing the frisbee back and forth in the sunshine on a beach somewhere.
Well "Ultimate" Frisbee is quite the opposite of this in fact. You do loads of running up and down a huge field chasing a flying disc and also chasing people who are chasing the flying disc to block it down. I would describe it almost like soccer but with a frisbee. A lot of stop and go running and a lot of sprinting.
For the most part i've always been a long distance runner not really working on my short runs and sprints as I should be. I have found though that Ultimate Frisbee has been a great fun way of working more on my sprinting and short run bursts.
So over time friends of all athletic types have come and out and joined the team. I have found that no matter your work out style or body type--this is a great alternative cardio sport for sure. You'll find yourself getting into shape and having fun at the same time. For me personally it is a good break during the week from my regular training runs.
So my advice--mix it up! Try different activities and sports besides the one that you are most passionate about. It can't hurt right! Get out and be active.