Hi Tracy, what if despite what those people tell you, you ended up hiking across Canada and finding yourself in the process? I would never recommend running before walking though, hike all the cool spots and find the spots in your state. Work your way up in endurance for that one. Another thing about people. If you let their opinions and their judgement's rule your life they win by keeping you down. Like one of my favorite rappers K-Rino says :
"Whatever you believe yourself to be that's what you are man. You can't let problems at home.
Problems at school, problems at work. Haters on the block, you can't let these people dictate your mood and your reality man.
It's not WHO you are that holds you back, It's who YOU think you're NOT."
Hope you find a reason or two for sticking around, you will if you keep moving even if you're crawling.