Starting a running program needs a commitment, and I have found that it is easier to stay committed to an action if I give myself a challenge to meet. The challenge keeps my motivation up on those days when it's just easier not to run!
So here's a challenge for you: run (or walk/run) a half marathon this year. The half is a distance that anyone with a reasonable amount of fitness can handle, and it needs a lot less preparation than a full marathon. You can do it in about 12 weeks, depending somewhat on where you're starting from.