The Run Around
After a few running-related post mentions (like this, this and this), I’ve gotten a bunch of requests to write a more in-depth post about my hobby – so I’m veering off home topics just for today (like we’ve done with hair-cutting, Eminem, nursing, and Clara’s birth story to name a few other times). But don’t worry, I’ll be back with more deck progress on Monday (it’s actually starting to really LOOK LIKE A DECK – you have no idea how exciting that is to us). As for the subject of running, I’ve hesitated to tackle this subject a few times, because although I call myself a “runner” and it’s a hobby I’ve enjoyed for over a decade, I’m certainly no expert. I don’t subscribe to any strict running lifestyle or rigorous routine. But I do run races (usually 10Ks, although I’ve done one half marathon). And I enjoy my Runner’s World subscription (despite Sherry’s jokes that it’s the same articles each month about stretching and running shoes just slightly repackaged).
How I Got Started: I got the running bug my second year of college (2002) after a couple of failed attempts to get into it before that (I never made it past the track team “interest meeting” in high school). It didn’t stick until my roommates (one was already a runner, the other was a newbie like me) welcomed me on their nightly 20-minute jogs one unseasonably warm January. What was different about this attempt? I think because for once the act of running took a backseat to other things like socializing with my friends and enjoying the great outdoors. Shortly after that, another friend convinced me to sign up for a 10K she was doing later that spring – oh the things college guys do for college women. That was Richmond’s Monument Avenue 10k, a race I’ve now done every year since (2012 being my 11th consecutive time). I threw up at the end of that first one, but apparently not enough to turn me off to the whole running thing. Though that girl and I never worked out, fortunately I snagged myself another one…
Why I Run: Let’s start with the usual suspects. I enjoy the fitness benefits of it (mainly it makes me feel better about occasionally eating junk food) and it’s a great stress reliever. I like the self-competitiveness of it – trying to better a race time or run a longer distance. But I actually like it most for the music. Weird, I know. But the main way I kept myself motivated to run through college was so that I could listen to a CD I just bought (remember the Discman?). To this day I geek out making special playlists for each race, crafting it to be just about as long as I think I’ll be running – interspersing slow songs as reminders to pace myself and strategically putting fast beats towards the end to help me keep from fizzling out. I did once get a sarcastic “har-har” from Sherry when I explained that MJ’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” belonged at the beginning of my playlist because that’s when, duh, I’m starting something.
I also like to run for the exploration of it all. My dad (who is 67 and faster than me) likes to run the same loop so he can gauge his pace against familiar landmarks. I, on the other hand, prefer to try out new routes and take random turns just to see where it will take me and what scenery I’ll encounter (one of the reasons Runner’s World’s Rave Runs photos often serve as my laptop’s wallpaper). I love getting “lost” on trails so that I can subconsciously add miles finding my way back. Or weaving through city blocks downtown to check out some of Richmond’s coolest homes. Basically, doing circles around a track is my nightmare. Unless I’ve made a good playlist for it, of course.
My Training Schedule: I’d love to share a running routine with you guys, but I don’t have one. I used to aim for 3 days a week, but now 8-10 times a month is a good month. Part of the reason I sign up for races is to guarantee at least one run in my future – and hopefully a few in advance to make sure my body remembers how to put one foot in front of the other. My most disciplined year was back in 2007, when I really pushed myself to get a good time in the Monument 10k. My 10+ mile training runs paid off with my fastest 10K time yet (and still) at 46:23. It also gave me the confidence to run my first (and only) half marathon two weeks later. That earned me a 1:52:27 time and a case of runner’s knee that has haunted me ever since.
My Goals: I have secret aspirations of doing a marathon sometime in my lifetime, but despite the physical therapy I did after the injury in 2007 – my knee still starts to complain once I get close to double-digit mileage. Sherry also reminds me that some of my first words after completing the half marathon were “Don’t ever let me do a marathon. I can’t imagine having to do this run twice in a row.” But that was five years ago, so I’m thinking of trying to tackle another half sometime soon to see if it leaves me with the same impression.
Ultimately I want to keep running fun. Right now I get a lot of joy from it – whether from music, scenery, a cheering race crowd, a good conversation with a running buddy or just pushing myself that extra mile. So if I never introduce a training regime of speed drills and hill workouts to my calendar, I’d die plenty happy. Just give me my running shoes, my iPod (with the Nike+ app), and perhaps Clara in her jogging stroller and I’ll be one content runner. Well, and I’d love to have Sherry join me too, but the bad ankle she developed from being one of the fastest girls on her track/cross country team as a teen won’t let her do much more than a fast walk without a swollen grapefruit-looking-ankle to show for it.
If I Had To Offer Some Advice: So now that I’ve firmly establish I don’t have the most conventional or regimented outlook on running, I can’t expect you to give much weight to my advice. BUT, just in case someone out there is looking to start running (or just do it more regularly), here’s what I would offer up as a few things to try:
- Figure out what about running makes you happy and plan around that. Is it socializing? Then find a friend to run with. Is it being alone with your thoughts? Find some peaceful, uncrowded trails to lose yourself on. Is it the competition? Sign up for races. Not everyone has to enjoy running for the same reasons, so don’t be shy about embracing yours.
- Don’t push yourself. For most people, any running is better for you than none at all. If you can’t go a mile without taking a walk break, don’t beat yourself up over it. Be proud of the distance you did run and savor the moments you’re walking (I still enjoy a good walk break – notice the red spots on the map above). Who cares if you can’t run a 5K / 10K / half-marathon / marathon / whatever is your unattainable distance? If you spend too much energy lamenting what you can’t do, you won’t put it into relishing what you can.
- Find a race that you can look forward to. I love organized races – whether they’re 5Ks, 10Ks, whatever. They’re pretty much my favorite thing about being a runner. Not only is the energy of the crowd (both of other runners and the people cheering from the sidelines) a great boost, but I also find they’re great motivators to lace up on my own in preparation. So find a race that speaks to you for some reason – the course looks especially fun, it promises great music, it benefits a great cause, or maybe they throw colored cornstarch at you? – and sign up for it. If you don’t know where to find a race, try a local running shop, sporting goods store, or even a local gym for more info. They usually have flyers up.
Okay, now here’s the part where all you other runners (hardcore or casual like me) can raise your virtual hand and tell me a little bit about your running-self. What’s your favorite part about running? How do you keep yourself motivated? Any particular personal best or success stories you wanna share?
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I’ve been running regularly for the past three years (eek!). I find that on the days that I run I can concentrate better. I’m training for a 50k in October, keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get injured/get in a car accident (things that kept me from running my first marathon in April) so I can cross the distance off my bucket list for good! After that I think I’ll stick to 5k’s, 10k’s, and half-marathons.
Currently training for the NYC Marathon after completing my first half in May. EEK. Running with a charity though (TEAM FOR KIDS) and enjoying the group practices. 14 miles tomorrow!
I recently got back into running and totally agree on not running the same route all the time. I think I became bored with running previously because I was always doing the same route. Now that I don’t do that anymore, I enjoy it more because I can explore neighborhoods. Also a great way to spot a good yard sale on Saturday morning. You should try the GW Parkway 10 miler in Alexandria as an interim before the half-marathon. My husband did it a few years ago and liked it – bonus – it’s really flat!!
Sounds great! Thanks for the tip.
-John
As much as I love all things house related from you guys (such an inspiration!), its great to see these type of posts as well!
I have to agree with Shannon on the shoes. You have to get a good pair of shoes to run well.
As for the marathon, my wife and I trained and ran a marathon a couple years back. It was great bonding time and we loved it. Then the race happened and it was really hard. Lots of running-walking-running-walking and so on. But we finished. It was worth it though just to say we completed one.
Then we got pregnant with our first child and I decided that while my wife went through her baby marathon for 9 months that I would go through a running marathon (in no way would I think to compare running with having a baby but both are hard work for sure). So I trained and ran the marathon about a month before our son was born. I ran the whole time in under 4 hours and had a blast. The second one was so much better than the first. I remember saying the same things you did after my first marathon (like don’t ever let me do this again!). But after the second I felt so much better that I want to do one again in the near future. Although, I haven’t had the knee problems like you. Just have to listen to your body.
So go on John, do one!
Have you heard of the Charity Miles App? From their website:
Charity Miles is an iPhone/Android app that empowers you to earn corporate sponsorships for charity by walking, running or biking.
Just choose a charity and press start. As you walk, run or bike, the app tracks your distance and you earn money for your charity. Bikers earn 10¢ per mile; walkers and runners earn 25¢ per mile, all up to our initial $1,000,000 sponsorship pool.
http://www.charitymiles.org/
That’s awesome! I’ll have to check it out!
-John
you should watch the documentary “Spirit of the Marathon” (on instant watch w/Netflix). very interesting and inspiring! i’m a runner too (just did my first 1/2 this past march and LOVED it!) and the music is 80% of the fun for me too. i put a lot of Christian/worship songs on (they are much better than the ones in the 90′s that were kind of cheesy) and it’s totally my time alone w/God and nature. it’s the best! though it’s not clara or home improvement related – love this post! thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for the movie recommendation!
-John
Thank you so much for this post!
I recently started running and as I commented on your post about the Color Me Rad 5K, you already inspired me once! I’m going to be doing the same run in Montreal! It will be my first 5K and while I’m very nervous about it, it’s keeping me motivated as I try to keep pushing myself to run!
I recently just completed my first ever organized race in July. It was a half marathon from Napa to Sonoma in CA. I trained and participated in the race through Team Challenge. Not only did I finish the half but I was able to raise $4,000 for the Chron’s & Colitis Foundation (which helped motivate the running – people forking over money for you to run kind of puts a little fire under your butt!)
I’d HIGHLY recommend finding a program similar to anyone who’s contemplating a big race or starting a running program. We trained as a team, they provide you with a coach and a mentor and having weekly practices helped a TON with feeling an obligation to show up and run!
My husband is a runner in very much the same way (he loves getting “lost” and exploring) and really, he’s the one who convinced me to get into it (I’d hated running before I met him!). Mostly, he just runs to and from work, but we both love doing this 9-mile cross-country called the Grim Challenge that runs on the tank proving grounds nearby. I’m not very fast, but I would love to do a half marathon some time before we decide to have another kid. Really, aside from the fun music, running’s biggest bonus is that it’s so easy to get into: no real equipment needed beyond your shoes!
John – thanks for writing this post and I’m loving reading all the comments, tips and suggestions from other readers/runners. As I crossed the finish line at my first half in 2008 I also fell to my husband and said “don’t ever let me run a marathon, I couldn’t imagine doing that twice!” Well, in 2011 I ran my first ever marathon, the Boston Marathon, and it was the most amazing experience ever. The journey getting to race day was awesome. And I clearly recall at the half point thinking to myself, I’m about to do this twice. It was amazing! Good luck if you choose to head down the marathon route!
I got into running in 2008 using the C25K program and surprisingly fell in love with it. I was the kid that couldn’t pass the Presidential Physical Fitness test in school so it was a bit of a shock that I liked it so much.
For a number of reasons, I’ve been back on the couch for too long but I am getting ready to start up again.
I’ve been walking for the past few months and it’s a lot harder now because we live in the mountains of NC where as before we lived in flatland FL. These hills are kicking my butt! But the scenery is beautiful and I’m guilty of taking a path just to see where it goes.
And yes, music definitely makes the run – I too have special running playlists. I even remember what song was playing when I finished 2 consecutive miles for the first time (Counting Train Cars by Widespread Panic). Although with hunting season coming soon I might have to get rid of the headphones for a while so I can hear all the dogs and trucks and guns and rednecks that will be going crazy in this part of the world!
Chiming in here to say that I am not a runner (with no desire to start!), but my husband is an avid runner. He runs between 3 and 10 miles a day Mon-Sat and 18 to 25 miles on Sunday. He runs ultra-marathons (50K – he hans’t worked up to 100K runs yet,) and he is training for a 50 mile race in Vermont at the end of September! I love him, but he is CRAZY!
I’m not really a runner, but I came across the jog.fm website recently and it kinda makes me want to start! You put in your desired mile time and then it gives you song suggestions with certain beats per minute for running at that pace. Sounds pretty cool.
That’s fun!
-John
I’ve recently gotten back into running. I’m doing C25K to pace myself so I stick with the routine. I love the benefits and how easy and cheap it is. I really was into Pilates with reformer but the classes are so expensive. Another thing I’m into is Bikram Yoga. Helps to keep the muscles limber.
This post makes me happy and sad.
I am 2weeks out from surgery on my left foot from running (Morton’s Neuroma), probably cause from marathon training last year. This past year I have had a love/hate relationship with running, but being stuck on the couch has made me miss it so much. Seeing all your race bibs and medal reminds me of how much fun the races are and I love getting a new shirt/bibs/medal! I guess I should get them out of the closet and turn them into art!!
I love doing 10-miler races and there are tons of them in the DC area. You should definitely do one!
Thanks for a great motivational post.
Great post! I started running a few months ago and am up to between 3 and 4 miles without stopping/walking. I NEVER thought I would enjoy running, but I am totally addicted to it. It’s my evening activity after the kiddos are down for bed (my husband and I switch off).
Now I am dreading the days getting shorter. Not to mention Minnesota winters might just kick my bum. Running on a treadmill for every run is NOT my idea of a good time… Any tips for running in cold weather (dealing with the cold air mainly)?
Anyone have cold weather tips? I just try to layer so I can remove things if I get hot.
-John
It’s less the cold weather on my body and more breathing in the cold air that is for some reason tough for me to deal with… I’m thinking about getting a mask or something that will cover my mouth, just didn’t know if there was a trick out there that makes breathing the air easier.
Anyone have tips in that? I’d love them too!
-John
When it gets really cold in Canada, you can get a neoprene ski mask – if you’re hardcore. I think the best way to handle it though, is to ease yourself in when the weather starts to change. Do harder workouts inside, and keep your outside runs easy to start, or switch your workouts from morning to late afternoon/early evening when it will be warmer, until you’re adapted. And cover your ears. Always.
Layers are good, and storing your waterbottle upside down since they freeze at the top first. Sob. I hate winter.
A few cold weather tips from a girl who used to run outside in Wisconsin!
–You definitely want to breathe THROUGH something; a scarf can be too much (hot). I sometimes would unroll a turtleneck and put that over my mouth; that works really well. Otherwise a thin scarf can work, too.
–Vaseline on your face really helps with the windburn. You definitely want to put a protective layer on if there’s any sort of windchill, otherwise your cheeks will hurt!
–Agreeing with others, layers! I like really thin long underwear as a base layer; that and a long sleeve t-shirt would be enough for me once I got going. Sometimes it’s good to do a mile-ish warm-up with a sweatshirt and then ditch the outer layer once your blood is going.
–I’ve also become a big fan of those “one-size-fits-all” cheap stretchy gloves that you can get at Target for like $1; they’re great for running since they keep your hands warm-ish but you can still move your fingers if necessary.
Best of luck!
I live in Minnesota too and winter runs are tough, if not for leaping over snow banks, breathing in that cold air. I usually switch to cross country skiing because I find the cold air doesn’t bother my lungs as much with that sport (I probably don’t push myself as much). I’ve warn a face mask or pulled a neck warmer above my nose before, but your breath makes everything wet and then freezes … oh the joys of Minnesnowta!
Great advice everyone… I might just have to take up an aerobics class or something that will keep me moving indoors, and venture out on runs on days when the weather isn’t insanely cold. Good ol’ Minnesota winters!
Sound advice all around. Find out why you run and go it. Running isn’t speed, rather a state of mind. Nice departure from the house stuff, but as stress relief it fits right in!
I just started training 2 weeks ago for a half marathon in November after several failed attempts to pick it up and dubbing myself a “running hater”. Becoming a stay at home mom totally changed it and now I LOVE the time I get all to myself to focus on myself without having to worry about diapers, feedings, etc. that time totally recharges me and makes me a better mom and wife. I can’t believe I used to hate it!
music is my motivator as well :) I have my little playlist that keeps me going and happy to be out running. we have no where pretty to run where I live, so I usually do the same little loop on a super quiet street so that I can lipsync while I run. yes..i have to “sing” while running..it just makes it more fun.
I call myself a jogger not a runner because I tend to look like Phoebe from Friends on a good day. But, I too, like to plan my music. That is the best part of running!:) Maybe you can do another post and go into more detail about some of your favorite music:)
Great post! I love your tips about figuring out what it is you love about running & not comparing ourselves to others’ running habits. I need to remember this when my “extreme runner” friends post on Facebook about their 18 mile runs, lol.
Even though I used to swear I couldn’t run, I started running about 6 yrs ago to lose weight. But the biggest thing I love is the stress relief. With 3 kids with widespread ages (high school, middle school & preschool!) I sometimes have my feet in 3 different worlds & I need me some endorphins! Whether it’s gabbing with a running buddy or losing myself in a playlist, I always feel better when I’m done. My favorite shirt bought at a race a few years ago says: “Running is cheaper than therapy!”
I would encourage anyone thinking about it to take it slow, but give it a try! Especially with the cooler fall temps (hopefully) right around the corner :)
I’d say give the Disney Marathon a go sometime. It’s fun (characters are everywhere, music, people excited for you) and there’s no qualifying time needed. A 16 min/mile pace is needed and the wife and I ran it in 12’41″ (5.5 hrs) so we were by no means fast.
Try out the training plan in “The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer.” From what I’ve heard of others it’s less intense (longest runs are 18 miles) but it worked for us.
If nothing else, they do a half that weekend as well. Family vacation time!
Sounds fun! Thanks for the suggestion!
-John
I started running in college. I started by going around our campus block running the flat parts and walking the hills (Cincinnati, lots of hills) – it was 2.2 miles total. After a few months, I was running the whole thing, sometime twice. I eventually was running 5-6 times a week usually 6ish miles (oh to have college free time back!). I decided to run the Cincinnati Flying Pig marathon and trained all by myself. I ran the Nashville marathon a year later. Since then I also has some knee and back problems, but I’ve fit in a couple 5ks and half marathons. I have a 15 month old and just starting running again at the beginning of the year. I’m running 3 miles 2-3 times a week, but need to do more like 4-5 times a week because I signed up for the Disney marathon in January (what was I thinking). Unfortunately my daughter is in a ‘I hate the stroller’ stage and finding time to run alone is difficult (I am not an early morning person).
I never listen to music when I run outside, but have to have music or tv when I run inside. I also love finding new places when running. My favorite thing to do is run in a new city when on vacation or a business trip. We live in the suburbs now off a busy country-ish road. So I either run in the neighborhood or drive to a local trail – I was just telling my husband that I really miss running in the city.
John I definitely think you should try a marathon. I personally think anyone can run a marathon with the right training.
Very well timed post! My husband and I are newbie runners but we knew something wasn’t right with our shoes because of the aches and pains we got after running. We just went to the Texas Running Company last night to get our gait analyzed and fitted for new running shoes. It was our first time in a store like that and it was such an eye-opening experience! I learned that my old shoes were one whole size too small and I have been lacing my shoes all wrong. We can’t wait to try out our new shoes!
I second Susanne with the cross-training. I injured my IT band the first time I trained for a half marathon. For my second and third half marathons, I made sure to include weightlifting and other forms of cardio and it made such a difference. My legs felt so much stronger and my times improved as well!
I also live in Richmond and I love training on Monument Avenue and the Fan…especially at Christmas. I love catching glimpses of the insides of the decorated homes! So pretty!
I started running last year. I have a treadmill but I hate it. I much prefer outdoors and I have two general paths I follow – one in my neighborhood, and one around a lake I have to drive to, but it’s so pretty. I started jogging because not only was I a little overweight (knew that), but my dog was too.
Totally agree with taking it slow. I signed up for a 10 mile race last October. I was not able to run straight thru, but set an interval timer app on my phone and did 5 mins jogging / 2 min walk intervals the whole way and was massively proud of myself.
Congrats on completing a half marathon! In theory, I’d love to be a runner. I want all the benefits of running without the actual running. As much as I’ve tried to like it, I just can’t. But I wanted to get something monumental (like a half) under my belt. I thought something that included obstacles to break up the monotony of running would be a good idea. So I crazily signed up for the Tough Mudder with my husband and a friend. It was 12.1 miles of trails through a ski resort containing obstacles like running through fire, climbing over 30 foot rope ladders, and crawling through underground mud tunnels. I had never run so much as a mile before this. It was easily the most physically taxing thing I have ever done, but it was also the most mentally and emotionally taxing activity I have ever participated in. I had a great time doing it and I can honestly say that I was the proudest I’ve ever been after I crossed the finish line (which included running through water and open electrical wires containing 10,000 volts of electricity… I was brought to my knees, with a smile).
I’m not sure if I would ever do that again, but I’m glad I did it once. I suspect that would be how you would feel after completing a marathon.
I don’t know if this would be your speed or not, but some of your other readers might like it. There’s an app called Run, Zombies! and it’s basically a story-line that you are the star of with missions and occasionally being chased by zombies, with your music soundtrack in between.
I love listening to music while I work out, but I also like listening to podcasts or books on tape once in a while.
That’s hilarious!
-John
Hi John,
I started running 3 months ago to lose weight, Im already 37 pounds now, but still 23 to go.. Anyways, I signed up for my first 5K here in San Diego and I cant wait !!
Can you post ( here or somewhere ) your playlist? I always have a hard time finding the songs I want and Pandora sometimes fails in the middle of the run, which sucks :(
Thanks!
Wow, congrats oh your weight loss! If you go to spotify and search for the playlist by the name of it in that photo I think it should come up!
-John
I’m sure I’m not the first to suggest this, but the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston SC is the best! It’s our family tradition to run it every year. Plus, it gave birth to one of the greatest internet sensations of 2012–ridiculously photogenic guy.
http://bridgerun.com/
Hahaha, that’s awesome.
-John
thanks for this great post!! is the nike+ app the one that goes in your shoe and connects to your ipod? does it work with the shuffle? is it any good? thanks!!
I really like it. Though now that I have my iPhone, it uses the gps on my iPhone (so I no longer have a chip on my shoe). I don’t think it works with the shuffle though – but I’m not 100% sure. Hope it helps!
-John
i love reading about your running routine! i’ve been doing triathlons for the past 10+ years, but stopped most of that training when i had a baby last year. i had always hated the running part, but three years ago i really set out to train for it with some friends and finally got well under a 9 minute mile (a true accomplishment for me!) i tried running again this summer and could barely get through 2 miles without huffing and puffing. i suppose i shouldn’t be surprised that running is a skill that you lose when you don’t actively work on it. i especially love your advice about finding what it is that you love about running. i finally got to liking it when i found people i enjoy running with.
for your knee troubles might i suggest acupuncture? i’m a natural skeptic but i’m also an acupuncturist, and this is something it definitely can work for. maybe for sherry’s ankle, too!
I really want to try it! Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
I MISS running! My husband and I were training for the Chicago marathon a couple of years ago and the front of one of my shins started bothering me pretty badly.
I really wanted to run the marathon though (and was already up to 14 mile runs on the weekends) so I just thought “meh probably shin splints” and ignored the pain.
Two weeks later I collapsed mid-run because it turns out the pain was from some stress fractures in my tibia. And those stress fractures had just spread together, resulting in a totally broken leg for Lauren.
And now, years later, it’s still way way too painful for me to run. But oh how I miss it.
My husband still runs and waves to me as he jogs off every Sunday morning whilst I sit on our balcony thinking “Stop Bragging RYAN.”
Oh man that’s crazy! So sorry about that injury! And you’re right, Ryan’s totally bragging. Haha.
-John
Great job! I was a pretty good runner before I had my first baby. My husband and I were running a half marathon for our anniversary every year and we had just completed our 3rd, but I slowed it down for the pregnancy. Now I don’t run at all. Thanks for the running post to get me back into it!
Fun post! I am a new runner (started in 2010) but love the sport – have run 4 half marathons, 3 fulls and several races in between.
Not a runner….but I LOVE YOUR LINK FOR THE BOOK!!!!
Burger is such a handsome pup, can’t wait to read it.
Aw thanks Christina!
xo,
s
The guy featured in the link below really lights a fire under me to train for a marathon. This guy ran his first race in his late 60s…and it was an Australian ultra-marathon…and he won.
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/young.html
That’s amazing!
-John
Thanks for sharing about your love of running! I’m definitely a runner much like yourself….I wish I could say that about my husband, he will be embarking on a 100 mile running race next weekend. Check it out the Leadville Trail 100 (which happens to be our home town). If your ever willing to give it a try, we would be happy to show you the ropes!!!
Wow that’s amazing!
xo,
s
Not only am I getting great design tips from this blog, you have now turned me on to one of the coolest 5ks I have ever seen…the happiest 5k on the planet. I’m so looking forward to running one of these events!
I LOVE this departure from the normal posts (although I am dying to see the deck!).
What’s your favorite part about running? Running is “me” time. I have more than a full-time job, 2 kids and lots of house projects. Running is my clear-the-head-relax-time. How do you keep yourself motivated? I gotta have music most of the time. This ‘Pin’ Is totally me:http://pinterest.com/pin/150800287493683492/
Any particular personal best or success stories you wanna share? I am just now getting into 5K and 10K’s. I actually starting running 5 years ago on a New Year’s “dare” of sorts. Not being a runner – at all – a coworker suggested we train for a marathon. That day, January 1st, we started by running for 90 sec., then walking 90 sec. over the course of a week we made it up to running a complete mile. 5 months later I ran my first race (ever!) – a Marathon. No shocker that it took me 5 hours, but I did it.
5 years after my first 90 second long “run” I am the Captain of an Ultra Team (http://spokanetosandpoint.com/)whose team will also compete in a Triathlon the day after this relay ends. Are we fast? Nope. Speed isn’t our “thing” – distance is our “thing.”
I think your non-plan plan is perfect. Do it because you love it and it’s fun. When you start over-thinking it and it stops being fun, you will stop doing it. So keep with what you love, at the pace you love, at the distances you love, and take all advice with a grain of salt.
Good songs there John!! I really enjoy running to listen to the music too and see my beautiful town of Frederick. I did two half marathons like 4 years ago and then I got a new ACL, so I haven’t pushed myself to run more than 6 miles since then. Of course over the past year I developed a weird ankle tendon issue from a certain pair of shoes and then a weird back spasm from a certain sports bra. Basically my body is trying to revolt from me going running but I just love being outside with my favorite music SO MUCH I won’t ever stop. :D
John,
You are reminding me how much I love running and have been needing to sign up for a race. I am the same way, I need to have some sort of race in my future to get my slacker self to go out for a run.
BTW-do a marathon! I did two a couple of years ago and I am itching to do a third. I highly reccomend the Marine Corps marthon in DC. Fun, pretty and mostly flat.
Have a good weekend!
Jill
I’m a want to be runner. I have a goal of running a 5k before I’m 30. A lot of people say it’s not much and I should be able to do it easily but the fact is I can’t. Not only do I not have the physical stamina but 5k is a big deal after four ankle reconstructions, and I was told I wouldn’t ever be able to run. After getting a decent time doing a few miles one afternoon, while training for my 5k, my ankles gave out on me and I could barely walk for a few days (thought I had somehow punctured my heel with my screw – which is entirely possible). It turns out my body doesn’t mind running on trails, but hates pavement.
As it turns out, I mentally prefer the trails too. It helps me get away from all the pavement and development I surround myself in everyday when I work. I like running through the woods and open fields, and my knees and ankles don’t hurt as much from it.
So my goal now is to run a 5k trail run, and hopefully someday the 10k huge Beach To Beacon up here – but that’s fully pavement so we’ll see how my knees and ankles hold up. I have about one year and 2 months to do the 5k though!
you could totally do a marathon!!! my husband and i are both runners, and he actually popped the question while we were on a run in central park — he had the ring in the little pocket where you can keep your keys and a Gu!). we trained for two marathons together and it was such a fun experience. if you can set aside the time for the long runs (and you only need a few 16-20 milers) you can absolutely finish. omg do it!
I love this!! I’ve run on and off since I was training for field hockey in high school, but never really stuck with it just for the running until this past year. At new year’s I finally said out loud that I want to do a half-marathon some day, and just started running to lift my mood and get in shape. My guilty pleasure is that I love to run for the dvd-tv-time it gets me. My son is just a bit younger than Clara (turned 2 in July) and I’m a stay-at-home mom, so my running time is indoors, on the treadmill, watching dvds on my laptop while Isaiah naps. I can’t tell you how many times an exciting episode of West Wing kept me going an extra 10 minutes – so I LOVE hearing about how you run for the music. I totally run for the tv:)
Now that I’m pregnant with our 2nd, I’ve had to take a break from running – my loosening joints just couldn’t handle the impact – but I’m looking forward to getting back to it after this one is born!
:)
John, your approach to running is awesome – tuning into what motivates you and what you enjoy. Also listening to your body is key.
During lunch one day, a co-worker was telling us about her marathon run and how she “usually pees blood after running a marathon”. We (all of us RNs) were astounded and said to her (she’s an RN,too), “Do you REALLY think that’s a good thing??!!!”
Please continue to listen to your body & enjoy the run.
Heck, I think that DRIVING 26+ miles in a car is a lot :)
You should try hashing (not anything to do with hash/weed). I’m sure there’s a Kennel in your area. It’s the Hash House Harriers – it’s a rowdy group of runners who are more social. Typically running once a week. It follows the ideas of the hounds and hare. A leader “hare” sets out about 10 minutes before the rest of the runners “hounds” and lays a chalk trail through streets, woods, etc. The hounds don’t know where the trail will lead so they run from mark to mark, sometimes false trails and dead ends until they find true trail. It’s a good time! It’s world wide so you can find kennels every where you go and once a year there are big gatherings throughout the world that attract hundreds or more. The most popular is the DC red dress run with about 500-600 red dress clad runnings streaming through the city. Wikipedia has a full page all about it with links to YouTube videos.
Off to check it out!
-John
Me- I run to stay sane from teaching middle schoolers. :-)
There’s nothing (for me) quite like a day or afternoon in the woods, running on trails, surrounded by beauty, the sounds, and all that nature encompasses.
I used to run regularly at Leesylvania State Park, but then we moved. I have not attempted to run in Utah…yet. The Wasatch Mountain trail heads are 1.5 miles from our place- walking distance if we’d like, but the parking lots are sooo nice! :-)
I’ve hiked a bit here, and love it! You hike for 5 minutes and have a view of the entire “valley” (at 4400 feet or something…).
My husband, on the other hand, is a freak of running nature (said with love!). The man qualified for Boston on a TRAINING run. Yes, the Niagara Falls Marathon just happened to be on a 20-miler weekend run, so what was 6 more miles? Oh, and qualify for Boston at the same time? Sure!
Ever since his accident (more on it here- highly inspiring… and tear-jerking)
http://frayedlaces.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-kona-to-coma-amazing-story-of.html
he’s had to readapt to a “new” body. One that includes 9 inches of titanium that holds his right ankle on (with pretty screws, too)!
He’s still planning to qualify for Boston again, and I believe it’s possible. His dreams of qualifying for Kona (IM World Championships) are there, but the focus on writing/grad school is taking a higher priority.
The man runs/cycles 5x week minimum and gets in open water swims in the reservoirs (a perk of living in UT where in VA most open water swims are in private lakes..) about once a week.
He’s taken to running trails with me. Slowing down and enjoying helps him, and I’ll walk while he does track repeats (except when it’s 98 degrees).
Peace.
That’s amazing and do inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
-John
My parents were both runners (until arthritis sidelined them both) and my sister was a runner. I have always insisted I wouldn’t even run even if chased.
Yet here I am, four weeks into the Couch-to-5K program that everyone’s been talking about for years. And I signed up for a 5K at the end of September.
A friend convinced me to try, since, as she pointed out–there is no other exercise you can do that has you back at home in half an hour. Going to the gym or to a class or a pool all require a much larger time commitment–travel and locker rooms and blahblahblah. But running? You can get three miles in and be back with your kids and feel accomplished in thirty minutes. (Or if you’re me, you can get two miles in)
I still wouldn’t say I am a runner. And I’m still waiting for that mythical runner’s high that my dad insists I’ll get. Each time I go out with the new routine on C25K, I’m pretty sure that *this* will be the time when I can’t make it through the running segments–but so far I’ve made it each time. Not fast, but that’s not my goal–just jogging is. I’m almost half-way through the training, with the goal of being able to jog–slowly–for 30 minutes.
If I can run that 5K in september without walking, that’ll be the longest I’ve ever ever run in my life ever.