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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GO FOR THE MARATHON!!! i’ve done two, with five years in between, which was long enough to convince me to do the second one ;) the first one was the shamrock in virginia beach, the second was richmond. i would recommend shamrock for it’s flatness. richmond was hilly and much harder, but i still managed to shave a few minutes off my time! good luck! it’s quite a feeling of accomplishment!
I started the C25K program last Spring after vowing I would never be able to to get hooked on running, but I really enjoyed it.
I downloaded the PodRunner series that programs music at the right beat rate and intervals to go with the program so I didn’t have to keep time myself – I am a wanderer too and lose track of time.
I made it to 3K by the time the heat of the summer set in and I had to take too many days off and just didn’t get back. When this summer cools off, I intend to get started again.
I just started running with a free 0-5K app this week! I don’t have a desire to actually enter a race (yet), but I wanted to do something to get some exercise. I’ve never run before in my life. I decided over the weekend and started it on Tuesday. Luckily, I already had a nice pair of running shoes (from a great local store that does a gait assessment and everything) for an ill-fated bootcamp class attempt. Watching the Olympics for a week and seeing all the athletes with their sporty physiques might have also been a contributing factor. I really love the way it paces you with walking and running in intervals and taking a day (or 2) off in between so you don’t over-exert yourself. It’s so manageable and I’ve barely been sore. I love it and I’ve only done 2 ‘runs’! I highly recommend this approach for beginners. I already noticed a difference in stamina between the first time I did it and the second. I’m sticking close to home and enjoying seeing more of my neighborhood-another pleasant bonus. I’m going to try that Nike+ app. Thanks for the timely post and the extra boost of motivation.
Great post!
My husband (who I emailed you guys about a few months ago) played music for your run at this past Monument Ave 10K. He was at the Mulberry St crossing and it was such an awesome experience.
He’ll be rocking the Patrick Henry Half at the end of this month, then a few more races in VA Beach in October. Great hobby!
That’s awesome! We love the musicians at those races!
xo,
s
You should try the “Zombies, Run!” app!
https://www.zombiesrungame.com/
I just downloaded it, as well as the accompanying Runner’s Guide which provides the whole backstory to your role as Runner 5 in the zombie-infested world.
As you run, your “mission” is played out in between tracks on your playlist, and you have to collect items (ie. ammo, food, medical supplies) to bring back to your home base. When zombie hoards approach you’re given a warning and you have to speed up by at least 20% to outrun them! Currently there are enough missions for at least 40 runs. I’m so excited to try it!
That sounds hilarious!
-John
So I am not a runner, at all, but I aspire to be one. So I am a little overweight, by that I mean like 50 lbs over weight so running was like torture. I signed up for a half marathon to take place in October and since signing up I have been a running, um, fool!?!?!?! Since starting in May, I have lost 25 lbs and when I started I couldn’t run a quarter of a mile. Last Saturday I ran 5.5 miles without stopping and am looking forward to the 6 I get to run this weekend!
I have to admit, I am a lot like you John in that I like to run and get lost in my neighborhood and city. Just last night while running my 4 mile run I found an Ice Arena. I have lived here 5 years and never knew there was a year round ice arena in my town. Thanks for the tips and yes, I love my Nike running app. Wish me luck in October…I am so looking forward to the beer tent after 13.1 miles!!
I run so that I can justify eating bacon and sweets! I also run about twice a week and love doing 5Ks, would like to do a 10K this year, too. Thanks for sharing your playlist, I could use some new running tunes! I love trail running as a way to relax my mind but still get in a workout.
I love running!! So much so that I love triathlons even more. Crazy, right? Haven’t attempted a half or marathon yet but hopefully if my knee cooperates (ACL reconstruction in 2011) I will run at least one. Just keeping my expectations low. :)
I’m starting to get back into running as well, after doing track all my high school life. I was a sprinter/jumper though, so running long distances isn’t settling well with me. But I like your comment that you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you need a walking break. I just want to me able to go 1-2 miles without stopping, but I know it will take work!
YAY for your runs,you’re so inspiring!
I started running after my second child was born. Actually, my entire playgroup trained for and did a sprint triathlon together. It was an amazing experience, but after going back to work six months later, I wasn’t able to keep training in all three sports on a regular basis. Running is the one I have stuck with. We recently adopted two shelter dogs who needs lots of exercise, so these days I do trail runs at a local nature preserve. It is the ABSOLUTE best: quiet and beautiful, not as hot as the roads in summer, and my dogs can be off-leash and even go swimming. I don’t listen to music; rather, I enjoy the rare time to be in my own head with no one interrupting my thoughts. We all love it!!
Great post John!
I’m just getting back into running several years after a stress fracture injury which wasn’t so bad itself, it was all just the head stuff that came afterwards blah!
Anyways it sounds like you could have a bit of scar tissue in your knee (perhaps Sherry has some in her ankle as well) which is causing the reoccurring issues when you step up the mileage. It’s pretty easy to get this sorted through a Myofascial treatment or Active Release Therapy (both unfortunately are quite painful at the time, but if done correctly don’t hurt afterwards… which means no down time).
Also have you checked out rockmyrun.com yet?… great site for running mixes. Heck I use them often while cleaning the house too. They are free if you only download them on occasion (by using free credits that you receive each month).
Thanks for the tips Holly!
xo,
s
I am NOT a runner. But I have run a marathon (eight hours? 7:26?) And the Disneyland Half Marathon. (3 hours 20 min or so. I used to do sprints and hills while running for crew @ Robinson, running all over Occaquan, but didn’t do any until I trained for the APLA (Aids Program Los Angeles) We raised $3000 for AIDS research and they flew us to Honolulu for the Honolulu marathon. And I had a schedule to follow and other people to be accountable to. It was interesting and easy to follow that way.
Wow that’s amazing!
-John
What a timely post! My husband and I are currently training for our first half in October – the Hershey Half in PA (I’m doing it for the “chocolate aid station” towards the end!) I read your blog daily and absolutely love this departure from normal posts. Thanks for the great post and playlist examples – I’m always looking for new songs to add to my running playlist!
As someone who doesn’t particularly like running, I’d love to hear from Sherry on how she keeps in shape since she can’t run.
I’m not in perfect shape, but I do my fair share of chasing Clara! Haha. I also do yoga (from a video mostly) and some basic strength stuff (50 pushups a day when I’m being “on it”). Other than that it’s just long family walks and bike rides. And swimming whenever I can (I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger, so that’s my favorite). It actually took me a really long time (over two years) to get back in shape after having Clara. My body seems to take its time. Haha.
xo,
s
xo,
s
you should totally run a marathon! I had always sort of had it on my bucket list and about 4 years ago I finally was able to check it off. I ran marine corp in DC, which is a really fun marathon that takes you around all of the monuments and is really flat. I was a collegiate athlete and I really let my self go once I no longer had daily prescribed work outs to contend with. Running a marathon got me back in shape and got me excited about working out again. I firmly believe that anyone can do it, you just have to have a good training schedule. One of my friends who ran her first 5k ever (and I mean, that was the furthest she had ever run) last spring is training for one right now and she is doing great! The one thing I will say is that the training does take up a lot of time. I love to run because no matter where I am, I can easily work out. Thanks for a great post, I hope it inspires people to get out there!
Molly
I was a runner in high school and find that I always do better when I’m competing. It gives me the motivation to keep going. I’m also not a huge fan of long distances. I’d rather pump out a quick 3 mile race than run a marathon, although I’m contemplating a half-marathon someday once my younger daughter has weaned (she’s only 5 months old right now).
So I actually don’t like listening to music anymore when I run – I’m all about podcasts, especially NPR’s Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me! I’m a news/quiz junkie, and I find I do much better when I have something to listen to, although people give me funny looks when I run around with a silly grin on my face. With music, especially Pandora, I find I waste too much time skipping through songs I don’t want to hear.
I also love the GPS+ Pedometer App I downloaded on my iPhone – it keeps track of distance, steps, calories, average speed, even weight! It’s so great to see how far I’ve run.
This has been my first year trying out jogging. I’d been playing roller derby for 2 years and needed to change up my training. I found that street running isn’t really for me: it’s trail running! When I run on the street I spend my time wondering how much further I should push myself; on the trails I just go until I run out of breath. In the last 6 months I have done my first 5K (fun run) and the Mud Run (5K with obstacles)–it’s a whole new world of fun exercise!
my husband and i are casual runners, which is semi-amazing to me when i think about how much i hated running during gym class in K-12. but a couple of years ago, we started the couch-to-5k plan with a few friends. twice a week after work, everyone would meet at our house to change, stretch, hydrate, and walk to the local park (warm-up) for that day’s intervals. and once a weekend, we’d meet up at someone’s house (it rotated) for a run then some social time. we signed up as a group (discount!) for half a dozen 5ks over the course of about a year. sadly, our friends had to move away for jobs out of state and we’re left to ourselves. my husband now runs once a week (on good weeks) with a couple of other neighborhood distance runners, doing 10k or more! i go once a month (on good months) doing 10-20 minutes of intervals. but we all enjoy it, still. i’m hoping to sign up for another 5k so i can motivate myself to get out the door and move!
Tanks for sharing all your running news! Hey, if you guys ever come to visit Portland, OR again, check out the Portland Marathon and Half Marathon. It is rated as one of the best in the nation! I’ve completed this marathon three times and definitely enjoyed it. The course is great and the volunteers/crowd are so amazing. Thank you for the inspiration/encouragement. Every mile counts for good health and well being!
Sounds awesome!
-John
*Thanks ;)(from the spelling neat freak)
I don’t necessarily love running, but I do love all the benefits of it. I’m currently training for my second half-marathon. My last one was also in 2007 and I also told my husband “Wow, I can check that off my bucket list and never do it again!” Ha.
i signed up for my first ever half marathon…i’m not at ALL a runner and never have been, so i’m a little nervous. but i’ve been training for a couple of weeks now and am finally getting to that point where i’m enjoying my runs. and to be honest, i feel like a bit of a badass when i beat my personal best time – i love that feeling!
-ale
I run just to listen to music too! I do exactly what you do. :) Happy running.
Love running. Although races are fun, when it comes down to it, the real reason I run is because the simple act of getting into a rhythm, listening to my breathing (no music for me), and getting outside with nothing but my thoughts makes me happy. It’s my excuse to wander and explore, to decide my route as I go. Thanks for such an interesting post … I always love it when you post “off topic.”
I love the runner’s high but I also do it for the music too! Sadly, my play list includes a lot of upbeat Glee songs…ha! I ain’t ashamed! :)
What timing! I recently started ‘running’ and I love getting out on the urban trail and taking in the quiet as well as the beauty around me. I have a bum ankle too, though, that is keeping me from getting out much anymore. I rolled/sprained it years ago and never would have guessed it’d come back to haunt me. Sigh, hopefully I can figures something out. Running was the best way to get into shape as well as get some quiet time (much needed for this mother of 5!).
I am a beginner runner. I have ran two 5k’s and love it! I love jogging/running outside the best with my i-pod and runkeeper app. I have planned to run two 5ks and one 10k this fall.
I always enjoyed the idea of running and finally this year signed up for my first 5K (in 16 days!!) to keep myself motivated. I’ve been doing the Couch to 5K workout since I’ve never run before and it’s fun, but I still have those occasional runs where I feel like I’m going to die at the end! Music helps and I love the fact it is something I can do with my spouse. Here’s hoping we can hit 3 miles on race day! :-S I’m glad to know there are others out there who run just to run and not everyone is super hard core.
Okay this is sooo crazy but this morning while I was getting ready for work I was thinking about John’s upcoming running post (which is even double crazy since I’m not a runner at all – I have no idea why I was) and thought that you guys should try to get it published with a running/exercise type publication (like Runners World which I’d never heard of until today) – you know extra cash and exposure. And HERE IT IS! LOL maybe next time!
So funny! I think John would faint if he ended up in Runners World. Haha.
xo,
s
I’m right there with you, Kari! I just finished week 3 of C25k, and I’m doing about 2 miles at this point! I feel the same way about it, too (next week I jump to running for 16 minutes from 9 minutes this week and I’m wondering if I’ll make it through!) Good luck in September!
oops, this was supposed to be a reply to a previous commenter!
LOve me a good run! I’ve yet to go past 6 and half miles but that’s alright by me…I always wish to do to a marathon but I figure I would die afterwards and never run again lol so I think I’ll just stick to the single digit mile runs. I love the feeling you get after a good run though and I definitely have to agree, scenery makes a run go a lot better than running round in a circle. Btw…do you ever run with others besides Clara?
I like to run races with my sister Carrie and my dad and I run races and train together occasionally.
-John
Running is like yoga for me. It’s one of the best ways for me to think through problems or ideas. It’s also the best way for me to clear my mind. Running during a race is something very special – the nervous excitement at the start, complete strangers cheering for you, and depending on the race, a finisher’s medal. I’ve done a lot of races in the last five years – two half ironmans, two marathons, a handful of half marathons and other shorter distance races. I’m certainly not the fastest out there but the long distances force you to be more disciplined and test your limits.
I’ve never done a race in Richmond but it’s a close drive for us so I’ll have to look into it. Must be good if you keep going back!
Do you have a favorite running shoe?
I get fitted at a store where they watch me run and recommend something. It always used to be Asics, but have recently switched to Brooks. I’m not really picky, but I like them!
-John
I started running in 2009 as a way to get in shape for my wedding. I planned on doing my first 5k that summer, but I dislocated my knee at a friends wedding busting some sweet dance moves. (dang spice girls!!) my wedding was about 8 weeks later, so I just focused on rehabbing until then. I did run my first race that November. In 2010, I set a goal for myself to run a race each month for the entire year! It was the first new year’s resolution I had ever completed!! I ended up running 9 5k’s, 2 10k’s and a 20k. It was amazing!
I recommend the Shamrock race in Va Beach in March. Great weather, flat course and such a fun atmosphere during and post-race! It’s a ton of fun, I run the 1/2 every year.
I really enjoyed this post. I totally agree that organized races are my favorite part of running. The crowd just gets me really excited, and it might sound strange, but it makes me feel proud that someone thinks I’m doing something worth cheering about!
If you’re looking to do another half, maybe check for a Rock & Roll Marathon/Half Marathon in your area. There’s a lot of bands playing along the route and the medals they give out are awesome!!
Thanks for this post, John! I love hearing from runners who DON’T just have the goal of running a marathon, but are instead happy and aware of how much running they enjoy. I love running and the idea of even a half marathon has never appealed to me, so it’s always nice to hear other endorsements of running like this. :)
My husband and I started the Couch to 5k program a few months ago and are planning on running our first 5k next month. Honestly, the hardest part for us is taking the kids with. We have 3 (5yr old, 3 yr old, and 9 month old) so we have a caravan of jogging strollers as we go running down the sidewalk. I’m definitely grateful that my hubs pushes the big kids in the double stroller – its gotta weigh about 100lbs with kids and stroller combined. I’m sure we look dorky – people laugh as we go by and a couple have asked if we are in a parade. We love our runs though (and the kiddos do to) so that’s what is important. Needless to say, we have a babysitter lined up for race day :)
Picked up running again (In December) at the age of 47. Ran my first 5k in May at 39 minutes and did another one last night at 41 minutes (it was hot and humid). I’ve lost 30 pounds (have 40 more to go). I started the C25K program in December 2011. I couldn’t run for 1 minute back then, and thought, how am I ever going to run a 5k?! I’ve come a long way. I may start the B210K program soon. Anybody else try that program?
I didn’t read all the comments so someone might have already mentioned this, but I suffered from runners knee and here are some things I have done to help it (and now I can run without knee pain!):
* These pants provide a lot of support: http://cw-x.com/default.aspx
* Biking has been awesome in building up some of the other muscles around my knee
* You might have seen in the latest edition of Runners World some exercises for knee pain
Good Luck!
Great tips!
-John
I saw this quote on Parenthacks’ Twitter feed yesterday or the day before:
If you run because you chose to, no matter how far, fast, or often, you are a runner. so there you go, runners.
It really speaks to me. Especially because I have inadvertently taken this week off from running/working out and find myself suffering as a result. Can’t wait to get back to it next week!
I like that quote a lot!
-John
My favorite part about running is just taking in my surroundings and enjoying it! Both those things are always a challenge but it’s nice when a run just clicks. My motivation is my health and the fact that if I skip a run or two I might die when I have to run the Richmond Marathon this November! My farthest race was the Ukrop’s 10k this past March so you can totally train for and complete a marathon! So far so good for me.
When it comes to running I have always been the kind of person who struggled running a mile even back in the day when I used to be in pretty good shape… However a couple months back a girlfriend of mine from college convinced me we should run a 12 mile tough mudder in Phoenix in February (yikes) so I’ve really been pushing myself to work up to that. So far I’m up to the 5 mile mark (which is a *HUGE* accomplishment for me) and am running in a color run in November as a practice race… I’ve started having some problems with one of my feet recently though so here’s hoping I haven’t injured myself (giving myself another week before I call the doctor bc some days I can barely walk… yikes)
Had to comment as I am running addicted. I started out with hopes to lose some weight gained after having two kiddos but it has morphed into more and more races and a true love of the sport!
I would definitely try out some different methods for your knee issue than the usual PT stuff. Acupunture is AMAZING. I was skeptical but I spent a year (through a really bad neck issue and a pregnancy) doing Acupuncture and it was amazing, truly. Also, a chiro practice that specializes in sport and wellness is another good thing to try if needles aren’t your thang. Ours says they specialize in non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical musculoskeletal pain relief. I have been amazed at the more holistic relief methods! They really work I swear!
I did my first marathon this past spring. It was great! I ran my first half and thought I would love to do a marathon some day but the training seemed yeesh too much. I did another half and a bunch of 5ks and a 10k or two before I got up the courage to do the marathon and training. Truly the training is the pain of it all. I would suggest finding a training buddy or a group to train with. That makes all the difference. Have fun with it. It was the adventure of doing it more than the time. That said I will stick to half marathons and 5ks from now on!
Finally, keep posting running music ideas! I love that. I am not on spotify. UGH I guess I should look into it. Anyway, I run for the music and the peace of it all! Keep the running posts coming too!
I run to get back in shape. I have always carried extra weight, since I was a kid. I had a great running routine diring college 8 years ago and fell off the wagon. About 3 years ago I got serious about getting in shape again. I felt great and then in October of 2010 my boyfriend and I started the P90x routine. Damn did we look and feel awesome at the end of it. I had a nagging cough that wouldn’t go away. After a brief hospital stay that January I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an condition of the lymphnodes. Mine was concentrated in my lungs. After 5 months of treatment and no improvement( I actally was getting completly winded going up a flight of stairs) I got a second opinion and the correct diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 6 months of chemo and 3 weeks of radiation, I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday cancer free! And I am running my first ever 5k tomorrow. After 6 months on the couch, nothing feels better than my healthy lungs sucking in oxygen and sweat pouring out impurities :). I’m far from my p90x self, but I’ve never felt better. Happy trails!
That’s awesome Emily! Good luck with your race!
-John
Great info John! I’ve run 3 marathons & probably 8 or so halfs (plus a couple of 30Ks & 25Ks). I’d say if you want to keep running fun, you probably don’t want to train for a marathon. Usually after I run a marathon I’m pretty burnt out on running. It’s not the actual marathon that’s the hard part, it’s the training leading up to it that’s more mentally challenging for me. Halfs are awesome though & just as much of an accomplishment!
John~ Are you a heel-strike runner, or mid/forefoot runner. I am just starting off and am getting conflicting opinions on both (of course!).
I’m a heel-strike runner (so when I get fitted for shoes they give me more cushioning back there).
-John
John- I’ve been a reader for at least 4+ years, despite never attempting any home improvement myself. But I am a runner! I’m currently in the midst of training for my second marathon (eek, 20 miler training run tomorrow morning). I mainly do it for the same reasons you mentioned. Health is #1, my family has a history of obesity related illnesses. It helps me feel ok about eating delicious meals when I treat myself to a night out. But also, I just want to listen to some music!!!
Buying music to fuel runs in one of my favorite treats. My problem is that I really tend toward folky- acoustic rock for my normal listening. Not the best stuff to run too. I’m so glad you posted that screenshot of some of your jams. I would LOVE if once as month, you posted your favorite new songs you’re running to right now. I have such a hard time finding running music!! Pls add it to your blog rotation.
Cheers!
Kate
That could be fun to link to any new spotify playlists whenever I make them- maybe as a post p.s.
-John
I did a half marathon 8 months after giving birth and I was pretty proud of that. The day I had my daughter, I said my goal was to do a half marathon with in a year, and I accomplished it. I just did a 5k while 5 months pregnant with my second, and I am also pretty proud of that. Hoping to again to a half marathon within a year of my second daughter’s birth.
Wow, that’s amazing!
-John
Loved this post! I’m also a runner who is extremely self-competitive and could run all day long with the right music. If you like Muse, some of their songs are awesome to run to. My college roommate also got me started in running and now I love it. About five years ago I started doing distance running and did several halfs, despite some bad knees. I was inspired to run a full and it was one of the most awesome experiences of my life (it was in Paris, and the start of the race was down the Champs Elysees with twenty thousand other runners while Chariots of Fire was blaring from the Arc de Triomph). Unfortunately I developed a stress fracture in my hip during the race (but still finished!) which has kept me from running distance since then. I’m currently back in training for my first half since breaking my hip and am so excited. I’m about five weeks away and so far my hip is still doing okay. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I’ll probably never get to do another full, but “I’ll always have Paris!”