Just a few weeks ago I turned thirty-six. I think that one things I love about getting older is that I’m still learning new things about myself.
For my whole life I’ve identified myself as someone who’s not athletic, but more so as someone who doesn’t have any confidence that I could possibly become athletic (and actually probably shouldn’t even bother to try). I ran my first race, a 4K, last June and a 5K in July, but I can’t say that I liked either experience, the races were hard, I felt fat and out of shape and like I didn’t belong. I wasn’t a really a runner, after all, like those other people I read about online who run and for some weird reason seemed to like it.
I have tried to enjoy running, but really I’ve just tolerated it. Okay fine, I actually hated it. For the past five years I’ve started and failed a dozen attempts at running. With each attempt, I’ve easily found a dozen excuses as to why I couldn’t run. Last month, though, I joined a run training program on a whim and a prayer and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and my confidence in my entire life. And yes that sounds melodramatic, but it’s not meant to be. It’s just true.
I’ve learned so much about running, my stride, and my form. From barely being able to run one minute without DYING just a few weeks ago, I ran a 5K in the very hilly Knoxville Marathon yesterday in 35:47.3. You guys? Sure I was happy when I crossed the finish line, but I probably could have run at least another 1/2 mile. The race was fun and rewarding and inspiring and a whole bunch more of those positive and encouraging words.
I told Carson about it when I got home, “There were kids running the race with their moms! Do you think you’d ever run a race with me?”
He looked at me skeptically and said, “Is this like one of those April Fools Day jokes?”
Which really? Coming from me, Miss I’m-Not-Athletic, all this running nonsense does sound like an April Fools Day joke.
It’s not, though. I am a runner and my ultimate goal is to run a half-marathon.
good for you!!!
MommyNamedApril´s last [type] ..Much Ado About Nothing
Congrats to you! That’s wonderful! You inspire me to try running again. I’ve tried C25K before but I give up way too easily.
Way to go !!
I’ve done the C25K several times before, too. I think that joining the running group and having a real, live person as a trainer has been the most beneficial thing. Plus, it’s way more fun to run with other people.
I’m so proud of you, that’s a great time! And on Knoxville’s hills too!
I ran two 5Ks last summer and am doing another one next month and a 10K in September. And I’d never run a step before last May. I’m slow, but I figure the important thing is that I’m out there doing it- that’s what my kids need to see. And as I tell people, if I, a lazy woman who is ~40 pounds overweight and has an almost pathological fear of sweating in front of people can do it, no one else has an excuse!
For me, I don’t care if I’m slow or fast, just want the challenge of finishing! (Though, I am pretty happy with my time!)
Good luck on your 10K! I need to find one around here to train for.
That is awesome!! Congratulations! As a person who most of her life was not athletic, I now love to run, but I have yet to run in a race, it is one of my goals for 2011.
Heather´s last [type] ..Baby Ks Quilt
Running a race is so fun! The atmosphere and excitement of the other runners is contagious.
I said it on Twitter, I’ll say it here. You are AWESOME!
I have always considered myself to be non-athletic. I have zero coordination and much as I’ve tried, I don’t think I could ever consider myself to be a runner. My goal is to do a 5k one day but first I have to get to the point where I don’t hate it anymore. I’m waiting for that runner’s high when I don’t sit and stare wondering how much longer until I’m done.
& did I hear someone say potential half marathon???!!!
Shelly Overlook´s last [type] ..Recurring Dreams
I hated it until I started that training program. It’s so much more fun when you have people to run with and so helpful to have a trainer. The other people in my group are about the same fitness level as me, which is good.
Check and see if your city has a Fleet Feet or other running store that does 5K training. (You’re welcome for the completely unsolicited advice!)
I hate running too, but I’ve started again to beat my body back to it’s 21 year self. What did you learn about running in a training program that you wouldn’t have learned on your own?
I’ve learned all about my running form, how my foot should strike the pavement, how I should hold my arms and shoulders. I’ve learned how to breathe properly while running and about proper stretching techniques to avoid injury. I’ve learned all kinds of tricks to keep going, even when tired and to get my mind off of considering stopping.
Plus, it’s just a lot more fun to run with other people!
I train in a program through Fleet Feet, check and see if your city has that store or any runner’s store to see what kind of training programs they offer.
I love this post.
I’d love to run a race together one day. Wouldn’t that be fun? Even more fun? The drinks at the finish line?
(Running might suck but running for margaritas does not
)
That would be incredibly awesome, especially since all of your running talk totally inspired me.
SososososoSO proud of you!!! My favorite part of being a “runner” is that runners are allll shapes, sizes and ages. Have you ever watched the finish line of a marathon? It’s one of the most positive, encouraging and AMAZING things to ever see. Go watch one.
And I would LOVE to run a half marathon with you!
I would LOVE that. We need to figure something out. (Of course, I’m going to train for a 10K first…THEN the half.
Congratulations! That is awesome!
I think once you can call yourself a runner, then you can reach any running goal. I’d say running is about 90% mental.
LauraC´s last [type] ..Being a boy mom
I envy you finally doing it! Up until the past 7 or 8 years it seemed like everyone was down on running (bad for your knees or whatever) but it has made such a resurgence. I wish I could be a runner. Not because I like to run (hate it) but because it seems like such an efficient way to get some exercise.
Go you! Congrats!
Michelle Smiles´s last [type] ..How we roll
BTW – this totally makes you a rock star
Michelle Smiles´s last [type] ..How we roll
That made my day!
re: hating running…Seriously, that was me a few weeks ago. Having a training and running with others made running 1000% better.
Good for you! You and I have this “I’m not an athlete” self-perception. I think I would like running more if EVERY time I ran it was an actual 5K–the cheering, the sense of purpose, the sense of community. When I run by myself I’m all bored and get fatigued super easily.
Tara@DoTheseKidsMakeMeLookCrazy?´s last [type] ..Some Topics Can’t Be Mentioned Without Resulting in an Apology
That is true, it’s pretty awesome to be running when people are cheering you on!
It’s so cool that you’re doing this! And yes, you def need to do a half-marathon. I did one last year and I’m old and creaky
It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment, particularly if you’re not ‘the athletic type’. Which I’m not. Except I guess I am. Like you.
I love it when something like this works out and you totally surprise yourself! I have a love/hate relationship with running. I only do it inside on a treadmill, listening to profane rap music. I can only do sprints outside. It doesn’t always go well inside though…
http://www.themommytherapy.com/2011/01/dont-mess-with-me-i-have-issues.html
But just doinging it is 90% of it though. So, I hate to break it to you, but even with your 4k and 5k, you are totally a runner. Totally an athelete. Go put on some adidas or nike or something.
You should totally do a half marathon. You can do it!
The Mommy Therapy´s last [type] ..I Was Going to Win An Oscar- But The Baby Took That From Me Too
Your link didn’t work…It says that page doesn’t exist? Could you send it again?
High five, I hope to be that running mama one day too. I wonder if there is a training program to inspire kids to run with you, because mine are like yours (skeptical).
awesome job !! i am starting to coach a bunch of first time mommy runners and can’t wait ….next up for you….a tri ?????
triftimom´s last [type] ..move- organizing- decorating and bad food
I think I’ll run as many 5K’s as I can for now, then I’ll train for a 10K…then? Who knows!
I think it’s awesome that you’re training people, it is truly what made the difference for me this time.
Yay for you!! I’m trying to get back into running–my baby is 10 months old, so it’s probably time! Joining a group is what really got me started too–about 4 years ago. The group got me from never-been-a-runner/new-mommy to completing a marathon in less than a year. You can totally do it!
A marathon in less than a year?! That is awesome and inspiring!
Saying “I’m a runner,” helps! I just stArted running last year and can relate. I’ll never love it either, but it feels good when you finish a race and have a great sense of accomplishment!
Congrats to you ……its great……you inspire me to try running again……….
sad and sadness´s last [type] ..Poem- My Sorrow – Spaz
Congratulations! And thank you for this post. It really is inspiring. I just started doing Couch to 5K this week, and my ultimate goal is a half-marathon, too. And, um, I am the farthest thing from a RUNNER there is!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last [type] ..What Giving Up on Perfect is NOT…
Congrats on the run! I ran my first 5k last year and it was 43 minutes! That is an awesome time. You deserve to celebrate. Way to go!
Carrie´s last [type] ..Just Checking In
You can do it! There is no problem on failing but the determination to continue your purpose is the most important. Even if you are not athletic in nature you can be one or at least be physically fit.
Help For Families´s last [type] ..You Don’t Need to be Alone Anymore
oh how awesome! congratulations & hang in there….
mpotter´s last [type] ..at least im not Bert
You go girl!!!
That. Is. Awesome!
I did a Galloway-like walk/run program a few years ago…this non-runner ended up doing a half marathon less than a year later. After a knee injury I took some time off…and never went back. I have just started again; I am out of excuses. I’m trying to get back on the blogging thing too. Time to let go of some bad habits and get back into a positive, productive mindset!
Congrats! It’s interesting to hear you hated it. I don’t like exercise in general. I just tolerate it because it’s good for me. Several of my friends have done races for charities and I have wondered if I could get motivated if I had a cause or something else to focus on.
If I do, I would definitely look for a running group lik you did. So glad you had such a good experience. Way to go, Playgroupie!
Congrats to you! That’s wonderful!
sad stories´s last [type] ..Quote by PRINCE VIJ
[...] I gave birth, there is nothing that comes close to the feeling of accomplishment that I feel for having come this [...]