Run Run Away

Question:

Since the pool closed for the season on Labor Day (waaahhhhh) I was feeling at loose ends. I was still walking, but felt like I wanted to get more out of that time. I have never been a runner, yet I always wanted to. For various reasons, I let my body hold me back. I was too heavy, I couldn’t catch my breath, my feet hurt… I had all the excuses. I ran across an article on runner’s world website about jog/walk combinations being a really good way to train your body to run faster, longer, etc. In the past I thought stopping to walk meant you were failing, so I let that fear hold me back. Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily! I am running for longer periods already, and I actually ran to the store with the dog over the weekend, cutting my usual walking time in half. I alternate every other day with the run/walk and the brisk walk I have been enjoying for a few years. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing! Ally 212/154/140

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since the pool closed for the season on Labor Day (waaahhhhh) I was feeling at loose ends. I was still walking, but felt like I wanted to get more out of that time. I have never been a runner, yet I always wanted to. For various reasons, I let my body hold me back. I was too heavy, I couldn’t catch my breath, my feet hurt… I had all the excuses. I ran across an article on runner’s world website about jog/walk combinations being a really good way to train your body to run faster, longer, etc. In the past I thought stopping to walk meant you were failing, so I let that fear hold me back. Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily! I am running for longer periods already, and I actually ran to the store with the dog over the weekend, cutting my usual walking time in half. I alternate every other day with the run/walk and the brisk walk I have been enjoying for a few years. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing! Ally 212/154/140

WTG Ally! Runner’s World has some good information for beginner runners. Beverly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily! I am running for longer periods already, and I actually ran to the store with the dog over the weekend, cutting my usual walking time in half. I alternate every other day with the run/walk and the brisk walk I have been enjoying for a few years. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing!

Woohoo! That’s great! I’m so jealous. I can’t wait until I can start jogging. — PL (320/291/170) (First mini-goal: 299 Reached! 08/26/04) (Second mini-goal: 279) — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since the pool closed for the season on Labor Day (waaahhhhh) I was feeling at loose ends. I was still walking, but felt like I wanted to get more out of that time. I have never been a runner, yet I always wanted to. For various reasons, I let my body hold me back. I was too heavy, I couldn’t catch my breath, my feet hurt… I had all the excuses. I ran across an article on runner’s world website about jog/walk combinations being a really good way to train your body to run faster, longer, etc. In the past I thought stopping to walk meant you were failing, so I let that fear hold me back. Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily! I am running for longer periods already, and I actually ran to the store with the dog over the weekend, cutting my usual walking time in half. I alternate every other day with the run/walk and the brisk walk I have been enjoying for a few years. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing! Ally 212/154/140

Good for you!  That’s how I felt when I started running last year.  Runner’s World is an outstanding resource.  Also, the folks at rec.running are a great bunch. Jenn

Response:

Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily!

I have been trying that too, and it feels really great The level of energy has nothing to do with plain walking! It’s actually rather walk/sprint, the recovery period while walking allows for really picking up speed while running. I have used my cardiometer for that. Usually, I walk in the 130bpm range, and when doing interval I will try to stay in the 140-145 range. As soon as it drop bellow that, I start to sprint to get into the higher range, and then resume walking. It works pretty well while walking in the city too, as I can fit the sprints while dodging cars

Response:

Woohoo! That’s great! I’m so jealous. I can’t wait until I can start jogging. — PL (320/291/170) (First mini-goal: 299 Reached! 08/26/04) (Second mini-goal: 279)

You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.  For me, I just got to a point where I felt like I *had* to run.  I started jogging during walks.  DH and I would take 2-3 mile walks with the dog and eventually I started jogging the last 1/4 mile, then the last 1/2 mile.  I ran my first 5K by accident because he (DH) and I were supposed to walk it (the fun walk part) but he pulled out at the last minute.  I got caught up in the enthusiasm of the event and ran the first mile and then ran/walked the rest.   It’s definitely something for you to look forward to when you’re ready. Jenn

Response:

You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.  For me, I just got to a point where I felt like I *had* to run.  I started jogging during walks.  DH and I would take 2-3 mile walks with the dog and eventually I started jogging the last 1/4 mile, then the last 1/2 mile.  I ran my first 5K by accident because he (DH) and I were supposed to walk it (the fun walk part) but he pulled out at the last minute.  I got caught up in the enthusiasm of the event and ran the first mile and then ran/walked the rest.   It’s definitely something for you to look forward to when you’re ready.

That sounds like a sensible way to start. It’s difficult for me to imagine that my body will ever be fit enough to run. — PL (320/291/170) (First mini-goal: 299 Reached! 08/26/04) (Second mini-goal: 279) — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Since the pool closed for the season on Labor Day (waaahhhhh) I was feeling at loose ends. I was still walking, but felt like I wanted to get more out of that time. I have never been a runner, yet I always wanted to. For various reasons, I let my body hold me back. I was too heavy, I couldn’t catch my breath, my feet hurt… I had all the excuses. I ran across an article on runner’s world website about jog/walk combinations being a really good way to train your body to run faster, longer, etc. In the past I thought stopping to walk meant you were failing, so I let that fear hold me back. Last week I started my run/walk training, and I can already feel/see/measure a difference in how far I go in the same amount of walking time I have allotted daily! I am running for longer periods already, and I actually ran to the store with the dog over the weekend, cutting my usual walking time in half. I alternate every other day with the run/walk and the brisk walk I have been enjoying for a few years. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing! Ally 212/154/140

Excellent, Ally!  That was how I began running, and for a long time I kept up the alternate run/walk thing.  It was around 6 months before I pushed through the "I want to stop now" barrier and ran a whole mile without any walking (but then I still weighed over 200 at that point). Now I can look back on that day and smile, but it was a big deal at the time! Chris 262/137/ (135-145)

Response:

You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.  

Exactly!  I was perfectly happy walking.  I had never seen a runner that looked like they were having a good time.  It wasn’t in my plans. And one night a song started on my iPod and I HAD TO RUN! Believe me, I looked happy <s   — On the bike . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110  60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02  Maintained since 2/03

Response:

You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.  For me, I just got to a point where I felt like I *had* to run.  I started jogging during walks.  DH and I would take 2-3 mile walks with the dog and eventually I started jogging the last 1/4 mile, then the last 1/2 mile.  I ran my first 5K by accident because he (DH) and I were supposed to walk it (the fun walk part) but he pulled out at the last minute.  I got caught up in the enthusiasm of the event and ran the first mile and then ran/walked the rest.   It’s definitely something for you to look forward to when you’re ready. That sounds like a sensible way to start. It’s difficult for me to imagine that my body will ever be fit enough to run.

You may be surprised.  If you’d asked me 6 or 7  years ago if I’d ever be able to run, I’d have laughed (or maybe cried).  At the time I’d had a knee injury, and being so heavy aggravated it and kept it from healing.  I could not walk 100 yards without debilitating pain, so I was basically not moving much.  When I got out of bed in the morning every joint in my body was stiff and achy.  I feel 20 years younger now .  I actually credit this about 80% to beginning my exercise program at the gym 5 years ago; only about 20% of the credit goes to the weight loss the last two years.  I wouldn’t be running without the weight loss, I expect, but my knees were fixed before that as a result of the lifting. Chris 262/137/ (135-145)

Response:

Since the pool closed for the season on Labor Day (waaahhhhh) I was feeling at loose ends. I was still walking, but felt like I wanted to get more out of that time. I have never been a runner, yet I always wanted to. I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing!

Yay Ally!!  I don’t run often but it’s always a blast when I do. Enjoy the freedom <s — On the bike . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110  60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02  Maintained since 2/03

Response:

You may be surprised.  If you’d asked me 6 or 7  years ago if I’d ever be able to run, I’d have laughed (or maybe cried).  At the time I’d had a knee injury, and being so heavy aggravated it and kept it from healing.  I could not walk 100 yards without debilitating pain, so I was basically not moving much.  When I got out of bed in the morning every joint in my body was stiff and achy.  I feel 20 years younger now .  I actually credit this about 80% to beginning my exercise program at the gym 5 years ago; only about 20% of the credit goes to the weight loss the last two years.  I wouldn’t be running without the weight loss, I expect, but my knees were fixed before that as a result of the lifting.

One more reason for me to get my butt in a gym. — PL (320/291/170) (First mini-goal: 299 Reached! 08/26/04) (Second mini-goal: 279) — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time. Exactly!  I was perfectly happy walking.  I had never seen a runner that looked like they were having a good time.  It wasn’t in my plans. And one night a song started on my iPod and I HAD TO RUN! Believe me, I looked happy <s

Was it a Springsteen song? Jenn

Response:

Today was my power workout and a new personal best Jenn

Hey, Jenn, congratulations janice

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.  For me, I just got to a point where I felt like I *had* to run.  I started jogging during walks.  DH and I would take 2-3 mile walks with the dog and eventually I started jogging the last 1/4 mile, then the last 1/2 mile.  I ran my first 5K by accident because he (DH) and I were supposed to walk it (the fun walk part) but he pulled out at the last minute.  I got caught up in the enthusiasm of the event and ran the first mile and then ran/walked the rest.   It’s definitely something for you to look forward to when you’re ready. That sounds like a sensible way to start. It’s difficult for me to imagine that my body will ever be fit enough to run. You may be surprised.  If you’d asked me 6 or 7  years ago if I’d ever be able to run, I’d have laughed (or maybe cried).

Same here.  Even when I started my weight loss in Jan 2003, if someone had said I would be running in 5K races 6 months later I would have just laughed at them.  There’s a lot of things I never expected I would be doing.  If anyone had said I’d be bench pressing 115 by now…well, you know the rest. Today was my power workout and a new personal best Jenn

Response:

I feel really liberated. For most of my life I have let what other people would think hold me back. I really just don’t care anymore and it feels amazing!

yeah, I’ve been thinking that it’d be a good idea to start walking & light jogging again. I’ve done a lot of cycling this year but nothing beats being in good jogging shape. Mentally, I’m still 50lbs overweight, so I think I can’t jog easily, but those 50lbs are GONE and I’m within spitting distance of the weight I used to jog at in high school, so I need to start rebuilding my leg muscles and just start pounding the pavement. I haven’t wind-sprinted in like 15 years or something Heywood 44"/36"/34"

Response:

Today was my power workout and a new personal best

Congrats! — PL (320/291/170) (First mini-goal: 299 Reached! 08/26/04) (Second mini-goal: 279) — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

And one night a song started on my iPod and I HAD TO RUN! Believe me, I looked happy <s Was it a Springsteen song?

I somehow missed the Springsteen thing while we were living in Germany, but I love good running songs.  Which would you suggest?  (I got You Shook Me All Night Long because of Dally <s) Nope – it was a song I hadn’t even heard before and barely knew of the artist: Squeeze Me In by Delbert McClinton  I love it. Yep – still hooked on Imus in the Morning after all these years. <g — On the bike . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110  60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02  Maintained since 2/03

Response:

Today was my power workout and a new personal best Jenn

WTG Jenn! Beverly

Response:

Thanks to you and everyone else.  You’re the one that’s been motivating me.  I wanna be you when I decide to grow up Jenn surprisingly DOMS free this week

A belated congrats on your workout!!! — — Martha 182.5/166/140 www.bastmagazine.com Barry hits 700!!!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’ll get there.  Your body will let you know when it’s time.   Exactly!  I was perfectly happy walking.  I had never seen a runner that looked like they were having a good time. Should I be grinning from ear to ear and clicking my heels when I’m running? I love running. I’m currently training for my 5th marathon, running around 60 miles per week with a weekly long run in the 18 to 22 mile range. I especially like the long runs. There’s a certain feeling I get during a long and/or hard run that is very difficult to explain, but it is definitely a happy feeling. If you saw me running you probably would think, "Well there goes another runner not having a very good time." However, that would be your perception based on how you think you would feel. You should be proud of your real, measurable accomplishments. I also get a "happy feeling" from running, and, I get a very "unhappy feeling" when I am unable to run for an extended period of time. It is a real, objective, addiction. A couple of 30 minutes runs per week completely satisfy it though.

Yep. You’re hooked. No a bad addiction to have though. I haven’t missed a scheduled run for nearly a year. I run six days a week. My daily schedule is not *if* I will run but *when* I will run. It’s not about fitting my run in somewhere during the day, it’s about fitting the rest of my day around the run. Sometimes I try to work my other life into it. For example, running home from my son’s open house at his high school, or runing to the park to meet my family for a picnic, or running to the video store to drop off rental tapes. I’d run to get groceries, but I like traveling light. Phil M. — "Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself."