You too can be a runner

I’ve gotten a lot of comments in my blog lately about my running. I get the feeling from some of my wonderful readers that they think running takes super-human strength. Well – I can personally attest that anyone can be a runner. If I can do it, you certainly can too. Here’s my response to some of those comments:

From Carrie:

I can't believe how much you run!! I'm jealous.... I'm a bad "jogger". ha ha I'm a champ on my treadmill though. ha ha, again. :o)

I actually do most of my running on the treadmill (or dreadmill as I affectionately refer to it). In the summer I am able to spend more time running outside, but right now I’m pretty much 100% running indoors.

From Janae:

I totally admire you for being a runner. I've always wanted to run. I'd love to do a half marathon one day, but I'm afraid I'm getting too old.

You can do it! And you’re not too old. I ran my first marathon at 32 – actually just a week before my 33rd birthday. I didn’t win any medals (in fact, I barely finished 2 minutes before the cutoff). And I spent ½ the day running with a grandmother who was running her first marathon. But let me tell you, there is no better feeling than running (or limping) across the finish line of your first marathon. (You can read my story and view my pictures here if you’re interested)

From Julia:

I think it is crazy that you can do everything you do and still have energy to run. I need to get back into actual physical activities.

Actually, running gives me more energy. I know that may sound completely crazy. I don’t run as fast/hard as I can every time. I maintain a steady and consistent “jog”. I feel healthier, more energetic, and I sleep better than I ever have. It also helps me cope with stress. There is no better way to get over a bad day than to “pound” it out with my feet.

I’m not kidding when I say that anyone can be a runner! I was one of those kids in school who brought a doctor’s note to get out of having to run the mile. I was asthmatic and had bad knees – full of excuses. But then I got knee surgery and medicine that controls my asthma, and suddenly I could do physical activity. I learned to snow ski and water ski (at the ripe old age of 18). I started backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and doing the elliptical at the gym. But I was always afraid to run.

Then I had babies – 2 of them in 2 years. And babies were hard on my body. Despite puking every single day with both pregnancies, I managed to gain 65 pounds with the first, and 75 with the second (luckily I did lose a lot of that). Not pretty. I was so gross and disgusted with myself that something had to be done. Being that I don’t have much time every day, I needed to find an exercise that would burn the maximum amount of calories in the least amount of time, and it also needed to be something that I could fit into my schedule. Running fit both requirements. So, I googled “beginning running plan” and found the Couch to 5k in 9 weeks. I was hooked. I started the next week, and I’ve never looked back.

I’m finally, after a year, feeling like I can legitimately call myself a runner. I can run for 3 miles with little effort. I feel strong and healthy. My body has changed as well – I haven’t lost as much weight as I’d initially hoped (weight loss is mostly about diet I’ve learned), but my legs and butt are fit and toned. Most of all, I’ve found something that is for ME and no one else. Can you tell I love it?So, if anyone is interested, here’s a few pointers on how to get started:

1. Go to the running store and get fitted for running shoes. You will pay more, but its worth every penny.
2. Start out slow, and then go slower. The biggest problem with beginning runners is that they try to go out too hard too fast. Run at the same speed you walk. And don’t be afraid to take walking breaks – just don’t keep walking. Once you can breathe again, start running – slowly.
3. Wear the proper attire. While you’re at the running store, pick up a good bra (you and the sisters will thank me for it). And no cotton – cotton is rotton. If you’re running outside, dress so that you are a bit chilly at the beginning. And, if you're a bit on the larger side, wear something that adequately covers so that you're not hanging out and jiggling too much.
4. Once you feel strong enough, enter a race. It will inspire you to train, and it’s a lot of fun!
5. Keep a log. I am such a data geek, and there is nothing better than going back and seeing how many miles I logged in a week or month.

And if anyone local is looking for a running partner, I’d love to run with you! I’m starting a training program today to run the Salt Lake City ½ marathon in April.