Entries from May 2008 ↓

A Beginning Runner: The Downfall

The other night, I slugged* into my house and collapsed onto the living room couch. My grump levels were rising rapidly as I flipped through the endlessly boring T.V. stations.

“W-w-what’s wrong?” my boyfriend dared to ask.

“Bah! I’m in a bad mood. Gah! Bah! Ah!”

“Did you…umm…did you run this morning?” he whispered.

“NOO I DIDN’T RUN THIS MORNING!!!” I said, as nicely as possible.

And that’s when I realized a) television has gone to crap b) I have a far too understanding boyfriend and c) running affects my mood.

Really.

Yesterday, I slept in instead of running. Throughout the day, I ate both ice-cream and chips. So as you can see,

I am not a perfect runner.

I make mistakes…like sleeping in and eating ice-cream. This difference was this time, I was not going to let a “mistake” slip me up for good.

And so I went running. My belly full of chocolate fudge ice-cream and fake cheesy chips, I made the lap around our neighborhood.

I came back feeling both sick and uplifted. But the point is I did it. Why? Because:

Running makes me happy

Eating bad food–while it may feel good at the time–doesn’t make me happy. Taking care of my body, on the other hand, makes me really really happy.

*Slugged: A word meaning “to move like a slug.” Opposite of “jogged.” Pretty sure I made it up…

I’ve been tagged by Andrew over at Andrew is Getting Fit to write a 6 word memoir. After much thought, I’ve decided on:

“She did what made her happy.”

One of my goals–in running and in life–is to do what makes me happy. Being “happy” encompasses many things to me. It means I’m in control of my own life. It means I make my own decisions, and I do things that bring me joy. Happiness isn’t short-term, and it isn’t easy. In fact:

Running brings me long-term happiness because it’s so difficult.

I’m sure you understand.

So there you have it. I’m tagging:

Jeff at “My Journey from Couch Potato to Trail Runner”

Allison at “A Beginning Runner’s Weblog”

Chris at “Gibtown Runner”

Linda at “Gymnotes”

Joe at “Learning to Run”

These are the rules:

• Write your own six word (max) memoir.
• Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
• Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
• Tag at least five more blogs.
• Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

It started in High School. As a teenager, a good student but hesitant to join in with the other kids. I had my group of friends, yes, but I always felt something missing.

That’s when I decided to join the cross country team.

Just like that. I don’t know. It was the sort of idea you have every reason to ignore (and most of the time you do). But this time, for whatever reason, I didn’t ignore it. I told my dad I wanted to join, and he–an athlete himself–beamed with pride. He knew the coach personally.

“I’ll call him up,” he said.

And he did.

And that was it. I was a runner. No turning back.

And so I went to practice–nervously–and ran around the track, my head hung low. I struggled to finish the first few laps and when the coach yelled for us to run the stairs, I nearly fainted for fear of not finishing.

As the other perfect runners completed their perfect times, I jogged like an ungraceful baboon to the finish. As I approached the field, I envied the way the others stretched their long perfect legs. Always, all of them looking perfect perfect perfect.

And that was when I threw up.

Imperfectly, of course. And everywhere. And that is when a boy uttered, “Ahhh, nasty!”, his friends all nodding in agreement. And of course, I couldn’t argue with them.

It was nasty.

And that’s when it happened.

The assistant coach approached me. I was still blushing when he arrived, afraid of what he might say. But he didn’t embarrass me as I feared he would. Instead, he leaned in close so that only I could hear as he whispered into my ear:

“You know, you shouldn’t be embarrassed for trying hard. You pushed yourself today, and that’s something. They won’t respect you less for it–he paused–“As a matter of fact, they’ll respect you more.”

In the following months, I learned what he said was true. I was never fast. But I always worked hard.

And that was enough.

I hope to eventually add more to the story of “How Running Changed My Life.” I am a long way off from being where I was in High School, but I know now not to be embarrassed to try.

I did not want to wake up.

I did not want to run.

But something shifted as I ran.

My point of view began change.

My were legs were strong.

I felt powerful. And healthy.

I took a deep breath and sprinted toward the finish.

Those are the days I look forward to, and I was lucky to have one of them yesterday. This morning is my day off, and I’m grateful for yesterday’s good day.

I think part of this perspective is based on a New York Times article I read yesterday. The headline is “In Kenya, Violence Shakes Running Community.” While the story is tragic, the end of the article is particularly poignant, speaking of running as a connecting force between people. It reminded me of just one of the reasons I love running. If you haven’t read it, I recommend it.

For centuries, this question has haunted beginning runners. How fast should you run? How far?

My answer at one time was as fast and far as possible. But when I injured myself, I was forced to rethink this method. Years ago when I ran, I used to forbid myself to walk. Walking was for walkers, and I was a runner, not a walker!

Now I say:

If you feel the need to walk at first–then walk!

If you’ve never run before, it’s probably best not to sprint out your door at full speed. If you’re like most people, within minutes you’ll be huffing and puffing and crawling your way back home. Which is what I did. Many times.

When running, the conventional wisdom is to be able to hold a conversation.

While I’d always heard this “rumor,” I never took it to heart. I felt that if I wasn’t breathing hard, I wasn’t really working out. The other day, I blogged about breathing trouble. I think part of my problem was that I was simply running too fast for my fitness level. Of course, if it keeps bothering me, I need to go to the doctor (as the commenter suggested), but the past few days–since slowing down–I haven’t had any trouble.

Of course, the most important thing is to be in tune with your body.

If you feel like your shins are about to burst open, this is not a good sign. I learned this the hard way. I thought pain meant I was a real runner when really all it meant was I was about to be injured. Naturally, there is also a time you’ll want to speed up. Listen to your body, and you’ll know when to do this as well.

Last week, I had what you might call a “running epiphany.” Before, I never stopped to walk. But last week, I tried it. In the middle of my run, I stopped for about a minute. Normally, I would have “pushed through” until I made it home, but this time I allowed myself the break.

And the amazing thing was that after that minute, I ran so much better on the way home.

This doesn’t mean I won’t push myself. I will. Just in a different way–a smarter way, really.

I realize this may be common sense to many people, but to me it was common sense I never put into practice.

If you’re new to running, I hope this helps you. If you’re more experienced than I am–and many of you are–feel free to

a) tell me I’m a wimp, or
b) even better–let me know how you decide how fast to run!

While I’m not a mother, I do have a mother. Which is why this morning’s run is dedicated to her. My mom was never much of a recreational runner, but I know she spent tons of time chasing after me.

Go mom, go!

This fact shapes my theory that mothers (and fathers!) make the best runners. I’m sure when I do have kids, it will change my running significantly.

Of course, how could it not? I’m sure having kids changes everything significantly.

So, is anyone here participating in the Mother’s Day runs?

I once thought about completing a triathlon. As it turns out, I’m more of a sinker than a swimmer. However, I still admire the sport, and I’ve always enjoyed the casual benefits of cross training. Today, rather than running, I’ll be bicycling like I’m the long lost sister of Lance Armstrong.

Or something like that.

About.com has a good list of cross training options here: http://running.about.com/od/running101/a/xtrng101_3.htm

I’ve bookmarked the page and would like to try them all at some point. I’ve never been skiing or rowing, but it sounds incredibly fun.

As I see it, the cross training benefits for a runner are many:

It breaks up the monotony, allows you to work new muscles, and ultimately–in my opinion–it makes you a faster runner. I remember the days of High School cross country when our coach made us do “core-workouts,” which essentially meant “okay, now lie down on the floor and do crunches while I sit here, but don’t worry–I’ll tell you when to stop.” While I hated it at the time, I do see the benefits. Having a stronger core means better posture as a runner. Plus, you look good (or at least better) in a swimsuit, right?

In other news, I feel myself getting back into shape, and I can tell this blog is going to be a major motivational factor. I love running, and I love writing. Put the two together and–bam!–I’m happy as can be.

One of the things I love most about running (and life!) is the view. It’s so easy to focus on my breath, my posture, the pain–that I fail to look around.

Yes, it ruins my posture. Yes, it slows me down. But it’s often worth it.

Running Tip of the Day: Look Up!

(Unless, as I explained yesterday, you’re running through a virtual car wash. In that case, come home and complain about it on your blog. )

This morning, I felt like I was running through an automatic car wash.

I sometimes enjoy running in the rain.

This morning was not one of those times.

1. It Builds Stamina

Running in the morning is tough. Your body is tired, and your mind–well, yeah, it’s tired too. But running in the morning regularly also means you’ll be better prepared for those evening runs, or a morning race.

At the very least, running in the morning makes me feel stronger. And that counts too, doesn’t it?

2. It’s Out of the Way

Run first thing in the morning and you don’t have to battle the “Well, I was going to do it but then I ate that large pizza and then I was just so busy.”

I can’t count the times I told myself I was going to work out and then didn’t because I just “didn’t get around to it.”

3. Schedule

Running in the morning fits into my schedule. I can wake up as early (or as late!) as the day permits. You can’t beat that!

4. Energy for the Rest of the Day

When I run first thing, I don’t feel the need to drink 10 cups of coffee to stay awake. I feel stronger throughout the day. My concentration is spot on. It works for me.

5. You Can Pig Out On Breakfast?

Okay, so maybe this is just what I tell myself after the third pancake.

Is anyone else with me? Or am I the only crazy morning runner?