How I learned to say “Im a Runner”

It’s Thursday!! I’ve had a great morning full of intervals on a treadmill and a lovely cup of tea.

I’m extremely busy today so please enjoy this guest post from another Lisa in the blogworld. I can really relate to this post. In late winter of 2010, I never would’ve believed that I would have ran two marathons by May 1st, 2011.  I had a hard time running 2 miles at a time in 2010. It can be done!

Enjoy Lisa’s guest post!

If I were to look back two years ago, I never would have thought these words would come out of my mouth: “I am a runner”.

Back in high school, I was always one of the slowest runners in gym class. I’d huff and puff with asthma and aching shin splints as I finally finished running (and walking, though that was breaking the P.E. rules), a mile. It made me feel embarrassed, unathletic, and unfit, and this kept me from running, or even trying many sports at all, throughout high school and college.

Two years ago though, something changed. I was in my last semester of grad school, and was in the midst of student teaching. Every day I got home exhausted, in need of some sort of revival. I don’t know what inspired me, but I dug out an old pair of sneakers, put on shorts and a t-shirt, and ran down the road.

I ran for a minute or two, then started that old huffing and puffing again. But this time, I didn’t quit. There weren’t any gym teachers hollering at me to keep running, or classmates who made me feel inferior. It was just me.

I spent the next few days researching beginner runner plans, and found Jeff Galloway’s beginner’s training plan. It made sense to start by walking three days a week. It made sense to build up the running slowly, walking when necessary. And it made sense to go slowly, at my own speed, because running was going to be all mine.

After that first year of running, I registered for my first 5k, and then another, and loved both of them. The exhilaration of being around other runners made me feel excited about my new passion, and I loved having a goal to work towards.

How do I stay confident and motivated with running? After reading many blogs, books, and running magazines, I have four concepts that keep me going:

1. Walk breaks are okay. A lot of people think that you haven’t run unless you run for a full stretch of time. This just isn’t true. Many runners incorporate walk breaks into their runs to help them run farther and faster. And we’re all different. Follow what you body feels comfortable with.

2. I am a runner, not a jogger. In one book I read, there was a section on how many people (women, especially) will say that they jog, not run, because they think their speed is too slow to be considered running. This isn’t true either. It’s all about having the confidence to say that you are running. If you’re not walking, you’re running. (Besides, jogging’s something people did in the 80′s.)

3. Follow a training plan. A lot of people who want to give running a try throw on old sneakers and run as fast as they can until they’re worn out. Unfortunately, this is an easy way to get discouraged, and to possibly quit running altogether. Do a search online for a beginner’s running plan, and build up your endurance slowly, as you want to.

4. Slow and steady wins the race. This is my mantra. I love to run, but I would not love it if I was always trying to run at a specific pace, or if I tried to keep up with other runners. I like to go at a pace that allows me to talk but not sing, and keeps my heart and body working hard but without strain. I am the tortoise. Don’t feel pressured to be the hare.

I’m currently training for my first half marathon (yikes!). It’s exciting to have such a big goal in mind, and to build up my endurance and strength bit by bit, week by week. I feel proud and confident that I call finally say, “I am a runner”.

Thanks so much to Lisa for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been reading her blog for almost a year, and love her positive attitude and fun posts.

A note: My writing is based on my own research, experiences, and reflections. If you have a medical question or concern related to a fitness program, please contact your physician.

Thanks Lisa!

Have you ever done something that you never thought you’d be able to do??