Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I'm a runner and I'm proud of it.. How about you?

Well, I splurged a little last night and woke up this morning to a 3-pound gain. I had a small plate of fries with my turkey and fruit. I think it was the salt, though. I really poured it on. Hopefully all the water I drank today will flush the extra sodium out of my system.

I went running tonight. Yea! I only ran our regular 5K route and got it done in 45 minutes. My pace was great. And I felt great throughout the whole run. I even burned 948 calories! I think I really love running at night. I felt strong and confident and the scenery was beautiful with the sun just setting. The sky was blazing red and everything just glowed.

I even went past a small lake (was probably a sink whole or a man-made retention pond) that was absolutely spectacular. There were even a couple of men fishing from the shore. And the sky was red reflecting off the water and it was just beautiful.

I don't feel any aches or soreness from Sunday's 10K. My knees feel great. My legs feel great. I'm so glad I went running tonight.

You know, over the past few months, I've heard some of you say how you can't wait until y0u can run like I do or you wish you could or something like that. I'd just like to say that running isn't as hard as you might think it is. I know when I first started, it freaked me out. I thought I was going to die or break something or pull something when I first started running. I was so out of breath and I actually think I would hyperventilate sometimes. That's how panicked I was about it.

I'm here as living proof that if you just take it slow, you can do it. Run just enough to call it running to start out with. Run just enough to lift your feet off the ground. Almost like a speed walk but with a little hop in your skip. But then only run for maybe 30 seconds the first time. Then walk until you're totally rested and try it again. The first time you try it, you might only run twice. But just take it slow. There's no rush. You've got the rest of your life to run farther and faster. Rushing it will only prevent you from doing that.

The reason I breath through my nose is because if I breath through my mouth, I'll hyperventilate from too much air and it'll exhaust me. I've heard of other runners doing the same thing, breathing through their noses, so I tried it and it's really the only way I can run any length of distance. Once I start breathing through my mouth, I just get too much air and start wearing out. But breath however you feel most comfortable.

Make sure you have a good pair of shoes, too. I bought a very inexpensive pair of sneakers from Sports Authority made by ASICS (I think they were like $30 or something like that). I bought them because they were cheap but it ends up they're so comfortable to run in. So they don't have to be the most expensive shoes, just ones that have good support and are made for running.

Don't let running intimidate you. You can do it. It's alot easier than you might think. Try it, you might just end up loving it like I do.

.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great job getting a run in. I am sure you will burn the extra sodium from the food off. I agree buy a good pair of running shoes it will make all the difference in the world. And you have to start off somewhere, start slow but just start.

Anonymous said...

Great job getting a run in. I agree at night when the sun is coming down is a beautiful time.

jinxxxygirl said...

I must admit i've never heard of 'too much air' and it wearing someone out. I breathe thru the mouth and wish i could get MORE air. Wish i could take air in thru every pore. LOL!
Not sure but i wonder if the cheaper shoes break down faster? You should change them out every so many miles(something like 400 i think) even if they look fine the soles will break down.

Anonymous said...

that THIRD FROM LAST SENTENCE was directed at me---wasnt it? :)

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

Great tips! You are exactly right about taking it slow; that was the only way I was able to get past my beginning struggles with running. It is a total mind game! but, once you quiet those little voices telling you that you can't do it, you realize it's not that hard. And once you get going, it's addictive!

Dutch said...

I love the title of your blog. I was wondering if I can ask you how much you weighed when you started running?
You are doing an great job. Keep up the good work. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Trish said...

Thank you for this, I do want to run someday and right now it does scare the heck out of me. In time as the weight begins to come off though I will, I know I will.

You inspire me, thank you for that! :)

Amy said...

Thanks for the encouragement! Glad you had a beautiful run.

--cara said...

I misspoke on what type of shoes I bought. They were AVIA. I was surprise how well they were made being as they were the cheapest shoes on the rack. I've been walking in them for almost 2 years and been running in them since December. They're still holding up just fine. No wear or tear at all, inside or out. :)

Jinxxxygirl, you're probably right about the cheaper shoes. I've been watching mine closely for any kind of wear and so far, they're holding up perfectly. I think the key is to just really watch the wear.

MizFit, No! Don't look at it that way, running used to intimidate me and it really shouldn't have. I just want everyone else to know that.

Dutch, I was around the same weight as I am now... 170 (give or take a couple of pounds). I'm 5' 6" with a medium built frame.

You guys can do this, don't let fear get in your way. It's really not as hard or as painful as it sounds. Trust me. If I can do it, ANYBODY can!!

Kim @ Kim and Mikey said...

I can totally relate to your post. I trained for my 5K last year and ran it with a bum knee and all. But I stopped running and now I am getting back into it. Each day I strive to do more than I did the day before, and I am starting to feel like a real runner again.

Carol said...

I have to weigh in on the shoe discussion. Running shoes should be replaced somewhere between 300 and 500 miles. Generally, they don't get bad enough to show wear and tear before they need replaced because it's the internal support structure and cushioning that wears out. I would recommend going to a local running store that specializes in running shoes to be properly fit (it's free). It can be intimidating but they fit many people who are just starting out on a running program. You do need good shoes to start, otherwise the odds are you won't conrinue because you'll end up with an injury. The advice to start slow is right on. (The running program I've shared with new runners begins with a 2 minute run and a 4 minute recovery walk, repeated 4 times, then it builds up from there to a 5K.) The best way to get injured is to violate the "too much, too soon" rule. For new runners, runnersworld.com offers lots of information too. I love to see people falling in love with running because it really can transform your life! If you're interested in starting a program, John Bingham has a book "The Courage To Start" that is an easy read and has lots of information. Or, just talk to other runners. Experience is a great teacher. Good luck!

Dr Wednesday said...

You run sounds beautiful!

About the calories you are burning- I thought you burn about 100 calories for each mile you run. How are you doing 2x that? Tell me the trick please.

Sharon said...

Nice post. So glad you are a runner. Nothing compares.

When you are ready for new shoes, see if there is a running store in your area. They will fit you. Here in Indiana, our store is the same price as national sporting goods company. And, you can run outside in them before you buy them.

MaryFran said...

In case I miss ya tomorrow......good luck this weekend on your 10K!

JC said...

Great post, good advice. I love your vivid description of your run. I can picture it. Thanks

--cara said...

IRJessica, I use a heart rate monitor that I have set up to my age and weight and I have specific heart rate zones set up so it knows how many calories I'm burning according to all the custom settings I punched in.

I've never heard of 100 calories per mile. That seems awfully low. Hmm. Worth looking in to. For me, it just depends on how high I can get my heart rate without getting in the danger zone. It's a thin line, but if I can do it right, I'll burn LOTS more calories that way.

Jinxxgirl & Carol, I've always thought running stores were too high priced for me. You really think I could find a pair of running shoes for $30 there? I'm definitely going to have to check it out. I just assumed "running store" meant specialized, which meant pricey. I'll check it out, though.

Carol said...

I doubt you will find anything under $30 at a running store (they generally charge full retail so you're probably looking at $80)but what they can offer you is worth the money, if only to find out what type of shoe you should be wearing. Most beginning runners have no idea if they over pronate, are neutral, or are a supinator. These terms refer to the motion your foot makes from the foot strike through to lift off as the foot rolls through the stride. It dictates whether you need a stability shoe, motion control, or just cushioning. The right shoe protects not just feet, but ankles and knees too (from twisting and improper motion, causing stress and ultimately injury). The more mileage you get under your feet, the more critical the wearing of proper shoes become. There are a lot of different brands (I like Asics myself). I hate paying so much for my running shoes, (especially because I have to replace them every 3 months) but I've worn the right shoes and I've worn the wrong shoes and there is a difference! Besides, a really good running store will take them back if you run in them and have a problem (but not all so you need to check). If you want to educate yourself on running shoes, I suggest going to the roadrunnersports.com web site and checking them out (it's the largest running store in the country I think). The catalog they offer is also very informative and is worth ordering just for the information it gives on shoes. But really, if there's a way you can afford it, a professional fitting is the way to go. Of course, the fitting and analysis is free but I feel like if the store takes the time to fit me, I owe them to buy that pair of shoes. After that, then I look for them cheaper (often on the Internet). But, at least that way you know what you need for sure. For the calorie burn, I am very suspicious of your heart rate monitor. (I swear they aren't made for anyone other than a flat chested male). I have a very nice Polar model and quit using it because of faulty readings. Anyway, like one of the prior commentors stated, the common rule of thumb is 100 calories per mile, give or take if you're running hills or on the flat. The runnersworld.com site has a calculator you can check out, as well as a forum where you can get lots of information from other runners. Sorry for such long comments, I just want to share the information with you. Run long and strong!

jinxxxygirl said...

Wow! Don't know if i could offer much more than Carol. Other than i agree with everything she said. My daughter found the Asics brand while running cross country in school and track and so when i begain to run i tried them out and love the way they fit and feel. I too get little more than three months out of my shoes even though they look fine. I can tell when the soles are breaking down cause everything starts to hurt that didn't hurt before, knees, ankles etc.... Then i know its time. I see it as an inventment in my running life .And have decided i'm worth it. I won't spend over $100 though i've been tempted . I usually spend between $60 - $80. I too thought you only burn about 100 calories a miles but i didn't want to open that can of worms. LOL! We just learn as we go don't we. I LOVE John the Penquin that Carol mentioned I'm sure you've probably heard his quote about having the courage to start oh and the pictureof the penquin is SO cute! Keep putting one foot in front of the other Cara and you'll be fine. JInx!

~closed~ said...

I've walked a 1/2 marathon before with a friend. She and I want to do the same 1/2 marathon (Carlsbad) next Jan 2010, but we'd like to run it. She's not overweight. I am. I have a big belly and running is NOT comfortable right now and I'm in need of a very supportive bra. I like what you wrote about the 'speed walk hop'. I can start there. Congrats on your "runner" status. I love the scene you described on your run last night. Beautiful!