Something pretty exciting happened this weekend. And then it happened again yesterday. And then it happened then again this morning.
I ran, of my own volition, and I enjoyed it. Granted, these runs took place on the treadmill because I am not hardcore enough to run in the heat, but they took place nevertheless.
To quickly recap my running history:
- I’ve been at it for about 2.5 years.
- I’ve run three half marathons.
- I’m slow, but I’m cool with it.
- I tried training for a marathon once, but I ended up hurt and not mentally ready for the challenge.
- Running doesn’t come naturally to me, and I don’t really love it, therefore I only tend to run when I’m training for something.
My basic running philosophy is that I run when I want to and don’t when I don’t. Ever since my last half in March, I haven’t wanted to. There have been a handful of random runs here and there but nothing regular.
However, all of a sudden I’ve been seized with a new motivation to work on my short-distance speed.
For me, this is to be able to run under a 9 min/mile without wanting to die. We’ll see how that goes and then go from there.
I’m enjoying this so far, it’s less time consuming and stressful than pounding out long runs and I don’t have to meet the goal by a specific date (although I do have one in mind).
I’m excited because my cardio has been pretty sucky lately. Sometimes I was barely even breaking a sweat and didn’t feel like the workout was even worth it. The best thing about running is the beastly sweat.
After a few months of this I’m sure I’ll get bored, so I’m putting this race out there as a major possibility.
Victoria posted about it yesterday and I was immediately intrigued. I’ve always wanted to run a 15K, it seems like a fun distance, but it all depends on my left leg, which tends to be an SOB no matter what I do to prevent it. So we’ll see.
Are you currently “training” for anything?
When is that? I think I’d like the 15k distanceee.
Yay for you liking running again!!!
I’m training for a half marathon…the idea makes me want to vomit sometimes honestly, but I stick to it.
How have you not told me this?! That’s so exciting! When is it?
You knew this friend! Someone has obviously not been following my tweets because i mentioned Hal Higdon’s half marathon training, and you even commented. I’m running the White Rock Half Marathon on December 4th. I’m scared like bananas about it. :-/
You didn’t sound like it was for sure!
I’m training for my 2nd half which is the Philly ING Rock’n'Roll (complete with Bret Michaels after party show! WTF!). A week later I hope to run the Dogfish Dash 10K which will be awesome. You should come up for that. It sold out, but as a spectator you pay $10 and drink all you want. That’s what the BF is planning.
The thought of running a 15K makes me want to hide in a closet somewhere and weep.
Would be kind of badass to do one though.
I’ve been working on my short distance speed lately too. I can get from the couch to the fridge to the wine glasses in under 1 minute. Ba-dump-ch!
Seriously though I’ve been doing like 25 minutes on the arc trainer and then running a mile as fast as I can. It’s not as daunting when you break it up. Good for you for getting back into running again!
im training for a 5k! then, for a half marathon. i am not a great runner, so I really have to work on it! I also get horrible shin splints when I push myself too hard. Right now my shins are SOOO sore, so I am off for a few days
that hot chocolate race sounds awesome!
Is that RAM racing? I did that one here in Chicago last year! I totally blew the training, making for the day being a bit difficult, but I’d really like another shot at the 15k distance. I think I can do so much better…
Good luck if you decide to sign up for it!
Yes! It’s the same one, but the first one in DC I think!
Glad you felt the running bug again! I’m the same…I don’t force it, I try to only run when I feel the urge. Otherwise, it’s miserable. Although I ran a short race last weekend, I’m not training for anything right now, and it’s just fine with me!
I’m not a natural runner either and every run scares the crap out of me. So I’m impressed! Get it girl!
I think that sounds like a great idea! I think switching up your distance goals will keep you more motivated, right? I totally agree about the sweat being the best part of running.
Once I’m over this stupid ear infection I’m pumped to start running again.
Ha ha, what a coincidence this post is! My engineer just emailed me a 5k for late September and asked if I would do it (for Big Brothers Big Sisters). So I’m going to be up and powerwalking again! I’ve been doing 1.5-2 miles…I’m lazy. But going faster so that counts right? LOL!
Anything counts!
I want to run that race also! Mainly for the hot chocolate and the parka you receive for running
15K is my favorite distance. It’s long enough that it feels like you really did something impressive, but not so long that you’re wiped for the rest of the day (like I am after a half-marathon.)
That said, Im about to start training for a half in the end of Oct.
The 15k I ran was my favorite race for sure! A hot chocolate 15k sounds awesome.
Good for you! I so want to run a half- hopefully post baby! What do you normally do for cardio? Maybe switch up time?
You are such a motivation for me! You know how I feel about running and my mile is definitely in the teens. I won’t be ready for Hot Chocolate, but I hope to be ready to run with you soon! Keep it up!!!
I don’t run but jog, and I’m getting “runners feet”, do you have the same issue? My heels are dry and I have a few spots where the pad of my feet where he skin seems harder, maybe I need to change shoes? I do it for health and to get rid of stress, but I tried working out in the heat here in Tokyo, and forget it, I only lasted 20 min, than I had to turn the ac on, there’s no place on earth that’s more humid that Asia in the summer… YUCK.
I hope you keep up with the running, it will help with the anxiety = )
I fear the callouses are just a part of running. They actually help your feet in the long run.
Yes yes yes – chocolate 15k! I’ll even bring extra chocolate. Because we’ll need it.
I definitely run when I want to and don’t when I don’t, so I don’t really race. It’s more of a hobby for me ,but that race sounds awesome! Maybe someday:)
I am not currently training for anything, however the hubby is training for a half ironman which he will be competing in at the end of the month. I am excited to be a spectator
I’m training for a few races..Disney Half Marathon in September, Women’s Half Marathon in November and Las Vegas Half Marathon in December. Then the BIG one….P.F.Changs Full Marathon in January. This will be my first one. I’m Scurred but SO excited.
Ohhh I’m doing the 15K too! I mean seriously…any race that gives chocolate at the end. I’m so there!
i have been wanting to get back into running too! now, if only it werent in the 90s this week, i may have motivation to make that happen…
and PLEASE tell me that run ends with hot chocolate!!
Yes ma’am it does! And a chocolate fountain I think!