I know I’m never going to be a runner. I have damaged knees, awkward posture, and worse–a bad attitude. I would like to be able to run a mile or two though, without looking like a huge dork or being so out of breath I collapse and die of laziness. I would also like to have a slightly higher chance of outrunning a bear. Right now I would surely be eaten. There is much room for improvement.
I would not have chosen this goal if it weren’t for Austin, a seasoned track star and coach. I’m banking on him for tips and tricks and to tell me how incredibly graceful I’m becoming. He is unaware of his role in this, I’m sure he’ll be so pleased (no).
April Goals
Learn to run properly
Enjoy running for more than 3 minutes
Actually run for more than 3 minutes
Run or walk every day
Stop complaining about running
April Fears
I hate running
Running is hard
My knees hurt
I’m tired
I don’t want to
Encouragements welcome.
***
Waylon will be excited to have the wind in his wispy hairs as you push him while running. He will be laughing, you will be crying. I’ll bring a megaphone to yell encouragements as I speed walk past you. :)
Hahaha
I also loath running. If I wasn’t pregnant I would join you because it sounds like you loath it almost as much as I do. If for some reason you decide to try again next year, and you didn’t make any progress this year, then maybe I will join then. But not if you made any progress because I refuse to be the only one that looks like a fool! You have my respect for even putting this on your list!
Thanks Mandy! I hope this doesn’t turn out as a repeat of March.
You can TOTALLY do it. I have learned that the best encouragement (for me) is to sign up for something (like a 5K) and then find a training schedule for it. The fear of embarrassment is an incredibly powerful motivator, apparently. Truly, since I’ve started doing this, I’ve gone from not being able to run a mile to signing up for 5Ks and other races. (Running being a loose term, of course. I’m certain that I more closely resemble the picture above).
Here’s my best advice: give yourself permission to rest/walk during runs/etc. If you run too much (seriously) you will hurt yourself, or at least increase the risk of it. So, find a nice running schedule, find an awesome running playlist, and do it up.
I’ve thought about a 5k, but I’m scared. Can I do it? I feel like I can’t do it. Good thoughts on the permission to rest. I hope I don’t give myself TOO MUCH permission. I am very permissive.
You most definitely can do it. I, like many others on here, used to hate running. I don’t love it now, but I certainly don’t loathe it and sometimes actually enjoy it. :) Just find a schedule, which will structure your “permission to rest” times, and stick to it. You’ll do great.
I was just like you -always hated running, especially long distance. Then I did C25K last summer and I developed a love for it. And running my first 5k was an amazing experience. I say go for it, I am living proof that the crappiest runner can run a 5k :)
I love hearing about people who hated running that can do it or love it now. It’s hard for me to believe, but if there are enough of you out there, is has to be true..right?
This may be a given, but I just want to share what helps me run and keep running. Make sure to bring your ipod/listen to music as you run. It makes goal setting easier….start by saying you will run for x number of songs. The music is a good distraction. I’ve found it really makes it so much easier. Times when I’ve forgotten the ipod I get tired quicker and want to quit immediately.
Yes! I will HAVE to do this. Otherwise, I know I’ll fail. Might even have to break out a little GLAMOROUS by Fergie. Whatever works?
oh and remember gretchen rubin’s advice! before you get ready to run tell yourself “i’m excited to run. i’m looking forward to it!” fake it till you feel it!! it’s a little hoaky, but it works!
I forgot about Gretchen Rubin! Yes. That is great advice. Thanks for the reminder.
YOU CAN DO IT!
If I can do it, you can do it. Even if you learn to run (and walk) properly…it will make an amazing difference in how you feel doing anything active.
My hope!
Poor Baby Daddy.
Yup.
I like your beginning goal of 3 minutes. I find the best way for me to fail is to set too big of a goal, then I become easily convinced that I CAN’T do it. I also say amen to Gretchen Rubin’s “fake it until you feel it”.
I think that’s why I failed last month! I set myself up for way too big of a goal. I think the rest will work out a little better (I hope).
I’ll add myself to the ” if I can do it, you can do it” group. Do you know how short my legs are?! I’m just ready to start trying to run again. We should train for a 5k together!
You are my running mascot.
Al wrote a neat little app for this very purpose!
RunNow, you can get the free version in the app store.
Take it slow!
I did week one for a couple weeks, then week two for a couple weeks, etc….
Eat a nice energizing snack and drink (for me it was a large handful of almonds and maybe a cookie or two (or three:) about a half hour before a workout.
Only 3 times a week, 20 min at a time, very doable!
3 min. is a great goal, that was precisely the most difficult hurdle for me and not overwhelming
You can do it!
love you.
Thanks for the encouragement and advice Shelah, I need it. I will download the app!
I hate running too. I’ve often wondered if I would enjoy exercising more if I had cute outfits (like the girl in the top photo above). It probably would help me if I thought I appeared to be more athletic than I actually am.
100% agree.
Kate! You can do this. I have to add to the chorus of other reformed running haters. Last December I struggled to finish one awful, excruciating mile. Yesterday I ran 10.5. Miles, not minutes. You can do it. You really can. I didn’t think I could.
That first month, when on every run I felt like Godzilla crashing down the sidewalk, and probably burned more calories whining than actually running, I told myself over and over that no matter how slow I was going, or how miserable I felt (and probably looked), I was still DOING IT. I was stubborn and just kept at it. Now I’m here, and I actually look forward to my runs (proving that the impossible is possible, or maybe the aliens have just overtaken my brain).
Get a reasonable training plan (couch to 5K is great!) and stick to it. I agree with whoever said to set small goals (ie. run for 2-3 minutes, then walk, etc, and work your way up from there) Don’t worry about being slow or feeling clunky. You are already strong by just lacing up your shoes and getting out the door.
PS. Music was crucial to me too, especially at first. My running playlists are too embarrassing for a 29-year-old to share publicly, but I couldn’t have done it otherwise.
“You are already strong by just lacing up your shoes and getting out the door.”
I’m going to think about that over and over this afternoon!
If you start running, I may stop reading your blog. and PLEASE do not post those annoying updates people do on facebook. Like these “just completed my 200th run! burning 1 million calories. NIKE” I’m thinking about posting these “Just ate my 1ooo cookie for the Day! Oreo”
If I become that person, PLEASE come take my computer and phone. You have my full permission.
Running is stupid. But last year I became a ‘runner’ and it was the best damn feeling ever. Couch 2 5k is SO great for easing into running, swear by it. Do it. You’ll thank me. And sign up for a 5k in about 8 weeks. SERIOUSLY. It will keep you motivated. Don’t hate me for saying so ;)
Your blog has really helped motivate me! Thanks Katie.
get family members to hire really scary people to chase you. that’s the only way you’d get my lazy ___ to run.
hahahaha
Hey Kate – you have a great goal and as one who never liked running either,I know it can become something you can enjoy. However, I totally agree w/ Shelah and some others who have said take it S…L….O….W! The easiest way to injure yourself – and hurt those knees more! is to start out too fast – this would include frequency of exercising and increasing your distance too quickly. If your knees start to hurt, you need a day or two off along w/ lots of Ibuprofen/ice (as I’m sure Austin will be telling you). Believe me – I’ve been there w/ knee issues and know it’s not fun. Even if you’re “only” walking 1-2 miles at a moderate pace by the end of the month, at least you will be moving more than you are now… and on your way to a healthier you. (There’s no shame in being a walker if you find you like it better. I don’t always run.) Good luck!! Have fun!! (Definitely need to find some good exercise music too – how about sharing a mixed tape of what your favs. I’m always looking for more energizing music and have enjoyed your picks in the past)
Thanks Nat! My sister and I walk between 30 min and an hour 4x a week right now…but it’s not enough. I’m hoping this helps me going a little faster, even if it’s not making me into a runner for life! I’ve appreciated your blog posts about running!
I JUST posted on this exact topic! Here are some of my tips:
http://hungryhealthymj.com/2012/03/29/so-you-wanna-be-a-runner-guest-post-from-journey-to-the-center-of-manhattan/
The best part of learning to run (for me) was last summer when I really started doing it regularly. Because I loathe getting up early, I would go out at like 2 in the afternoon during the summer and die of heat stroke all of the time. I live in a predominantly latino neighborhood, and there is an inordinate amount of catcalling that takes place here. I knew I had overdone it a little when, instead of “nice ass!!!” I was getting “hey mami, you need an ambulance??!!” more than once in a ten-minute time frame.
But alternating one minute of jogging and then one minute of fairly strong walking is a great ways to start. it’s a lot more comfortable, too.
I loved your description of how running used to go for you:
1. Go out and run as long as I could until I was red in the face and people were asking me if I needed a doctor
2. Become too sore to move for the next five days.
3. Try to run again and feel miserable.
4. Develop shin splints.
5. Eat lots of ice cream.
6. Accept that I wasn’t cut out for running.
…Totally me. Thanks for linking, I will use it for motivation!
you go girl!! you can do it! i have a love-hate relationship with running. i love it because it challenges me and i feel AMAZING after i do it and it’s the only thing i have found that can get me to lose weight or feel in shape the fastest when i feel like i have gained few pounds. i hate it because it’s hard and it hurts. so here are some things that work for me:
1. get some gooood music going. something that REALLY inspires you. even if it’s slow. sometimes my best runs are to slow songs. i find that when i listen to fast music i try to keep up with it and i end up burning out quickly.
2. alternate running and walking at first. start out by running 1 min then walking 1 min then after a few days of that try to run for 2-3 min and walk for 1 min and continue to increase like that. or if timing doesn’t work for you, go by markers (run for 4 mailboxes then walk for 4 mailboxes, etc)
3. don’t run after eating a big meal. duh. i usually eat peanut butter toast or something like that about 45-30 min before.
4. run at the time of day you have the most energy. if you try to get up at 5 am to run but you hate 5 am, you’re setting yourself up for failure. you may get up for the first week, but after the newness wears off you might start cheating. at least i know i do….
5. get some good running shoes. some people think this is dumb, especially if you aren’t a runner or athlete by nature, but it seriously can make or break your outcome. if you are wearing bad running shoes, it can cause you to get shin splints or sore knees, etc.
that’s all i’ve got so far! good luck!!
i didn’t realize i left you a novel until i posted it!! sorry!!
Novels are always appreciated. Great tips! I read it twice.
I wish I lived closer to you so I could join you in this… I just told my husband the other day… I want to be a runner so badly… because I know it would be good for me but I am too lazy to really motivate myself to actually do it. I am afraid of looking like an idiot and I feel like I lack the tools to really succeed… I am excited to cheer you on this month!
Thanks Hannah!
You can do it!
love that last picture. i’ve seen it on pinterest before, along with another pin that reads, “if you see me running, call the police.” that one always makes me laugh!
Oh my word, that’s hilarious. I need to see that pin.
Book Club Run/Walk Club. Summer of 2012
Book Club Run/Walk Club.
Summer of 2012.
“Keepin’ it haute for the HTOWN float.”
Best slogan ever.