I am not a runner. Not even a little bit. I’d say I would only run if I were being chased, but even then, I think I might just try to walk really, really quickly and make up for my speed with my loud screams.
But what did I do Monday? I went running. Wait. Let me say that again: I went “running.”
Monday was a gorgeous day. I walked into my personal training appointment with Jessica and remarked how pretty it was outside. She asked me if I wanted to do my session outside.
Of course!
So we grabbed some weights and headed outside. During the 50 or so steps it took me to walk to the door, three people asked if we were going running. With each reply, my “NO!” got a little more bitter and a lot more defensive.
See, I’ve always admired runners. It seems so effortless for some people. I have friends who polish off five miles like it’s nothing. My brother, a natural runner, still has track records at our high school. Me? I can’t run to the mailbox. As a big girl in—ahem—many areas, I’m just not really comfortable pounding the pavement. I love my cardio classes, where I am surrounded by people who challenge me and keep my energy going when I feel like dropping. Without others to motivate me, I’m not sure I have it in me to just go on a run by myself.
Back to Monday. We headed outside, where I whined about not being a runner. Jessica told me that one day I’d be able to do it. I scoffed at that. Not everyone is supposed to be a runner. I’m probably one of those people. Then I started thinking maybe I could do it. Just try it. When I told her, she was shocked and giddy with excitement. I just felt growing dread.
We didn’t go far. Maybe just a mile up Lavista Road and back to the gym. And what I did probably can’t be classified as running. But I gave it a shot. All in all, I probably jogged one-fourth to one-half a mile at most. And I felt a little pathetic the entire time. Here I am, dying while jogging at a super slow pace next to my long-legged 6-foot tall trainer. Oy. There are some exercises I do well. But when I try something new, something I don’t do so well, I have a tendency to demean myself for being out-of-shape and weak. I need to work on that way of thinking.
So am I going to turn into a runner? Probably not. I’m willing to try it every once in a while, but I’m not signing up for a marathon any time soon. But it’s always good to be reminded that breaking out of my comfort zone really is a positive thing. And I didn’t even have to be chased to do it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
I hear you, sister. I have also never been a runner. Even when I was a teenager and dancing for hours every day and in great shape. Nope, no running for me, thanks. It doesn't hurt. It just sucks. But I also understand admiring them. It's impressive how people just go out and run. Weird, to me, but impressive.
We don't run, but I bet we have amazing knees!
I'm proud of you! Girl I totally understand certain parts moving a little too much when you try to run. As I look at the skinny girls running by me I think to myself, "how do they do it with such ease?" But then again, I bet they'd say the same thing if they saw me in Cardio Fusion. Take that skinny girls! It was great to see your stunning self tonight! Love you!
Until 2 years ago, being a runner was the last thing I wanted to be. With an ACL repair on each knee, it was even less appealing, on top of the extra weight I was carrying. However, I decided to do it and I did. I went from 0 to a 10k in 9 months, and am now maintaining a 65 lb. weight loss. Yes, I run slowly and walk at times, but I DO IT! That is my satisfaction. Running provides me a mental release as much as a physical release. Like the Asics ad says "Running releases more than just sweat."
I've started and stopped running a few times and I completely understand the issue with it being a solitary thing. Unless I'm running with someone or have something to distract me, I can talk myself out of it without a problem.
When I ran on the treadmill (we had one at home) I decided to build up endurance by watching an episode of Alias every day. I started out running just a couple of minutes the first episode, but by the end of the season I was up to nearly the full 45 minutes. It helped that I was delusional enough to think that maybe I'd one day look like Jennifer Garner ;).
Then the treadmill broke and that was the end of that...
You can totally be a runner. It's almost all in your head, which will always tell you to stop while at the same time your body can just continue putting one leg in front of the other. And also, you can set your goals at far less than a marathon. There are 5K races almost any weekend in any town. In my first race I came in third last but it really made no difference at all because my goal was to finish it and I did.
I've had some issues with being a big girl..in many areas... as I am a size 36H (which I only wrote because this is anonymous!!). I discovered a sports bra that will support and contain better than ANY others! The brand is "Moving Comfort" and they are totally worth the $50 or so bucks for each bra. They are amazing! Website below...
http://www.movingcomfort.com/dyn_category.php?k=344592
My personal favorites are the "back closure" ones because they have 3 or 4 really strong bra hooks and a phenomenal front strap adjustment, too!
http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/344873/350026/_/Helena
Excellent first run Erika! Running is painful in the beginning, no doubt. Hard on the legs, lungs, definitely doesn't feel natural... Stick with it and just work up slowly. It's like everything, at first you kind of have to force yourself to do it but one day you go out and yahoo, it feels good. You get that 'runners high' and that's the best thing ever! Plus you can do it anywhere, no equipment required except good running shoes. Very proud of you for breaking out of the comfort zone!
Go Erika!
See when you were laughing at my metallic, garbage bag top yesterday I was warming up for my run/jog, here at the Park. I am with you - it was a great day for an outdoor run. I am proud of you! and I will have you sporting that bag yet LOL! ~JK
Erika! You continue to be an inspiration to all of us who struggle with motivation! Keep at it, girl! And I know all about body parts jiggling & jaggling (and not in the direction they're supposed to be going either!) My self-deprecating excuse has always been, "can't do it - my boobs might hit me in the head and knock me out cold" (LOL!) Thanks to "anonymous," it looks like I'm going to be OOL now - grrr (jk!) Hope to see you in Cardio tomorrow, I got dragged back last week and will stick with it!
Love your "Jewish mother!"
I LOVE IT!!! I am (as usual) so proud of you. Soon you will be talking about your next race :)
Way to go!!!!
You crack me up!! Thanks for making me smile. I needed that!
Post a Comment