I hear this time and time again from the non-runners I encounter. They label me "crazy" and a "glutton for punishment." In addition, I often hear..."I would love to run...but I just can't." While there are truly some people who, because of a medical condition, cannot run, the majority of people can run, they just don’t want to.
I started my first running career in high school on the track and cross country teams. I was not necessarily in love with running, I just like the team aspect of the sport and found a sense of belonging in this community.
My second running career started just after my 35 birthday. With my children in preschool and elementary school, I found myself looking for a way to take off the weight that I have been losing and regaining through yo-yo dieting and on-again-off-again exercise programs. I was fat, discouraged and depressed and was the first to say, but I can’t run!
When I finally decided that I wanted to become a runner again, the first thing I discovered was that things did not move as easily as they did in my teens. I had extra curves and baggage that I wasn’t carrying around in my youth. I was also not able to just get out there and do it. I had to take it slow.
My program started just before Christmas. I ran a whopping half mile before I had to walk. I continued my walk/run program for several weeks, until I was able to go a full mile without hyperventilating. By Valentine’s day I was able to run five miles at a slow and steady pace and just after St. Patrick’s Day I ran my first half marathon.
I started my first running career in high school on the track and cross country teams. I was not necessarily in love with running, I just like the team aspect of the sport and found a sense of belonging in this community.
My second running career started just after my 35 birthday. With my children in preschool and elementary school, I found myself looking for a way to take off the weight that I have been losing and regaining through yo-yo dieting and on-again-off-again exercise programs. I was fat, discouraged and depressed and was the first to say, but I can’t run!
When I finally decided that I wanted to become a runner again, the first thing I discovered was that things did not move as easily as they did in my teens. I had extra curves and baggage that I wasn’t carrying around in my youth. I was also not able to just get out there and do it. I had to take it slow.
My program started just before Christmas. I ran a whopping half mile before I had to walk. I continued my walk/run program for several weeks, until I was able to go a full mile without hyperventilating. By Valentine’s day I was able to run five miles at a slow and steady pace and just after St. Patrick’s Day I ran my first half marathon.
Now entering my fourth decade of life, I still continue to run. For me it has become a therapy of sorts. It allows me to push myself to limits I thought were out of reach. Some people ask me if I always love running. To which I answer a whole hearted “No.” However, I always qualify this “No” with the statement, "I never regret going for a run." Even though it may feel horrible and I might dread every step, when I finish I know I have accomplished something.
So for those of you who say, “I can’t run,” know that if you truly want to run, you really can do it!
So for those of you who say, “I can’t run,” know that if you truly want to run, you really can do it!
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Just found your blog from you following Reason to Run (my wife's race hosting company).
ReplyDeleteWe totally relate to "No, I don't always love running but I never regret going for a run".