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You may or may not have caught the quotation marks around Running. I say “running” because technically I use a run/walk method for my running.
Now if you don’t run it may not seem like a big deal to do a run/walk method, but to a new runner or someone who’s attempting to speed up their running it’s a big deal. Now I do consider myself a runner, and it took me a long time to actually consider myself that. I thought runners were people whom were fast such as le boyfriend… who does speed work at 6 min/miles for his sprints. Or they were people who were able to ya know… RUN a whole 5K, or at least run a whole mile without stopping. Neither of which I can successfully do, so how could I consider myself a runner!?
Well if you are training to become a runner, you ARE a runner, if you run a 15:00 min/mile (like me) you ARE a runner, if you run a 8:00 min/mile (speed demon) you ARE a runner. Even if you do the run/walk method like I do for all my races so far you are a runner! Even a runner whom I know personally Gigi (she blogs too! over at Running On Candy) who runs Half Marathons all over uses a run/walk method in certain runs! She is actually the reason I now consider myself a runner, because she told me that no matter what method, or how slow or fast I ran… I was a runner.
Alright so now that I consider myself a runner… WHY do I run? I don’t just run because I want to lose weight, nor because I want to one day run a Marathon. I run because it releases everything that I hold inside, stress, worries, doubt, it’s subdued when I run. I often have a conversation in my head, during my warm up 5:00 min walk, and during the run/walk method the Zombie dude has me do…. I work out problems. You are probably like WHAT?! Yeah I talk to myself, it’s okay I’ve talked to myself… and it’s alright ;).
Usually my conversations go along the lines of “WHY the hell are you doing this!?” “HOLY SHIT the wind is killing me!” “Really…. jackass drive CLOSER next time!” “Oh man thank god I can walk now” “Oh man…. ONE more run than I can WALK!… YES”.
Now I started running back in April 2013 when I first started my weight loss process, but after spraining my ankle I had to basically halt any running work I had started. But this year I am determined to complete the 5K program, 10K program AND start/finish Half Marathon training, which ultimately will bring me to my first Half Marathon on October 5 2014. I have a new found determination, sometimes it’s still hard to breathe when i am running and I have to really concentrate on my breathing so i don’t want o puke when I get home. The burning sensation I have when i run, makes me realize that it’s working, I am pushing OUTSIDE my comfort zone and pushing my body to what it’s never done before.
You know what bothered me really badly at first? I was so worried about what other people would think of a fat“fluffy chick” running. Would they snicker to them selves, would they talk to their friends that in the car, would they point and laugh? And than I thought… WHO gives a crap what they think? I am losing weight and running for ME so I feel better for myself, not to appease fat shaming jerks who just put down anyone that is trying to be fit. Am I still self conscious when I step out the door in my dri-fit pants, fav nikes, baggy t-shirt hiding 3 (yes THREE) bras…. SURE. But that won’t stop me anymore, I know I am making myself better inside and out.
The whole entire reason for this post, was to show anyone that is wanting to run, but not sure if they can do it, or maybe you are self conscious like I am. YOU can do it!
I promise, it’ll be worth it in the end, when you cross that finish line, or when you fit into those jeans, it’ll ALL be worth it. YOU are worth it!
I love the quote about turtles & peanut butter, that's about how fast I run.. due to my foot problem though, I wish I ran like I used to back in high school.. one day, i hope.
That's how fast I run too. You'll get there one day! 😀 And yeah, I'm just a slow runner.. that's it no foot problem no more here 🙁
Love this! Good job, girl.
You're always lapping those on the couch- remember that!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwe <3 You are a runner!!! And I use the run/walk for ALL my races LOL
I am saving up to buy this t-shirt with the "I Run" turtle quote on it… love your attitude. And great job reframing the 'fat' to 'fluffy'. 😀
I started running the same time as you and felt the exact same. It took me a long time to consider my slow self a runner and I also cared about what others would think. Running is so amazing for releasing all emotions and that's why I love it too! Love the quotes you used! This is really inspirational!
Oh my goodness.. I swear you just spilled my thoughts out onto this blog post! So much of this is my story and how I'm feeling! I love this, I love this and I can't wait to keep reading about you and this whole journey! I'm a wannabe runner, but maybe I'm actually a runner.
Thank you! 🙂 I am trying♥♥
that's one of the things I always try and remember! At least I'm trying right?
Awwww Gigi! Thank you♥ If I didn't run/walk things I'd die after the first mile. LOL
OMG I need that shirt haha ! I think for my first half I'll get that and sport it. Yes Fluffy is a good way to put me, I have extra "fluff" on my body that's it ;).
Girlie if you are out there training than you ARE a runner ;). I'll definitely keep posting my story, I have been wanting to share my story but wasn't sure how people would receive this news. And I am so glad with all of the positive feedback I've been getting so far. ♥
Me too my friend…me too!!!! Sometimes i feel silly in shorter races but it is what works for me! I can not wait until our next race together!!!
Aw! Reading this made me smile big time! It really is! I never used to want to run after work but now, I LIVE for it, I get my clothes ready get home and change and out the door I go! I get all my frustrations out and it's so therapeutic… not really cheaper than a therapist but it could be. It took me a bit to find quotes that really spoke to how I feel. And I'm glad you found it inspirational that's what I was aiming for! ♥
Me either!!!! I am signing up for the 4 Miler on April 27th. I'm going to try and do some races over the summer but nothing over 4 miles, or they'll have to scrap my sweaty butt of the pavement.
I love this post! I used to be a long jumper in college, and transitioning to running distance is rough!! I'm doing the walk/run method as well and before I started I thought it would be easy, but it's kicking my butt!
It STILL kicks my butt and I've been running for over a year! Keep at it girl you'll be great! 🙂 ♥
I love the quote about turtles & peanut butter, that’s about how fast I run.. due to my foot problem though, I wish I ran like I used to back in high school.. one day, i hope.
That’s how fast I run too. You’ll get there one day! 😀 And yeah, I’m just a slow runner.. that’s it no foot problem no more here 🙁
Love this! Good job, girl.
Thank you! 🙂 I am trying♥♥
You’re always lapping those on the couch- remember that!
that’s one of the things I always try and remember! At least I’m trying right?
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwe <3 You are a runner!!! And I use the run/walk for ALL my races LOL
Awwww Gigi! Thank you♥ If I didn’t run/walk things I’d die after the first mile. LOL
Me too my friend…me too!!!! Sometimes i feel silly in shorter races but it is what works for me! I can not wait until our next race together!!!
Me either!!!! I am signing up for the 4 Miler on April 27th. I’m going to try and do some races over the summer but nothing over 4 miles, or they’ll have to scrap my sweaty butt of the pavement.
I am saving up to buy this t-shirt with the “I Run” turtle quote on it… love your attitude. And great job reframing the ‘fat’ to ‘fluffy’. 😀
OMG I need that shirt haha ! I think for my first half I’ll get that and sport it. Yes Fluffy is a good way to put me, I have extra “fluff” on my body that’s it ;).
I started running the same time as you and felt the exact same. It took me a long time to consider my slow self a runner and I also cared about what others would think. Running is so amazing for releasing all emotions and that’s why I love it too! Love the quotes you used! This is really inspirational!
Aw! Reading this made me smile big time! It really is! I never used to want to run after work but now, I LIVE for it, I get my clothes ready get home and change and out the door I go! I get all my frustrations out and it’s so therapeutic… not really cheaper than a therapist but it could be. It took me a bit to find quotes that really spoke to how I feel. And I’m glad you found it inspirational that’s what I was aiming for! ♥
Oh my goodness.. I swear you just spilled my thoughts out onto this blog post! So much of this is my story and how I’m feeling! I love this, I love this and I can’t wait to keep reading about you and this whole journey! I’m a wannabe runner, but maybe I’m actually a runner.
Girlie if you are out there training than you ARE a runner ;). I’ll definitely keep posting my story, I have been wanting to share my story but wasn’t sure how people would receive this news. And I am so glad with all of the positive feedback I’ve been getting so far. ♥
I love this post! I used to be a long jumper in college, and transitioning to running distance is rough!! I’m doing the walk/run method as well and before I started I thought it would be easy, but it’s kicking my butt!
It STILL kicks my butt and I’ve been running for over a year! Keep at it girl you’ll be great! 🙂 ♥