The Running Appreciation Thread!

[chiaraluna]

I'm a new runner, and I must say that I can't understand why I didn't start years ago! I'm still building up by alternating running/walking -- my best workout so far was Monday, when I ran a full 1.5 miles (doesn't include walking mileage) by running two laps and walking one. I'm so excited to feel myself getting stronger, and I just thought that runners new and old might like to sing its praises! :D

[Poppy]

I'm a ...jogger! But a very long-term one. I have been...ahem..running for the past twenty years. I'm not fast, but I am very consistent - I jog 3.5 miles every day that it's not pouring or doesn't get over 40*F! (On the other days I do an exercise tape or go to the gym (which I hate, hate, hate!))

So good for you! It's addictive! My only suggestion would be to get decent shoes, and replace them every 300-400 miles. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? For me, it's every six months.

[healthnut32]

I love to run, but have had to give it up for a while due to knee problems. I hope to get back to it more regularly starting next week.

[Trueveggie14]

I used to run track. It's been a while since I've had the time or energy to get out there. I'll be starting up again this summer.

Even if running wasn't good for my cardiovascular health or didn't help me lose weight and tone up, I'd still love running for the adrenalin and increase in sex drive. :rockon:

[TearahBey77]

You guys are insane! I hate to run, I absolutely despise it!! I wish I loved it, but no not so much. I run to lose weight and thats all...I am up to 1mile a day that takes me 11 minutes, but thats up and down and all around hills too.

[mistakes]

i run about 3 miles every day, and i must admit i feel awesome! if i ever have to skip a day, i'm jonesing until i can get back out there :)

[goettling]

I hate running but I am happy when I am done. :bow: I also hate it if I do not run. It is just a catch 22. :stinkeye: Yeah, I should say more like a jogger too.

[Fyvel]

I'm a relatively new jogger, and I LOVE it!!! I'm addicted to it, I feel great, I have lots of energy, my butt looks awesome for the first time ever! All I need now is an MP3 player :)

[eggplant]

For those of you who hate running but force yourself to do it, I used to be that way, but when I'd been doing it for a while and got into good shape, I started to really enjoy it. Now I run 3.5-5 miles regularly and run in races whenever I get a chance. I've run a 1/2 marathon 3 times now. So, keep with it until it starts to not feel like such a chore, and eventually it will be something you actually want to do!

[Jinga]

All you regular runners are an inspiration. I've been getting back in to running form and its definately a hard start. The worst part for me is getting past the initial procratinator phase. After that it seems to get better with every run.

Sounds like you're off to a good start Chiaraluna :D When I first started running, I set a time goal of about 30 minutes, alternating running and walking. I kept at it until I was doing more running and less walking and eventually a full 30 minute run. Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[chiaraluna]

Thanks, Jinga! I had two really horrible run/walks this week (I think that there have been lots of really bad allergens in the air and I've not been breathing so well), but I went through with them anyway and I'm glad I did. Hopefully things will improve again in the next few days. :)

[Brandon]

All you regular runners are an inspiration. I've been getting back in to running form and its definately a hard start. The worst part for me is getting past the initial procratinator phase. After that it seems to get better with every run.

Sounds like you're off to a good start Chiaraluna :D When I first started running, I set a time goal of about 30 minutes, alternating running and walking. I kept at it until I was doing more running and less walking and eventually a full 30 minute run. Good luck and enjoy yourself!

(Emphasis added by me.)

That is exactly one of the things I enjoy the most, feeling my body get stronger over time and be able to run more and more, and walk less. I run the same route 4-5 times a week (about 4.46 miles) and I set little mini-goals for myself within that route. Example: I may walk two certain blocks on Monday, and then on Wednesday I'll walk only 1 of those same two blocks. The next time I won't need to walk at all, but if I do, I slow down and walk. I just try to listen to my body and let it rest when it needs to.
There are two decent inclines on the route, and I'm now able to run up both of them without walking, which is something that I couldn't do a few weeks ago. I've kicked about 12-15 minutes off of my average time, which makes me happy.

I love running, I love being outside, and I love that something that I enjoy is actually good for me for a change!! :lol:

Good thread, chiara!

[chiaraluna]

That is exactly one of the things I enjoy the most, feeling my body get stronger over time and be able to run more and more, and walk less. I run the same route 4-5 times a week (about 4.46 miles) and I set little mini-goals for myself within that route. Example: I may walk two certain blocks on Monday, and then on Wednesday I'll walk only 1 of those same two blocks. The next time I won't need to walk at all, but if I do, I slow down and walk. I just try to listen to my body and let it rest when it needs to.
There are two decent inclines on the route, and I'm now able to run up both of them without walking, which is something that I couldn't do a few weeks ago. I've kicked about 12-15 minutes off of my average time, which makes me happy.

I know exactly what you mean! It's the little victories that make it so worthwhile. :)

[RunsWithFoxes]

To avoid becoming yet another ex-runner (there are far more of 'em than active runners), I suggest forgetting about both distance and speed and focusing on how you feel. Distance and speed should be lagging rather than leading indicators (ideally, you won't even notice and won't even care that you're running farther and faster than you used to...) This is definitely not the majority opinion, but I thought I'd throw it out anyway to stir up the waters...

Good luck with your new hobby! Used carefully and with moderation, it's great! :nana:

[hannahbanana]

To avoid becoming yet another ex-runner (there are far more of 'em than active runners), I suggest forgetting about both distance and speed and focusing on how you feel. Distance and speed should be lagging rather than leading indicators (ideally, you won't even notice and won't even care that you're running farther and faster than you used to...) This is definitely not the majority opinion, but I thought I'd throw it out anyway to stir up the waters...

Good luck with your new hobby! Used carefully and with moderation, it's great! :nana:

Totally agree!! I guess I would be considered an "ex-runner" right now - it's been almost 6 weeks since I last ran - due to "burn-out" from running too many miles too fast. My college coach was a so-called mileage hog, during summer training I ran 12-13 miles a day, 7 days a week. I'm taking some time off until I can remember that I do love to run and that it's not just something I have to do anymore. So this thread is great inspiration for me!

So anyway, like RWFs said, moderation is key - don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Oh, and I also recommend finding a running partner or running group to keep you company on at least 1 or 2 of your runs each week for a change of pace (pun intended :) ).

[Mish]

Good on you everyone! Running is one of my favorite things to do, and probably one of the best forms of exercise there is!
I run for my town, have run for my county, and have never looked back. I run between 3-10 miles, most days, plus cross training. :hamster:
You should all feel so proud of yourselves for doing something like running, which makes you very fit indeed! :nana:

[antoine08]

I love running,i usually run about 10miles a day.I used to run it all at once, but ive been running 5mi in the morning and 5mi late at night.then a 10-16miler on the weekend and a long run once a month.

I love running at night time the most.Its great running past 1am because everyone is sleeping and i rarely ever see any cars.I get to hog the road,the only problem is ive hurt myself/fallen a few times running in the pitch dark.Theres not a lot of street lights in my small town.

I bring my dog with me almost 100% of the time,he Loves it.He Can run better than i can and he gets to mark every telephone poll/mailbox/and bush in the entire town by the time were done.

[Fyvel]

I love running,i usually run about 10miles a day.I used to run it all at once, but ive been running 5mi in the morning and 5mi late at night.then a 10-16miler on the weekend and a long run once a month.

I love running at night time the most.Its great running past 1am because everyone is sleeping and i rarely ever see any cars.I get to hog the road,the only problem is ive hurt myself/fallen a few times running in the pitch dark.Theres not a lot of street lights in my small town.

I bring my dog with me almost 100% of the time,he Loves it.He Can run better than i can and he gets to mark every telephone poll/mailbox/and bush in the entire town by the time were done.


I love taking the dog with me as well :) He's old though (11.5 years!) and has a hard time keep up after the first 3 or 4 kms.. so I only take him when I am going for a short run.

[chiaraluna]

Tomorrow's a running day... I hope that the Bad Runs are over for the time being!

*crosses fingers*

[Brandon]

I had a tough running day today, but it got better by the end.

Good luck, chiara. :up:

[chiaraluna]

I had a tough running day today, but it got better by the end.

Good luck, chiara. :up:

Thanks, Brandon! Glad that your running day ended up okay -- better late than never :D

[Jinga]

Tomorrow's a running day... I hope that the Bad Runs are over for the time being!

*crosses fingers*

Tomorrows a running day for me too. Have fun :o

[Brandon]

I'm probably going too. :yes:

[bamavegetarian]

I have been walking/running since I was a teenager. Stopped doing it for awhile because I did not have time, because of all the work that goes along with graduate school. Of course I gained a lot of weight, and eventually I lost it all. I now have a treadmill at home, I now can run 9 miles on it. I used to go to a local park, and walk, but I had the problem of people wanting to talk to me, which slowed down my running. Has anyone else ever had this problem? It got where I could not enjoy my walks anymore, that is why I have a treadmill now! Walking/running after hours would not work for me, because I am a female, and the safety issues would prevent me from doing it. My other means of exercising is 2 hours of Tae-Bo, which I do enjoy.