Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

When did running become more than just exercise to you?

I have heard people say that they enjoy running, it relaxes/destresses them or that it is theraputic for them.

I did the C25k last year and now I can run up to 5 miles at around a 11min pace. I am not really interested in improving my speed right now but I do want to increase my mileage.

Anyway, when I run I am still so focused on running that I don't really enjoy it. It is still just a workout and a means to help me lose weight. Even though losing the weight is my #1 goal I am also looking to gain the enjoyment of running to help me release tension and destress.

I don't see myself being able to increase my mileage past 6 miles if I don't start to enjoy my runs more. I know it will take time. I guess I am just looking to hear the experiences of other runners.

Thanks!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Distance running isn't the best tool for weight loss. I would mix up your running with High Intensity Intervals - that will help you burn more fat, if your primary interest is in weight loss.

Also don't push yourself to increase your milage if you don't love to run - I do like to run a bit, but I burn tons of calories doing spin, kickboxing and other things i love.

Message edited 8/4/2010 3:12:39 PM.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I started out doing the Couch 2 5k too. I loved that feeling of accomplishment when I finished and I love doing races. So after that I did the "One Hour Runner" program and did a 10k. After that I needed another goal and used Hal Hidgon's half marathon plan and then ran the LI Half Marathon. Now I'm training for the NYC Marathon! I never would've thought I'd be able to go this far! Music keeps me motivated and I love where I run, the scenery is beautiful.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

You can't make youself love running. I've tried to get DH into it and he just finds it to be a chore. For me, I just get lost in my music and clearing my head.

Like the previous poster suggested, I would try out some other high intensity cardio activities- you may like them more! Kickboxing, strength training classes, cycling, rollerblading, etc.

Good luck!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Message edited 8/4/2010 4:03:25 PM.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Posted by jeanyus27
I love where I run, the scenery is beautiful.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

double post

Message edited 8/4/2010 3:49:30 PM.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I also started running by doing the Couch to 5K. I was a smoker for years and when I quit I started the program. I was sooo surprised at how much I enjoyed running! At first I was a treadmill runner and then I started running outdoors and I honestly dread the days I have to get on a treadmill. I llike you also started doing it primarily for losing weight but now I love the feeling of accomplishment each time I run a race. When I first started running I could not believe I was able to run for 10 mins without stopping and then in May I also did the LI half Marathon and was soo happy. I am now going to do another half in September! I joined a running group when I began to train for the half through my gym and it was the best thing I did. We meet 2-3 times a week at different places. I think I started to really enjoy running after going to Sunken Meadow, Massapequa Preserves and some other places to run. I never run with an ipod anymore unless I am on the treadmill. I now feel like it is a huge stress reliever for me and I find it peaceful! I think maybe the areas you are running in are boring you. Also there are many running groups on LI and I bet if you joined one you would enjoy it more. Anyhow Good Luck you are doing amazing!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I don't know that I am a "serious" runner but avid is probably appropriate. I started running because my whole family was doing the Marcum Workplace Challenge in 2008 and I thought, why not try to run it rather than walk? I enjoyed it, so my friends encouraged me to do Cow Harbor that year. Once I did that, I was hooked. I didn't love preparing for it, but the race itself was amazing. The energy, the crowd and the people are great! It made me want to do it again.

Then I bought a house and running had to stay in my life because we canceled our gym memberships to save money! Now, I sign up for races as my motivation. Having something to work toward helps a lot. I also run with my dad, and we run in parks nearby. I rarely use my iPod at this point either - only if I need the extra motivation in a longer run or to get through a less scenic run alone.

I don't think I will ever go beyond a 10K (I'm not even supposed to run because of a back issue) but I have been working hard to improve my time, and each time I set a new personal record it motivates me to keep trying!

Good luck!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I would consider myself an avid runner - I run about 45 miles a week. There are days I love running - like when I did a 5k in 21:50 and days I absolutely dread it. Summer running is not my favorite. I am looking forward to crisp fall running weather more than anything.

Running does definitely de-stress me. If I am annoyed or worried about something, I have an hour to resolve it. Why or how it destress me - I am not really sure. Maybe it is because I do not really think about running as I am running (unless my hamstring decides it hate me - which happens more often than I would like or I am doing a workout)

I will say I never find running relaxing.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

It's hard for me to say what sparked liking running for me since 24 years ago! I never contemplated not running x-c and track b/c that's who my friends were and that's just what we did.


That makes me think that joining a group (like rosemarie mentioned) might be good for you? I'm a member of the Northport runners and they have EVERY ability! From the winner of the LI 10K in May to walkers and former runners who are injured and don't run anymore. If you are thinking Cow Harbor 10K, next wednesday the NRC puts on training runs. the first 2 weeks the slower pace groups only run 3.5 miles and then move onto the 6.2.

As for thinking and running:
- listen to the lyrics. there are times that I have heard songs 100 times and then I run and listen to the lyrics and I'm like What did they just say?

- I'm a member of a running MB. I'm constantly thinking about posts and questions i have for them

- sort out problems from the day

- when I don't have anything to think of I do math. I kid you not. i see a speed limit sign and multiply it by a house number - things like that.

pick up and issue of Runner's World at the library. Maybe reading it will give you something to think about during the runs.

what's your next race?

on a side note: I have HATED running this summer. the weather has been horrific. I was about to throw my marathon training in until finally this weekend was bearable. So don't use July as a barometer for the sport.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

for me, running is my therapy. i think i would be on medication (which there is nothing wrong with) if i did not run. it keeps me sane and it keeps my moods from going low. it saved me from the PPD that i had both times after giving birth. i try to remember that to keep myself going. most mornings i want to cry and go back to bed-but NOTHING feels better than finishing that run or the way my mind feels afterward. i also like being able to do something that a lot of people don't do wouldn't consider doing.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I feel amazing AFTER a good run, but I have never gotten the feeling of loving the actual run. I have done a couple of 10ks and the feeling of completing them is worth the chore of the actual running.

I agree with previous posters, music helps me A LOT. treat yourself to some new songs, it will put a spring in your step.

Also I think summer is so hard with the humidity. I love running in the fall.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Right now I am training for a half marathon - so I guess I am a serious runner even though I have only been running about 6 months.

I also have a hard time seperating myself from the running - the leg pains - the warmup is the worst for me! I actually find my longer runs are better because I find it hard to get into a groove until about mile 4.

One thing that has helped me a lot lately is listening to audiobooks. It's distracting - and it actually helps me look forward to my runs because I want to know what happens next!!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

One more thing I want to add - if you are doing Cow Harbor, you might want to consider adding hill workouts to your runs...that might mix it up a bit and you are going to need it during the 10k!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I have done audiobooks too and I really enjoyed it.

I was also thinking about you last night. Sometimes I count songs (I also doing this during dental work). I give myself 2-3 songs evey mile (depending on the work out) and try to keep count.

also, like PP mentioned intervals on the road - fartleks ("fun play") find a tree in the distance and increase your speed to get to it and recover. Maybe it will help you to take in the scenery.


also - do you look at your nike+ charts on slow geek ? I find them fascinating and do sometimes think about it on my runs.

Message edited 8/5/2010 8:08:49 AM.

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Running started as a means of weight loss for me too. I then ran my first 10k and fell in love. After that I decided I was going to run a marathon in honor of my dad who was a marathoner and avid runner. I joined a running team, made lots of friends and looked forward to our long and short runs where we gossiped, played games etc. I ran my first marathon and found other joys in the sport.

I love being outside at the crack of dawn and watching the sunrise over the high-rise buildings. I love the peace and quiet and knowing that I just ran 5, 10, 20 miles before most people woke up and had breakfast.

I love listening to a new playlist and letting my mind go off to wherever it wants to.

I sometimes solve problems during my runs or figure out how to handle things. I think about things I don't always have time to, like my dad who has been gone for 10 years but miss more than anything. I think about how much I have overcome and how happy I am now...these are things that can be taken for granted in the craziness of our everyday lives....but when I run I get to relish in these thoughts and enjoy every moment.

Running keeps me fit but has also been something that I have become really good at and feel so much pride in what I have accomplished. I know I am one of not that many that has completed multiple marathons and reached my goal!

I am sorry to go on and on. I dont want it to seem like look forward to waking up when it's dark when I want to stay in bed all warm and comfy...but I make myself get up and I NEVER regret it...even on those days when my legs feel like bricks and I can't catch my breath!

Happy Running!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

Posted by robynfs

Running started as a means of weight loss for me too. I then ran my first 10k and fell in love. After that I decided I was going to run a marathon in honor of my dad who was a marathoner and avid runner. I joined a running team, made lots of friends and looked forward to our long and short runs where we gossiped, played games etc. I ran my first marathon and found other joys in the sport.

I love being outside at the crack of dawn and watching the sunrise over the high-rise buildings. I love the peace and quiet and knowing that I just ran 5, 10, 20 miles before most people woke up and had breakfast.

I love listening to a new playlist and letting my mind go off to wherever it wants to.

I sometimes solve problems during my runs or figure out how to handle things. I think about things I don't always have time to, like my dad who has been gone for 10 years but miss more than anything. I think about how much I have overcome and how happy I am now...these are things that can be taken for granted in the craziness of our everyday lives....but when I run I get to relish in these thoughts and enjoy every moment.

Running keeps me fit but has also been something that I have become really good at and feel so much pride in what I have accomplished. I know I am one of not that many that has completed multiple marathons and reached my goal!

I am sorry to go on and on. I dont want it to seem like look forward to waking up when it's dark when I want to stay in bed all warm and comfy...but I make myself get up and I NEVER regret it...even on those days when my legs feel like bricks and I can't catch my breath!

Happy Running!

Re: Serious/Avid Runners - a few questions

I love the feeling of finishing a race, regardless of what pace I am running at that day, I feel so accomplished crossing the finish line.

I suggest maybe you run a few more 5k's, and I think that will help you enjoy running. I don't necessarily like training to run, but the races are so much fun and it is like a big family.

I think you should update your iPod, put some pumped up tunes on it and head out!

good luck and I hope to see you at some of the races!