Run? Who, me?
Let’s just clarify something from the get-go - I do not look as cool as that woman does before I start to run. Or during. Or after.
All right, so I’ve been trying to run lately. I think calling it jogging would be more appropriate. What motivated me to do this? Well, I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time. Running seems like such a great way to be fit and energized. When I see people running, I have often wished that I could do it too. I tried it a couple of summers ago, but I didn’t have much of a plan or patience with myself to take it slowly.
When it comes to exercising, I was off-and-on during college. It really depended on the semester. I would walk on the treadmill, but that gets boring really quickly, so a lot of times I rode the bike. Anyway, once I graduated, I really wanted to start building a better routine, so why not start trying to run?
I haven’t run on a regular basis for years, ever since hide-and-seek was a regular game in the neighborhood. So I am not used to it at all. My goal right now is just to be able to run a 5K. So I’m doing this program, which can be frustrating because I want to be able to sprint! and run a marathon! right now! not alternate jogging and walking three days a week.
However, it’s been really good. I am a perfectionist and I like to follow the plan exactly, so I do it on the treadmill instead of in the great outdoors (on other days, I ride my bike outside, so that helps). I am doing it at a pretty slow speed now just to get myself used to it. But amazingly, I am getting used to it! I never thought that I would, but I enjoy it and it feels so good. I highly recommend it.
Maybe in awhile I will be able to run that 5K. I can’t wait until I can run the whole time nonstop. Oh, and I almost always watch the Disney Channel while I am working out. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody is like the soundtrack to my runs. I don’t know why, I just find it energizing. Strange confession!
I know there are some runners and wannabe runners out there… advice? Stories? Warnings? 
Filed under: My Life on June 19th, 2008
Hi, My husband and I are friends of AJ’s and he showed me your blog…lots of great stuff!!!
My hubby and I have become “runners” (I call what I do joggling…a cross between jogging and waddling). I saw the “plan” you were trying to follow and honestly I’d be depressed before I even started…too many details and words!!
Here’s a link to the guy that got me going at my “Please, Jesus, help me keep moving” pace.
http://www.halhigdon.com/
Look under the 5k training and check out the “Novice” program, very simple and VERY attainable!!
Take care and I wish you well,
Erin in FL
Hi Erin! Thanks for saying hello, and for the tip! It’s nice to sort of “meet” you. I have to say, I think the word “joggling” is hilarious!
I find running the single most boring exercise in the world. Yet it’s important for fitness and in soccer you do a lot of it so I’m trying to get it up. Here’s my advice for what it’s worth.
Get a running buddy. You’re more likely to keep to something with the external accountability. Also much less boring. Music seems to work for you
Make sure your footwear is correct. The girl in the shop doesn’t count
Make sure your running technique is correct. Improper technique can lead to lower back pain and/or shin splints
Measure what you do. Record it. Time and distance. Works better and aids motivation
Know why you’re doing it and how it fits in with your fitness goals. For me jogging is fine but if I can’t sprint for a sustained period after a long run I’m not much use on the soccer pitch.
When running a long distance fix your gaze on a point on the horizon and keep focused on it. When you reach it do the same again. Can help you push through the wall
I hate running but I find myself doing it a lot. Let us all know how the 5k goes
In April I too had just started a “running” program that my friend and I did a couple of days together on the indoor track on the gym. I was just starting to like it and feel good about it - and then I got mono. So activity has been a no go until now - and now I have some sort of sore throat virus or infection. I cannot wait to be better to give it a try again.
I didn’t always like doing it while I was actually running but afterwards I had this great feeling of accomplishment! Good luck and I know you’ll do great!
hi there! I started out with only going a mile at 6mph for one whole week and then by that time i was able to build up enough stamina to go 1.5 to 2 miles the entire second week. So that second week would be only 2 miles and then by the third I was able to hit 3 miles. And continue the pattern until you reach your goal. Its cool too because in the beginning of the week i’d start out at 6mph, and by the end of the week I was able to up the speed to 6.5 or even 7!!
Its such a rewarding feeling to be able to finish your goals and feel your muscles changing. Good luck to you!!
Also, this worked for me, I’d eat a small bit of protein like eggs or something 1/2 hour before and then have a whey protein shake right after. It helps repair muscles faster so they recuperate faster after being stressed and helps your muscle stamina.
Hope this helps!
Anna, I have always wanted to be able to run too. (I see people running down the road and I want to do it!) I will look into the plan you are doing and see if I can give it a shot.
Keep it up!
Yay for running!! I’ve been jogging (mostly on the treadmill) for about four or five years. I love to run, and I love to be in shape.
I prefer running on the treadmill because it doesn’t hurt your knees or feet as much and I can read books while I run.
It’s so healthy to run! When I eat healthily as well as jog regularly, I simply feel wonderful. I’m sure you’ll reach this point too!!
I absolutely LOVE running
It’s my favorite form of exercise. It’s one way that I connect with God actually. I definitely would encourage you to continue running (well I say running, but we all know I mean jogging 
I think running is for those Olympic people :D) and that program looks great!! Keep it up girl, the endorphins are amazing hehe!
Good for you Anna! I used to be an active runner and followed several programs, but unfortunately I can’t remember what they were
Anyways, I loved running and feeling the wind blowing in my face as I went along 
Unfortunately, due to my illness and health, I am no longer allowed to run frequently. However, I do Pilates and enjoy that very much!!
Keep up the ‘joggling’
You’ll appreciate the time and effort you put into it later on 
Running is excellent- I’m glad you have decided to take the plunge! One of the things that is important to remember when running or even walking, is to s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Your iliotibial (IT) band, especially, which runs down the outer part of your leg and knee, can get easily strained if not stretched appropriately before and after running. Basically, to avoid injuries, ect. wear good running shoes and remember to stretch.
Keep up the good work!
Good for you, Anna! Running is an awesome way both to get exercise but also just to let off daily stresses and there really is truth to feeling a “runner’s high” after wards!:)
I ran cross-country and track all through high school and my first year of collage before getting a serious injury. I loved those years of competitive running…since then, it’s been an off and on thing BUT after baby #2 is born (any day now;), I plan to slowly get back into running. Reading about your goal to run a 5K is very inspiring and I will have to look at that program you’re following as well!
All I can say is start slowly, STRETCH a lot (the reason I got the injury I did is because I wasn’t stretching enough before and after) and KEEP AT IT and just know that the first few weeks are always the worst and then your body really begins getting into the rhythm and will love it! Just don’t let the “pains” of the first little while get you down!:)
Give us an update every once in a while to let us know how it’s going with the running! I’m sure everyone would love to know/cheer you on, etc!
I run almost everyday. It’s one of the surest ways to be fit since running basically eats off anything you wish not to have. However, learning to not be obsessed with the outside, I just run for the health benefits and being fit is one of the benefits I suppose, haha.
Advice. Peanut butter is like the ultimate runner’s food!(go research it because it’d be too long for me to explain.) Um, it’s much easier to run in the cold. In the heat, with the contribution of the sun, breath is shortened and you find yourself with less endurance but it’ll get better as it goes on.
Try not to eat too close to your running, trust that you’ll feel it! You’ll get “side stitches”, cramps in the side that can be ran through if they aren’t too serious.
That’s about all I have. Oh, and it won’t always be fun like it is to you now. A good way to offset that is listening to music, like you already do, and sometimes I listen to sermons by John Piper, R.C. Sproul and the like.
Have fun!
Wow, thanks to all of you for all of this advice and sharing! I have to say that I feel more motivated now because of this online encouragement. And I didn’t realize I had so many readers who loved running.
Way to go, Anna! I was excited to see this post.
I love how running is your own personal journey. Everyone has given you some great advice…I learned some new stuff. 
I know the temptation to just start sprinting drives you crazy sometimes! LOL But stick at it through the hard days…after awhile you will begin to see (and feel) the progress and it’s really exciting! Peppy music helps on the treadmill. And see if you can find someone you know who runs…it helps alot to have someone who “gets it” and can offer advice and just be excited with you. Knowing my “running friend” will be asking about the latest (which right now consists of “Are you still running??” ) nearly every time I see him is good motivation…I really dislike disapproving looks!